Shiraito Falls
By Andrew Liyan · Last updated: October 9, 2026 · Facts verified: October 9, 2026
Shiraito Falls (白糸ノ滝) is a wide curtain of spring water in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, on the southwestern side of Mount Fuji, where the mountain's groundwater pours from a curved cliff in hundreds of strands. It is free to see; the tourist parking lot costs 500 yen per car. By bus it is about 30 minutes from JR Fujinomiya Station plus a 10-minute walk. It is on the opposite side of the mountain from the Fuji Five Lakes, so plan it as a separate trip.
- Area
- Fujinomiya
- Best For
- Waterfalls, Mount Fuji worship history, Shizuoka side of Mount Fuji, Short walk
- Nearby
- Lake Kawaguchiko
Why the falls matter, and what you will see
The water at Shiraito does not arrive as a river over the top. It is Mount Fuji's spring water, on average 150,000 to 160,000 cubic meters a day, seeping out of the cliff in hundreds of strands, which is where the name "white threads" comes from. Otodome Falls, a short walk away, is the opposite: a single loud drop of river water.
It is part of the World Heritage Site for its place in Mount Fuji worship. Fuji-ko records say Hasegawa Kakugyo, the founder of the Fuji-ko tradition, performed water austerities here alongside his training at the Hitoana caves, and the falls became a place of pilgrimage and training for Fuji-ko followers. Stone monuments from that period still stand at the site.
Do not plan the visit around a Mount Fuji view. The falls sit in a wooded hollow, and the mountain is not part of the view from the basin at their foot; on clear days its summit can appear above the trees from higher ground on the approach. On sunny mornings, in any season, a rainbow often forms in the spray.
What to do at Shiraito Falls
See the falls from the basin
The viewing area near the foot of the falls shows the full curve of the cliff, with water seeping from the rock face rather than pouring over the top.
Walk to Otodome Falls
Otodome Falls, a short walk away, is a single powerful drop of river water and a strong contrast with Shiraito's threads.
Look for the morning rainbow
On sunny mornings in any season, a rainbow often forms in the spray. Arrive before midday for the best chance.
Find the Fuji-ko stone monuments
Stone monuments left by Fuji-ko pilgrims still stand at the site, the physical trace of why the falls are part of the World Heritage Site.
Come for autumn color
From late October to late November the forest around the falls changes color.
How to Get to Shiraito Falls
Shiraito Falls is in Kamiide, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, on the southwestern side of Mount Fuji.
From JR Fujinomiya Station
Take the Fujikyu Shizuoka Bus toward Shiraito no Taki and Inokashira, about 30 minutes, and get off at Shiraito no Taki Kanko Annaisho-mae. The falls are about 10 minutes on foot.
From Tokyo
Reach JR Fujinomiya Station on the Minobu Line, changing at Fuji Station on the Tokaido Line, then take the bus. The Japan Rail Pass covers the JR trains but not the bus.
By car
About 30 minutes from the Shin-Fuji Interchange on the Shin-Tomei Expressway, or about 40 minutes from the Fuji Interchange on the Tomei Expressway. Tourist parking costs 500 yen.
From the Fuji Five Lakes
There is no quick public transport link from Kawaguchiko. By car it is roughly an hour or more over National Route 139 (our estimate), so treat the falls as a separate half day or pair them with Fujinomiya town.
- •The bus stop is Shiraito no Taki Kanko Annaisho-mae, about 10 minutes on foot from the falls.
- •The falls are on the Shizuoka side of Mount Fuji, far from the Fuji Five Lakes.
- •Parking costs 500 yen per car.
Best Time to Visit Shiraito Falls
Sunny mornings for rainbows in the spray; late October to late November for autumn color.
- •Sunny mornings, in any season, give the best chance of a rainbow in the spray.
- •The forest colors from late October to late November.
- •Wet weather makes the stairs slippery; take care on the way down to the basin.
The forest around the falls changes color.
Morning sun on the spray often produces a rainbow across the falls.
Entry Fee & Hours
- •The falls are free to see.
- •Tourist parking: 500 yen for cars (105 spaces) and 1,000 yen for large vehicles (15 spaces).
- •The path down to the basin includes stairs, and we could not confirm a step-free route to the viewing area.
- •Shiraito Falls is a component of the Fujisan World Heritage Site (2013) and is also protected as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument.
Nearby Attractions
The Fuji Five Lakes are on the other side of the mountain; plan them as a separate day.
A Shizuoka-side half day
Shiraito pairs with Fujinomiya town on the same side of the mountain, not with the lakes.
Falls and Fujinomiya
Morning
Bus from JR Fujinomiya Station to Shiraito Falls, in time for the morning rainbow
Late morning
Otodome Falls and the Fuji-ko monuments
Afternoon
Back to Fujinomiya for lunch and Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, the town's main shrine
Frequently Asked Questions
References
View references
Yamanashi Tourism Organization
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