With a width of 35 meters and a height of an astonishing 70 meters, Garo Falls is the largest of all waterfalls in Japan.
This waterfall is also known as Ryujin-no-taki Falls or Hiryu-no-taki Falls, and is designated as Kariba-Mozuta Provincial Natural Park and one of the “100 Best Waterfalls in Japan.
Dragon water, a natural carbonated water, gushes upstream of the falls, and can be collected during the low water season from mid-July to late October.
This water is ideal for healing the body after a long day of camping, mountain stream fishing, or gathering wild vegetables in the Garo Plateau near the upper stream.
According to legend, gold sand was found in Shimakomaki in 1631, and Kotaro, a Matsumae Clan samurai who later became magistrate of the gold mine, hatched a plan to hide the gold from the Edo shogunate.
He decided to hide it at Garo Falls, where he had previously found a wounded fawn and healed it. As he headed for the falls, a lone deer appeared and pointed to the waterfall basin.
It is also said that the dragon god told him that he would protect the gold and that anyone who dug it out would be cursed.
There are many places of interest in the surrounding area, including a primeval beech forest and the Chihshirigawa hot springs. The scenery of this mysterious waterfall changes from season to season and is very popular among tourists.
There are also many fairy tales that have been handed down since the Edo period, making this a spot that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
Approx. 2 hours by car from Kuromatsunai Station