Shiraito Falls: A Curtain of Mount Fuji Spring Water
How to visit Shiraito Falls near Mount Fuji: why the water seeps from the cliff, the nearby Otodome Falls, the best time to go and buses from Fujinomiya.
Quick answer
- What it is: a wide waterfall at the foot of Mount Fuji, fed by spring water that seeps out of the cliff.
- Size: about 150 metres wide and 20 metres high.
- Status: part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fujisan.
- Time needed: about 1 hour, including nearby Otodome Falls.
- Cost: free to visit.
- Map: Open Shiraito Falls in Google Maps
Shiraito means white threads, and the name fits perfectly. Instead of one big drop, hundreds of thin streams pour from the moss-covered rock in a long, gentle curve.
Why Shiraito Falls is a wonder
Snow and rain that fall on Mount Fuji sink into its porous lava and travel underground for years. At Shiraito, the water meets a harder layer of rock and spills out across the cliff face.
Because it is spring water, the falls run clear and cool all year. It is a sacred site linked to the worship of Mount Fuji.
Otodome Falls next door
A few minutes' walk away, Otodome Falls is the opposite of Shiraito. It is a single powerful plunge with a loud roar.
The name means sound stop. A legend says the falls fell silent to let two brothers whisper their plans for revenge.
What to see
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Shiraito Falls viewpoint | The full curve of the falls | 20 minutes |
| Basin path | Close views of the falling threads | 15 minutes |
| Otodome Falls | A loud, single drop of water | 10 minutes |
| Mount Fuji views | Fuji above the trees on clear days | 10 minutes |
| Local shops | Grilled fish and Fujinomiya yakisoba | 20 minutes |
When to go
- Early morning: soft light and few visitors.
- Summer: a cool escape from the heat.
- Mid November: autumn leaves around the falls.
- Clear winter days: the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji.
Our tip: Combine the falls with Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha shrine in Fujinomiya, the head shrine for the worship of Mount Fuji.
Getting there
- From Fujinomiya Station: a bus takes about 30 minutes.
- From Tokyo: about 2 hours 30 minutes by train via Fuji, then the bus.
- By car: about 30 minutes from the Fuji interchange, with a paid car park.
Visiting safely
- Stay on the paths, as the rocks near the water are slippery.
- Do not swim or wade in the basin.
- Take your rubbish home with you.
- Check local information for path closures after heavy rain.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shiraito Falls free?
Yes. There is no entry fee, though car parks charge.
Can you see Mount Fuji from Shiraito Falls?
Yes, on clear days from the viewpoint area.
How long does a visit take?
About 1 hour.
Is Shiraito Falls part of the Fuji World Heritage Site?
Yes, it is one of its listed sites.
Ine Funaya
Rows of wooden boathouses that sit right on the water of a calm bay.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.