Shiraito Falls is known as one of the most famous waterfalls in Japan.
This waterfall is formed when melting snow from Mount Fuji springs from a cliff 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 1936, this waterfall was designated a national place of scenic beauty and natural monument, and in October 1950, it was chosen as the number one tourist destination in the "100 Best Waterfalls" category. It has long been loved by people for its magnificent views.

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 mostly spring water from Mt. Fuji, except for a small part of the main waterfall. You're sure to feel energized as you're surrounded by negative ions! The way the water flows like white silk threads between the rock walls is worthy of the name Shiraito, and it brings a crisp, cool breeze to the surrounding area while showing 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 out every second.

Otodome Falls

In stark contrast to Shiraito Falls is the majestic Otodome Falls. This waterfall roars from a 25m high cliff. The name comes from a legend that goes back when, long ago, the Soga brothers were discussing how to kill Kudo Suketsune, their father's enemy, but the sound of the waterfall interrupted their conversation. They prayed to the gods for a moment, and the sound of the waterfall stopped for an instant.

Why Shiraito Falls was selected as a World Heritage Site

Shiraito Falls is an essential component part of Mt. Fuji in demonstrating 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 the water in parallel with his ascetic practices at Hito-ana, and it was chosen as a component part 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.

Shiraito Falls Observation Space Introduction

There is a long staircase that leads down to the pool at Shiraito Falls. There are two observation spaces from which you can view the falls without having to go down the stairs. One is located just before the stairs, down the street of shops from the parking lot. (Photo ①) The other is located at the top of the right bank of the falls, up the prefectural road from the parking lot and along a well-maintained walking path. If the weather is good, you can see Mt. Fuji in the background of the falls. (Photo ②)

Shiraito Falls Parking Information

A parking lot with a tourist information center and public toilets. From the parking lot, it is about a 5-minute walk to Otodome Falls, and another 5 minutes to Shiraito Falls.

The observation deck just before the stairs is wheelchair accessible.
Beyond that there are about 100 steps leading up to the base of the waterfall.

Number of parking spaces
Passenger car	105	500JPY
Motorcoach	10	1,000JPY
Microbus	5	1,000JPY
bike	10	200JPY
* Parking spaces for disabled people available

Grave of Suketsune Kudo

In May 1193, Minamoto no Yoritomo gathered his generals and hundreds of thousands of soldiers at the foot of Mt. Fuji to hold a grand Makigari hunting event. During this event, at midnight at Kudo Suketsune's camp, Soga Juro Sukenari and Soga Goro Tokimune avenged their father. This was the Soga brothers' revenge. The graves of the Soga brothers are currently located at Ganjoji Temple in Yokohama, but Kudo Suketsune's grave is located where Kudo Suketsune's camp was located during the Makigari hunting event (XNUMX Kamiide, Fujinomiya City, east of the upstream area of ​​Otodome Falls), and is still cleaned and held by local people. As a region that has protected Kudo Suketsune's grave for generations, the "Kudo Suketsune Memorial Festival" is held in April on the dates of the "Kariyado Sakura Festival."

Hidden Rock of Soga

It is said that the Soga brothers hid in this rock and secretly discussed how to avenge their father's enemy, Kudo Suketsune. Located on the east side of Otodome Falls, this rock has a traditional atmosphere with a sacred rope strung around it.

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

Shiraito Falls Area Map

View PDF

Business Information

Shiraito Falls Parking Lot: 9:00-17:00 (Entry until 30 minutes before closing) (Until 16:30 in winter)

Closed days

Open all year round

Office Address

273-1 Kamiide, Fujinomiya City (Shiraito Falls Parking Lot)

Parking

Shiraito Falls Parking Lot (10 large buses, 5 minibuses, 105 cars, 10 motorcycles) Other private parking lots available nearby

TEL

Fujinomiya City Tourism Association 0544-27-5240

FAX

 

URL

http://www.city.fujinomiya.shizuoka.jp/kankou/llti2b00000018ez.html

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