Sounkyo is the gorge of columnar joint in Mt. Daisetsu National Park. You can see the series of sheer strange rocks on both sides of Route 39, and the gorge runs over 20km.
There are two beautiful waterfalls near Sounkyo Hot Spring Village; Ginga(meaning Galaxy) and Ryusei(meaning shooting star) waterfalls.
Ginga waterfall is compared to female, and Ryusei is compared to male from their visual impressions.
Since there are side by side, the waterfalls are called "Meoto-daki" in Japanese meaning Husband & Wife waterfalls. Ginga(female)is longer than Ryusei(male),though.
Ginga Waterfall
There is a parking lot, a gift shop and a small eatery across from the waterfall.
Ryusei Waterfall
It cannot be seen well because of the trees in front. You may have a better view in early spring or late autumn when there are no leaves of the trees.
