Kamuiwakkayu Falls, Shiretoko Beach

Address: Kozakicho, Shakotan, Shakotan District, Hokkaido 046-0321

Open: 24 hours, early June to early November each year (planned)

Area: Shiretoko Beach

Access: Restrictions are in effect

URL: https://www.shiretoko.asia/detail/scenic/kamuiwakka

GPS: 44.15908995258657, 145.1212310726494 (Google Maps)

Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall / Kamuiwakka Hot Spring Waterfall / Kamuiwakkayu Falls

Parking: Available, capacity around 20 vehicles

Kamuiwakkayu Falls is a natural heated waterfall in Shiretoko National Park, Japan. It is on the Kamuiwakka River. You used to be able to sit in a pool fed by the 30 degree hot spring waterfall here. It’s accessible from early summer to late fall.

The upper, most spectacular section of the river has been closed to the public due to the danger of falling rocks. Consequently, it is now possible to walk only a 140 meters along the lower section of the river.

In the past, visitors could hike up the mountain stream for about half an hour, wading through the water and climbing minor waterfalls along the way. The water temperature would steadily increase and at the top, a hot spring bath in the natural basin at the base of the waterfall would be the reward. Today, only the lukewarm lower 140 meters of the river are open to the public.

Besides 3 temporary public toilets, there are currently no other facilities available around the river or waterfall.