When ever I go to Shiraito Waterfalls, and I have been many times, the thing that always strikes me with awe is the fact that these falls have been visited by Samurai and Nobility since ancient times. On the very spot where you stand, such people have too. Time and space become one.
This very scenic spot has been rated as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. “Shiraito” means Silk Yarn in Japanese because as the water flows down from a height of 20 meters it falls like “Silk Yarn” across the 150m stretch of cliff face. The cliff is composed of both old and new layers of magma that have come from Mt Fuji, the water gushes out from between the two layers.
Mother nature is at work here, the chilly air and 12 degree water are a welcome refreshment, the sound of water on rock echoing in the basin, a reminder of her energy. Its no wonder this site was selected for World Heritage Status. For centuries it has been the site of worship towards Mt Fuji. Pilgrims cleansed their bodies and souls here by standing under the frigid waters for as long as they could endure.
For anyone in a wheel chair, there is a viewing spot right before the stairs down to the basin. Beyond this are steep stairs and then a bridge (Great viewing and pictures) over the flowing water and then the walkway peels across to the left and takes you closer to the base of the falls. Brand new public toilets are in the car park up the top. You can also buy very good ice cream and mochi (sweet pounded rice paste) at the shops. There are about a dozen souvenir shops along the path.
There is also another, hidden waterfall off to the left hand side of the path as you come down from the car park. This is called Otodome Falls. Being five meters higher than Shiraito Falls it is more powerful, concentrated and louder, but certainly not as scenic. There is a classic story of Samurai revenge that goes with these falls. Legend has it that two Samurai, the Soga brothers, went here to discuss a revenge plot so that they would not be overheard. Their revenge was against the great Samurai Suketsune Kudo. It is said that as they prayed to their God, the sound of the falls momentarily stopped! The Soga brothers were eventually buried in Yokohama.
Parking at the site at the top of the falls is 500 yen for regular cars and 200 yen for motor bikes. There are spaces for the handicapped. Unfortunately, there is no train but you can catch a bus from JR Fujinomiya Station which takes about 30 minuets.