Kamuiwakka River
Kamuiwakka River is a naturally hot river in the wilderness of the Shiretoko Peninsula, known for its hot waterfalls (JCbJ̑, Kamuiwakka-yu-no-taki, lit. "Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall"). It is possible for tourists to hike up the hot river, which makes for one of the best hot spring-related outdoor activities in all of Japan.
The hike up the 500 meter long section of the river takes about 30-45 minutes one way and involves climbing three waterfalls before reaching the fourth waterfall at the end of the trail. The water temperature increases from lukewarm at the trailhead to around 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) at the fourth waterfall, above which steaming hot spring sources can be seen. Because the water is highly acidic, slippery plants do not grow on the riverbed, and it is recommended to walk through the river rather than along its more slippery edges.
Climbing the three waterfalls is not easy and requires a certain level of agility. Especially the third waterfall is steep and tall, and falls can result in nasty injuries. Consequently, all visitors to Kamuiwakka River need to watch a preparatory video before their visit and bring proper equipment. Helmets are mandatory and provided for free at the trailhead. Aqua shoes are recommended for climbing the river and are available for rent in limited numbers at the Shiretoko Nature Center (8:00 to 17:30, 550-1100 yen/day depending on the shoe size and whether you make an advance web reservation or not).
Expect to get wet at least to the knees. Some visitors come in bathing suits and enjoy a bath in one of the natural pools found along the river. Note, however, that the large pool, which used to exist at the base of the fourth waterfall before 2005, was destroyed by falling rocks and cannot be used anymore.
Getting there and around
A ten kilometer dirt road connects the Shiretoko Five Lakes with the trailhead of the Kamuiwakka River. It is open only from early summer until late autumn.
By car or motorcycle
Access to the trailhead is possible from June to September, except during the Obon holidays (August 8 to 15, 2026) when the road is closed to cars and motorcycles between the Shiretoko Five Lakes and the trailhead, and shuttle buses are running instead.
By bus
Shuttle buses operate between the Shiretoko Nature Center and the trailhead of the the Kamuiwakka River during the Obon holidays (August 8 to 15, 2026). The journey takes about 40 minutes. The fare is paid together with the admission ticket to the river (for a total of 3900 yen per person) or is 2400 yen for a round trip for those not entering the river. There is no public transportation during the rest of the year.
By bicycle or on foot
The ten kilometer road between the Shiretoko Five Lakes and the trailhead can be used by cyclists and pedestrians from June to September. The average pedestrian will require 2-3 hours one way to reach the trailhead from the Shiretoko Five Lakes.
How to get to and around Shiretoko National Park
Hours and Fees
The season for visiting Kamuiwakka River is limited to July, August and September. Advance reservations need to be made online (starting from March 20, 2026) for a specific date and time slot. They can be made on the day if space is available. The admission fee is 2900 yen per person and needs to be paid when making the reservation.
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