Shiraito Falls

Shiraito is not fed by a stream at the top. Fuji's groundwater, which has travelled down through the porous lava of the mountain, reaches an impermeable layer at this point and emerges along the whole face of a curved cliff, so the water comes out of the rock in hundreds of fine threads across about 150 metres of wall and falls twenty metres into the pool. The name means white threads, and the description is literal. Because the source is groundwater rather than surface flow, the volume is almost constant through the year and the water is clear even after rain that turns ordinary rivers brown. It is part of the Fujisan UNESCO inscription as a purification site used by Fuji pilgrims. Otodome Falls, a single powerful drop, is a few minutes' walk away and provides the contrast. Fuji stands behind on clear days.

What you actually see

• Water from the rock face - groundwater emerging along the wall, not a river.
• A 150-metre curtain - hundreds of fine threads falling twenty metres.
• Constant flow - unchanged by rain because the source is groundwater.
• Otodome Falls - a single heavy drop a few minutes away for contrast.

When to go

April to November; spring for volume with green. Two hours.

Honest expectations

Parking is charged and the approach passes a long line of souvenir stalls. The viewing path has many steps. Weekends and holidays are crowded. Fuji behind the falls needs a clear day and is often absent.

Nearby

Fujinomiya and Fujisan Hongu Sengen shrine are south-east.