The Shiraito Falls Experience
The Shiraito Falls are nestled at the base of Mount Fuji and are quite the gem within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. We think they are absolutely worth a visit!
Also read: best things to do at Mount Fuji, Japan
Did you know? Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s most sacred mountains, and since the water flowing from the Shiraito Falls comes from the volcanic springs of Mount Fuji, these falls are also considered sacred. This is a place to worship Mount Fuji and practice pilgrimages.
As you walk towards the falls, you’ll hear the gentle sound of water flowing over the moss-covered cliffs. Enjoy the lush greenery as you walk toward the different viewing platforms, where you can clearly see the magical curtain of white. Hike down towards the base of the waterfall to the lower viewing platforms, where the fall’s mist provides some refreshing cool air.
Things to do at the Shiraito Falls
Tourists often skip Shiraito Falls as they’re not as well known. However, we are so happy we added this stop to our Japan itinerary; we wouldn’t want to have missed this! If you’re planning to visit the Shiraito waterfalls, here are the best things to do at and around the falls:
Viewing platforms
Multiple viewing platforms offer different perspectives of the beautiful waterfalls. All the platforms are strategically placed to provide the most stunning view of the falls, the lush greenery, and the impressive backdrop of Mount Fuji.
Hike down to the Falls
You can also follow stairs down to the very foot of the falls, where you’ll find another viewing platform on the Takimi Bridge, which gives a great view of the entire curtain of falls. There’s also a small path down to the river here where you’ll lose most of the crowds – which is well worth exploring, in our opinion. However, please note that swimming is not allowed at the Shiraito Falls.
Visit the Shiraito Falls on this popular day tour from Tokyo
Otodome Falls
Close to the Shiraito Falls are the Otodome Falls. You can reach the Otodome Falls by a short walk. Although smaller in size, these falls are usually less crowded and have their own charm. We recommend combining both waterfalls in one trip to make the most of your trip!
Also read: Our favorite things to do in Japan!
Shiraito Falls Entrance Fee & Opening Hours
You can visit the Shiraito Waterfalls year-round; even the viewing platforms are accessible 24 hours a day! There is no entry fee to see the falls, but a small parking fee of about 500 yen (3,50 USD) to park your car in one of the parking lots.
Note: Generally, the parking lots are open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily.
We recommend to rent a car in Japan through Rentalcars.com with many rental locations and flexible cancellation. Book your rental car here.
Tips for visiting Shiraito Falls
Here are our tips to make sure your visit to Shiraito Waterfall, Japan, is as smooth as possible:
- Footwear and clothing: The path leading to the falls can be slippery, so we recommend wearing sneakers, especially if it’s been raining! Keep in mind that it can get cool and damp since the falls are nestled in a forest. We recommend bringing a light jacket or sweater.
- Bring cash: While you can use a card for some parking lots, there are still parking lots that only accept cash. Additionally, some local restaurants only accept cash. Because of this, make sure to always carry some Yen with you.
- Photography: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when there’s nice soft lighting. When the sun is lower in the sky, the water gets a beautiful golden-blue light. This was one of our favorite views in Japan!
Hotels near Shiraito Waterfalls
We recommend booking a traditional Onsen hotel in the area. Onsens (hot springs) are part of Japanese culture and have natural thermal baths heated by volcanoes. It’s the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring Shiraito Falls before continuing on your Japan itinerary!
We stayed at La Vista FujiKawaguchiko, which we really enjoyed. However, anywhere around Kawaguchi Lake will put you at the center of all the best things to do at Mount Fuji. (See all hotels near Shiraito Falls).
Tip: Mount Fuji is one of the most popular areas in Japan, so we recommend booking your accommodation well in advance. Keep in mind that prices rise during high seasons, like spring and fall.
How Many Days for Shiraito Falls?
You can visit Shiraito Falls as part of a day trip from Tokyo, but we recommend discovering more of the waterfall’s stunning region by spending one or more nights in the area.
