Shiraito Falls (Shiraito Falls/Otodome Falls)

Shiraito no Taki

Shiraito Falls is known as one of the most famous waterfalls in Japan.
Melting snow from Mount Fuji springs from the cliffs at the boundary between the upper, water-permeable New Fuji volcanic layer and the lower, water-impermeable Old Fuji volcanic layer.
Hundreds of waterfalls, large and small, cascade down from a 20m high, 150m wide, curved cliff. The waterfall looks like countless strands of silk threads, befitting its name, Shiraito.
Its gentle, feminine beauty creates a fantastical world when you stand near the base of the waterfall, with three sides forming an arch of water. It is a national scenic spot and natural monument. (Selected as one of Japan's 2 best waterfalls in XNUMX.)

History of Shiraito Falls

In 11, this waterfall was designated a national place of scenic beauty and natural monument, and in October 25, it was chosen as number one in the "Top 10 Tourist Waterfalls" category. Its magnificent views have long been loved by people.

From the end of the Sengoku period to the early Edo period, this is said to be the place where Hasegawa Kakugyo, the founder of Fujiko, practiced his training, and it is also known as a place of pilgrimage and training for people, especially those involved in Fujiko.

Shiraito Falls

Shiraito Falls, which hangs over the entire surface of a 150m-wide curved cliff, is fed mostly by spring water from Mt. Fuji, with the exception of a small section of the main waterfall. You're sure to feel energized by being enveloped in negative ions! The way the water flows like white silk threads between the rock walls is worthy of its name, Shiraito, and brings a crisp, cool breeze to the surrounding area while displaying feminine beauty and a gentle landscape. The water temperature is 12°C throughout the year, and it is said that 1.5 tons of spring water flows every second.

Recommended points

Shiraito Falls is an essential component part of the Fujisan heritage that proves its outstanding universal value as an "object of worship". According to Fuji-ko documents, Shiraito Falls is said to be the place where Hasegawa Kakugyo performed ascetic practices in water in parallel with his ascetic practices at Hito-ana, and it was chosen as a component part of the Fuji-ko heritage because it was a place of pilgrimage and ascetic practices for people, mainly Fuji-ko believers. Drawings drawn by Fuji-ko believers not only show the ascetic practices at Shiraito Falls in the 18th century, but also allow us to confirm the stone monuments and other remains that remain on-site today.

Access to Shiraito Falls

• Approximately 30 minutes by car from the Fuji IC on the Tomei Expressway or the Shin-Fuji IC on the Shin-Tomei Expressway
• Approximately 30 minutes by Fujikyu Shizuoka Bus from JR Fujinomiya Station