Shirafuji Falls

Shirafuji Falls drops 20 meters into a clear pool on the Hakusui River near Ashoro in eastern Hokkaido. The water's brownish tint comes from volcanic soil and sulfur washed down from Mt. Meakan above. The falls sit just off Route 241, about 15 minutes by car from Lake Akan, with a sign on the highway marking the turnoff. A gravel forest road leads to a small clearing with parking, and a steep 5-minute path descends to the falls themselves. It makes a natural stop on the way to Lake Onneto or Meakan Onsen, adding a brief detour with genuine visual payoff.