There are a lot of things to do around Mount Fuji! For example, you can visit one of the multiple lakes at the base of the volcano, admire the Chureito Pagoda, or explore the Japanese village of Shimoyoshida. Mount Fuji was one of our favorite regions to visit!
Check this list of facilities to see what trendy museums and nature centers to visit in the area!
How to Visit Shiraito Falls
The Shiraito waterfalls are conveniently located at the foot of Mount Fuji, so they’re easy to reach from major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Here are some ways you can travel to the Shiraito Falls:
By train
Hop on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen line from Tokyo or Osaka to the Fujinomiya Station. From here, take a 30-minute local bus or taxi to the falls. But keep in mind that only 3 or 4 buses make this trip per day, and there are even fewer buses in winter.
Visit Shiraito Falls on the famous bullet train. Buy your Japan Rail Pass in advance here
By bus
The falls are also accessible by bus, and buses run regularly from Tokyo and other major cities to Fujinomiya. Here, you can catch a local bus or taxi to the falls. Look for the bus heading to “Shiraito-no-Taki” or “Shiraito Falls” and hop on the 30 – 40 minute ride.
Tip: Use this handy map to help navigate the Mount Fuji Area by bus.
By car
If you want to visit the Shiraito Falls as a stop on your Japan road trip, take the scenic 2-hour drive from Tokyo! Enjoy all the stunning views of the Japanese countryside while having the flexibility to stop anywhere you’d like. There are parking lots available for a small fee.
We recommend to rent a car in Japan through Rentalcars.com with many rental locations and flexible cancellation. Book your rental car here.
Getting Around
The main entrance is located near the official parking area, which is well indicated by signs along the road. Multiple parking lots are nearby, and each charges a different fee.
Visit the Shiraito Falls on this popular day tour from Tokyo
Directions
Once you arrive at the roundabout, you will see parking and what looks like the main entrance. We passed that and parked 250 meters further down. This was slightly cheaper and is also closer to the viewing platform.
You can then take a short 5 – 10-minute walk from the entrance to reach the main viewing platforms of the Shiraito Waterfall. The paths leading here are well-maintained and relatively easy, with just gentle slopes.
Shiraito General Store is located by the parking lot and is a good spot for lunch and an excellent coffee! Some of our favorite restaurants and cafes in the area of Shiraito Falls and Mount Fuji are:
- Shiraito General Store
- Fujishige
- Sanmon Shokudo
- Sumiyaki
- Fujisan Shiraito An
Tip: If you have a sweet tooth, try the local specialty, “Shiraito Mizu Manju”. This jelly-like sweet snack is made with pure water from the falls and is worth a taste. We were surprised at how delicious it was!
Budget for Shiraito Falls
Visiting the Shiraito Falls was one of the most budget-friendly parts of our Japan itinerary! The falls are free to visit, and you can see the beautiful views from the viewing platforms for free as well. But you’ll need a tiny budget to pay the parking fee.
Save money on your travel by purchasing your Japan Rail Pass in advance here.
You’ll also need to factor in other costs for activities in the area, hotels, and onsens. However, this part of our Japan itinerary was one of our favorites, so definitely worth the budget.
Best Time to Visit Shiraito Falls
While Shiraito Falls is beautiful year-round, each season offers a unique experience in Japan:
- Spring: This is the perfect time to see the pink moss at the base of Mount Fuji and cherry blossom trees covering the area in candy-pink hues.
- Summer: The waterfall is at its most dramatic since the winter snow from Mount Fuji is melting. It’s also the most popular time to visit, so be prepared for crowds.
- Fall: This season brings a palette of red, orange, and yellow colors to the forest! This was when we visited, and we’re so glad we did; the views were stunning!
- Winter: The Shiraito Waterfalls are often surrounded by snow, creating a completely different wonderland. This is also the best time to get a clear view of Mount Fuji without clouds covering the volcano’s top.
Morning is the best time to see Mount Fuji, so wake up as early as possible to get the best view of the Shiraito waterfalls with Mount Fuji in the backdrop. This was one of our favorite views while visiting Japan!
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