In Japan, there are numerous waterfalls named “Shiraito Falls”. “Shiraito”, meaning white thread, signifies the gentle white waters falling to the ground. The Shiraito Falls in this article refers to the one in the town of Karuizawa. Karuizawa is a popular resort town in Nagano prefecture, where people visit to take a break from their busy metropolitan lives. Shiraito Falls is a great destination for those seeking relaxation and comfort.
When to visit Shiraito Falls
Shiraito Falls view from the side
Shiraito Falls is a popular destination year-round. It reaches its peak popularity in May and between late October and early November. During May, the trees and plants in the area are a fresh green. The autumn months bring the fall foliage to Shiraito Falls.
About Shiraito Falls
Shiraito Falls with the Shiraito-no-taki sign
Shiraito Falls locates about a 30-minute bus ride from Karuizawa Station. Although the waterfall’s height only measures 3 meters tall, its width is an astonishing 70 meters. The waterfall is curve greatly, and the fall is a result of water pushing through from the crevices in the stone layers.
6-year old Spring Water?
Shiraito Falls 6 year old spring water
The water flowing from Shiraito Falls is actually groundwater springing above. It takes about six years for the water to spring above, meaning that the water you see groundwater or rain water is from six years ago!
Because the source of the waterfall is groundwater, the fall never runs out of water. Regardless of the weather or season, Shiraito Falls is always active.
How to capture Shiraito Falls at its best
Shiraito Falls taken with a slower shutter speed
When visiting Shiraito Falls, one thing you probably will want to do is capture the beauty of the falls on camera. You can snap a photo on your phone and call it a day, or you can play around with your camera settings a bit to capture Shiraito Falls at its prettiest moment.
What you need:
Tripod (or anything to secure your camera/phone)
DSLR Camera (an app with DSLR-like features is okay too)
How to take the photos:
Change the speed of your camera to anywhere between 10 to 15 seconds.
Secure your camera/phone on a tripod and snap away!
Your photo should turn out like the one above. Shoot other waterfalls like this for a collection of beautiful waterfall photos!
Shiraito Falls Light-up
Every year, between the ends of July to the end of August, the falls light up after dark on Fridays, Saturdays and Saturdays.
Along with the light-up, there is also a special projection mapping program. The theme varies annually, and the theme for 2017’s program was fairies of the forest.
Access
Nearest station: Shiraito-no-taki (Shiraito Falls) (Bus)
From Nagano Station 長野駅
【Nagano Sta.】Hokuriku Shinkansen / for Tokyo
→【Karuizawa Sta.】Kusakaru Local Bus / for Kita-karuizawa
→【Shiraito-no-taki】about a 5-minute walk
Information
Yamanouchicho Shiga Kogen Hasuike, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
0267-42-5538
All day
Open year-round
Free
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