June 2016. After a memorable 6+ years in Japan, it was finally time for us to move out of Japan.
We decided that we would have that one last trip on our way out from Nagoya. What better place for that one last visit than stopping by near Mt Fuji, the symbol of Japan. Having visited the Mt Fuji area couple of times previously, we wanted to visit a place that we had not visited earlier. We had once planned a visit to Shiraito Waterfalls near Fujinomiya city in Shizuoka Prefecture but that had not worked out. So we decided to visit the waterfalls.
Shiraito Waterfalls are part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and are listed as one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan. In 2013, the Waterfalls were added to the World Heritage List along with the Mt Fuji Cultural Site. The Waterfalls had been protected as a Japanese Natural monument since 1936.
On the way to Shiraito Waterfalls, we first encountered the Otodome Waterfalls. The Otodome waterfalls measure 25 meters high and 5 meters wide. The name of the waterfalls means ' to stop sounds'. As per legend, two samurais were discussing how to avenge their father near the waterfall but could not hear each other due to the sound of the waterfall. One of them uttered a phrase to the waterfall which meant, " Waterfall of Heartless and Mindless spirit, you never know our torture, do you? " and it is said that the sound stopped. Thus the falls got its name.
Walking a further 5 minutes from the Otodome waterfalls, we arrived arrived at the hilltop viewing spot from where the Shiraito waterfalls are visible. Lush green landscape and the cascading waterfalls make a beautiful sight. Walking down the staircase, about a 100 steps, we arrived at the Takimi bridge.
Shiraito no Taki, as the waterfalls are known in Japanese, means Waterfall of White Thread. The waterfalls are fed by the waters from the snow melt of Mt Fuji. The hundreds of small waterfalls that comprise Shiraito waterfalls do resemble threads of silk. The waterfalls measure 150 meters in width and 20 meters in height. Visitors can walk close to the base of the waterfalls and also relax on the nearby rocks. The waterfalls are considered sacred under the Mt Fuji cult and as such visitors cannot swim in the flowing water.
The best time to visit Shiraito and Otodome Waterfalls is said to be summer when the green foliage is at its best and the waterfalls are flush with the melting snow from Mt Fuji. The next best season is said to be autumn when despite lesser water flowing, the scenery is picturesque thanks to the autumn foliage.
Address: Japan, 418-0192, Shizuoka Prefecture, Fujinomiya, Kamiide
Phone: 0544-27-5240
Opening times : Open all year round
Entrance fees: Free
Parking: Paid parking available
Shiraito Waterfalls are part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and are listed as one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan. In 2013, the Waterfalls were added to the World Heritage List along with the Mt Fuji Cultural Site. The Waterfalls had been protected as a Japanese Natural monument since 1936.
On the way to Shiraito Waterfalls, we first encountered the Otodome Waterfalls. The Otodome waterfalls measure 25 meters high and 5 meters wide. The name of the waterfalls means ' to stop sounds'. As per legend, two samurais were discussing how to avenge their father near the waterfall but could not hear each other due to the sound of the waterfall. One of them uttered a phrase to the waterfall which meant, " Waterfall of Heartless and Mindless spirit, you never know our torture, do you? " and it is said that the sound stopped. Thus the falls got its name.
Walking a further 5 minutes from the Otodome waterfalls, we arrived arrived at the hilltop viewing spot from where the Shiraito waterfalls are visible. Lush green landscape and the cascading waterfalls make a beautiful sight. Walking down the staircase, about a 100 steps, we arrived at the Takimi bridge.
Shiraito no Taki, as the waterfalls are known in Japanese, means Waterfall of White Thread. The waterfalls are fed by the waters from the snow melt of Mt Fuji. The hundreds of small waterfalls that comprise Shiraito waterfalls do resemble threads of silk. The waterfalls measure 150 meters in width and 20 meters in height. Visitors can walk close to the base of the waterfalls and also relax on the nearby rocks. The waterfalls are considered sacred under the Mt Fuji cult and as such visitors cannot swim in the flowing water.
The best time to visit Shiraito and Otodome Waterfalls is said to be summer when the green foliage is at its best and the waterfalls are flush with the melting snow from Mt Fuji. The next best season is said to be autumn when despite lesser water flowing, the scenery is picturesque thanks to the autumn foliage.
Address: Japan, 418-0192, Shizuoka Prefecture, Fujinomiya, Kamiide
Phone: 0544-27-5240
Opening times : Open all year round
Entrance fees: Free
Parking: Paid parking available
