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 at a Glance#
About Otodome Falls#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | -3° - 9° | -1° | 48 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
| February | Good | -3° - 9° | -1° | 66 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.8h |
| March | Acceptable | 1° - 12° | 3° | 115 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 6° - 17° | 12° | 137 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.0h |
| May | Good | 11° - 21° | 16° | 143 mm | overcast | 78% | 4.0 m/s | 1.5 high | 13.9h |
| June | Good | 15° - 24° | 19° | 214 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.6 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.4h |
| July | Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 175 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 14.1h |
| August | Good | 20° - 29° | 24° | 210 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.3h |
| September | Good | 17° - 25° | 21° | 214 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.5 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 11° - 20° | 15° | 146 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.2h |
| November | Very Good | 5° - 16° | 10° | 80 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.6 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.2h |
| December | Good | -1° - 11° | 2° | 42 mm | some cloud | 81% | 4.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.7h |