Otodome Falls
Waterfall Waterfall near Mount Fuji with dramatic cascades
Otodome Falls lies on the western flanks of Mount Fuji and is often visited with nearby Shiraito Falls. Short walks lead to cascades and, on clear days, views toward Mt. Fuji.
Otodome Falls is a named waterfall in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, located on the southern slopes of Mount Fuji. It is part of the grouped waterfall attractions in the area around Shiraito Falls.
A compact cascade set in a narrow gorge, the falls are reached by a short walk from the Shiraito Falls parking area and viewing path. The site offers close-up views of falling water and a small riverside trail rather than wide panoramic vistas. The setting is compact and often combined on the same visit as the nearby Shiraito viewing platforms.
The waterfall and the local footpaths have long served as a local natural attraction; the name Otodome means roughly “sound-stopping” in Japanese. The immediate area has been managed for public access alongside the other Mount Fuji foothill attractions.
The falls sit in Fujinomiya city on the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fringes, within easy driving distance of the main southern approaches to Mount Fuji and the city of Fujinomiya.
- Nearby Shiraito Falls: Sits immediately adjacent to the much larger Shiraito Falls and is accessible on the same short walking route from the Shiraito Falls car park.
- Best time to visit: Best visited together with sights around Mount Fuji, especially in spring and autumn when footpaths are dry and views are clear.
How to Get to Otodome Falls #
From Fujinomiya Station, take a local bus toward Shiraito Falls or use local tour buses that stop at the falls; the site is a short walk from the main parking area. By car, follow route signage from the Fuji area.
Tips for Visiting Otodome Falls #
- Combine a visit with a trip to nearby Shiraito Falls or the Fuji Five Lakes for full-day sightseeing.
- Go early in the morning to catch the softer light and avoid tour buses.
- Bring insect repellent in summer; trails near falls can be humid.
Best Time to Visit Otodome Falls #
Best visited in spring and autumn for mild weather and scenic color.
Weather & Climate near Otodome Falls #
Otodome Falls's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1590 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (214 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (175 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (210 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (214 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).