Shiraito Falls: Experience the Sacred Waterfalls below Mount Fuji

The History of Shiraito Falls

Shiraito Falls has been loved by artists and feudal lords throughout Japanese history. The founder of the Kamakura shogunate (1185 - 1333), Minamoto no Yoritomo, and Oda Nobunaga, a famous lord who paved the way for the unification of Japan during the chaotic Warring States Period (1467 - 1568), both visited the Shiraito Falls and wrote poetry inspired by it.

Between the end of the warring period and early Edo Period (1603 – 1867), a group called Fujiko, led by Hasegawa Kakugyo, worshipped Mount Fuji and began using the Shiraito Falls area for ascetic training. For a while, the area was used as a holy spot for training and praying.

In 1936, Shiraito Falls was designated as a national natural monument. In 2013, Mount Fuji and its surrounding 25 sites were chosen to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Shiraito Falls was included as one of those sites.

Gorgeous Sights at Shiraito Falls

From between the Rocks? Shiraito Falls' Rare Waterfalls

Water flowing from the rocks

Most waterfalls fall from rivers, but Shiraito Falls’ waters fall from a rocky cliff. The cliff face from which Shiraito Falls is channeled at a pace of 1.5 tonnes per second, measures quite large at 150 meters wide and 20 meters high.

The local geology of Shiraito Falls is the cause of this peculiar sight. The ground of the region is formed by two layers of differing porosities, with the more porous layer atop the much less permeable one. It is from the gap in between these two layers, that Shiraito Falls flows out of.

A View of Shiraito Falls from Two Observatories

There are two places from which you can get a great view of Shiraito Falls. The first one gets you right up-close to Shiraito Falls.

Shiraito Falls

Despite the delicate image of silk evoked by the Shiraito Falls, when seen up-close the streams unleash a powerful roar that might surprise you. From this observatory, you will see that the water in the basin is so transparent that you can see the bottom of the water.

Shiraito Falls and Mount Fuji

The other observatory locates at the top of a hill. From here, you can see Shiraito Falls from above. Not only do you get a clear view of Shiraito Falls emerging out of the cliff face from here, but you can also see Mount Fuji in its full glory on a clear day!

Otodome Falls

Otodome Falls

Right by Shiraito Falls, you will find Otodome Falls. This waterfall is louder and carries more force compared to Shiraito Falls.

The name of the falls derives from a story during the Kamakura period. It was here that two warrior brothers tried to conspire a towards avenging their deceased father, but could not due to the loud waterfall. They strongly prayed to the gods for the sound of the waterfall for stop, and the legend says it did just for a second. Hence, the waterfall is named Oto (sound) Dome (stop).

Access

Nearest station: Shiraito no Taki Bus Stop

From Tokyo Station

【Tokyo Sta.】Tokaido Shinkansen / for Nagoya
→【Mishima Sta.】JR Tokaido Main Line / for Shizuoka
→【Fuji Sta.】JR Minobu Line / for Kofu
→【Fujinomiya Sta.】Fujikyu Shizuoka Bus / for Shiraito no Taki
→【Shiraito no Taki Bus Stop】

From Shizuoka Station

【Shizuoka Sta.】JR Tokaido Main Line / for Atami
→【Fuji Sta.】JR Minobu Line / for Kofu
→【Fujinomiya Sta.】Fujikyu Shizuoka Bus / for Shiraito no Taki
→【Shiraito no Taki Bus Stop】

From Mount Fuji Shizuoka Airport

【Shizuoka Airport】Airport Bus Shizuoka Just Line / for Shin-Shizuoka
→【Shizuoka Sta.】JR Tokaido Main Line / for Atami
→【Fuji Sta.】JR Minobu Line / for Kofu
→【Fujinomiya Sta.】Fujikyu Shizuoka Bus / for Shiraito no Taki
→【Shiraito no Taki Bus Stop】

Visit in the autumn for this stunning view!

Shiraito Falls in autumn

Autumn is a great time to visit Shiraito Falls. The fall foliage is amazing, and Mount Fuji is snow-capped during this season. Shiraito Falls is beautiful year-round, but autumn might be when you can see Shiraito Falls at its prettiest!

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