Shiraito Falls: A Cascade of Silk Threads

Shiraito Falls is one of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls, gracefully cascading down the southwestern foothills of Mount Fuji. Its name, meaning 'white threads,' perfectly describes the hundreds of thin streams of water that flow down the 20-meter high cliff, resembling delicate silk threads. The waterfall stretches 150 meters wide, creating an amphitheater-like shape that envelops visitors in its beauty. The falls are fed by Mount Fuji's spring water, which filters through the porous lava layers of the volcano. This unique geological formation results in a constant flow of approximately 1.5 tons of water per second, with a water temperature of 12°C throughout the year. Unlike most waterfalls formed by rivers, Shiraito Falls emerges from a rocky cliff between two layers of differing porosities. Shiraito Falls has been a sacred site for centuries, attracting artists, feudal lords, and pilgrims. Hasegawa Kakugyo, the founder of Fujiko, a devotional cult to Mount Fuji, is said to have used the falls for ascetic training. In 2013, Shiraito Falls was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Fujisan Cultural Site. Nearby, visitors can also explore Otodome Falls, another stunning waterfall with a louder and more powerful cascade.