Kamuiwakka River

What to know

Kamuiwakka River is a naturally heated river in the wilderness of the Shiretoko Peninsula, famous for its hot waterfalls (Kamuiwakka-yu-no-taki, literally "Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall"). Visitors can hike up the warm river, making it one of Japan's best outdoor hot spring experiences.

The hike covers a 500-meter stretch of the river and takes about 30-45 minutes one way. It involves climbing three waterfalls before reaching the fourth at the trail's end. Water temperature rises from lukewarm at the start to around 38°C (100°F) at the fourth waterfall, above which steaming hot spring sources are visible. Due to high acidity, slippery plants don't grow on the riverbed, so it's best to walk in the river rather than on the slippery edges.

Climbing the three waterfalls requires agility and care. The third waterfall is especially steep and tall; falls can cause serious injury. All visitors must watch a safety video before entering and bring proper gear. Helmets are mandatory and provided free at the trailhead. Aqua shoes are recommended and can be rented at the Shiretoko Nature Center (8:00-17:30, 550-1,100 yen/day depending on size and advance web reservation).

Expect to get wet at least up to your knees. Some visitors wear swimsuits and bathe in natural pools along the river. However, the large pool that existed at the base of the fourth waterfall before 2005 was destroyed by falling rocks and is no longer usable.

A 10-kilometer dirt road connects Shiretoko Five Lakes to the Kamuiwakka River trailhead, open only from early summer to late autumn.

Access to the trailhead is possible from June to September, except during the Obon holidays (August 8-15, 2026) when the road is closed to cars and motorcycles between Shiretoko Five Lakes and the trailhead, with shuttle buses operating instead.