Shiraito Falls
Waterfall Scenic multi-stream waterfall near Mount Fuji, Shizuoka
Near Mount Fuji in Shizuoka, Shiraito Falls spill over a wide band of volcanic rock into pools; visitors come for short walks, easy access to viewing platforms and nearby Fuji vistas.
Shiraito Falls is a curtain-style waterfall near Mount Fuji in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, noted for its many fine threads of water and scenic setting. It sits within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is included in the cultural landscape associated with Mount Fuji.
The fall itself drops roughly 20 metres and fans out across a wide basalt ledge into numerous thin streams, creating a broad, veil-like curtain. A short marked path and viewing platform allow visitors to see the entire width of the fall, and the adjacent Otodome Falls is often part of the same visit.
The waterfall is a natural feature fed by springs on Mount Fuji’s southern slopes; its Japanese name means “white threads”. It has long been a local scenic site and gained additional attention when the Mount Fuji cultural site received international recognition.
Located on the southern approaches to Mount Fuji in Fujinomiya city, the falls are reached by a short walk from nearby parking and bus stops and are most commonly visited in clear weather when views of Mount Fuji are possible.
- Dimensions: The main precipitous curtain of water is about 20 metres high and spreads as many thin streams across a broad rock ledge, producing a veil-like appearance.
- Access and visitation: Part of the Mount Fuji cultural landscape and located within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, it is busiest on weekends and during Mount Fuji visibility windows in clear weather.
What to See #
- Otodome Falls: A smaller but visually striking cascade located a short walk upstream from the main fall, often visited on the same circuit.
How to Get to Shiraito Falls #
Shiraito Falls (Shiraito‑no‑Taki) lies near Fujinomiya at the southwestern foothills of Mount Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture. From JR Fujinomiya Station take a Fujikyu (or local) bus bound for Shiraito Falls - the bus ride is about 15-25 minutes and the fall is a short, signposted walk (roughly 5-10 minutes) from the bus stop. By car you can reach the falls via Route 139 from Fujinomiya (about a 15-20 minute drive); parking is available near the site.
Tips for Visiting Shiraito Falls #
- Arrive early in the morning to see Shiraito Falls with fewer people and to catch the soft light and mist that enhance the multiple white streams; weekends and mid-day are busiest.
- Combine Shiraito Falls with nearby Otodome Falls and the Fujinomiya route-both are within a short walk of each other and visiting both gives a fuller experience that many day visitors skip.
- Use the public bus from Fujinomiya Station or arrive before the main parking fills-on busy days the on-site parking is limited and the first buses/early arrivals avoid long waits.
Best Time to Visit Shiraito Falls #
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions and scenery; summer is warm and popular but can be humid and busier.
Weather & Climate near Shiraito Falls #
Shiraito 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).