Shamisen Falls (三味線滝) is a waterfall found along Route 278. It is located at Oiwa in the town of Shikabe, Kayabe District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Shamisen Falls |
Shamisen Falls Details
If you're traveling
from Esan to Shikabe, keep an eye out for Shamisen Falls, a charming
roadside attraction often missed by those unfamiliar with its location.
Situated along National Route 278, the falls are easily accessible from
the Shikabe Geyser side. However, its subtle presence means you might drive
past without realizing the natural beauty nearby.
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| Shamisen Falls - Shikabe town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
The Story Behind
the Name
The name "Shamisen
Falls" has two intriguing origins, both highlighted on a nearby
signboard. First, the sound of the cascading water resembles the melody of a
shamisen, a traditional Japanese string instrument. Second, the waterfall flows
in three distinct streams, symbolizing the instrument’s three strings.
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| Shamisen Falls signboard |
What to Expect
A clearly marked
signboard reading “Shamisen Falls” points to this picturesque spot. The
falls are a serene and scenic sight, but one downside is the lack of a
dedicated parking area. Visitors will need to park briefly along the roadside,
making it more suited for a quick stop than a long visit. Speaking of the
signboard also talks about the great eruption of Mt. Komagatake in 1929 which
damaged the surrounding scenery.
Pictures of Shamisen Falls
Tips for Visiting
Shamisen Falls
- Parking: With no official parking lot, you’ll need to park carefully along
the shoulder of National Route 278. Ensure your vehicle is safely
positioned off the road.
- Accessibility: The falls are visible directly from the
roadside, making it an easy detour for those passing through.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon offers softer
lighting, enhancing the falls’ photogenic appeal.
Team Nicerio visits Shamisen Falls
On April 3, 2023, my
family and I visited Shamisen Falls during the final day of our 3-day “Birthday
Road Trip.” It marked my 518th day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. I
included the falls in our itinerary since it was conveniently along the route
from Hakodate’s Esan area to the town of Shikabe. The pictures I saw on Google
Maps looked promising, so I was eager to see Shamisen Falls with my own eyes.
What I failed to
notice, however, was the lack of parking facilities. This made stopping a bit
challenging. Additionally, our visit took place in late winter, so the foliage
wasn’t as vibrant as I had hoped. Despite its name, I couldn’t quite hear the
shamisen-like sound the falls are famous for—perhaps it was drowned out by the
sound of the sea, or maybe I simply lack the ear for it!
Shamisen Falls
Admission Fee
It’s FREE to view
Shamisen Falls.
Shamisen Falls Open
Hours
Shamisen Falls is
accessible 24/7, but I strongly recommend visiting in the morning. The area
lacks proper lighting, and the road nearby is quite busy, making it potentially
unsafe to step out of your vehicle at night. Additionally, visiting during
daylight allows you to fully appreciate the falls' natural beauty.
Why Visit Shamisen
Falls?
Though simple in its
setup, Shamisen Falls is a testament to Hokkaido’s quiet and understated
beauty. Its poetic name and soothing ambiance make it a worthwhile stop for
nature lovers, road trippers, and anyone seeking a unique roadside treasure.
Getting to Shamisen Falls
The ideal way to visit Shamisen Falls is by private or rental car, as it’s best enjoyed as a side trip. However, if you prefer public transportation, here’s a route I’m familiar with:
From Hakodate Station, walk a few minutes to Hakodate Sta.-mae (Bus Stop No. 6) and take Bus No. 99 heading to Shikabe Shutchojo. Alight at Ooiwa bus stop, then walk about 4 minutes to Shamisen Falls.
A quick reminder: exercise caution when walking to Shamisen Falls, as the route involves a busy highway.
Travel time: 2 hours
Fare: 1900 yen
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