Shiraito Fall which means "White thread fall" is one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan, it is located at Fujinomiya, Shizouka Prefecture. Not to be confused with another Shiraito Fall in Karuizawa which is kind of small, this Shiraito Fall is huge (as you can compare the size of the crowd in the picture above). The water descent from Mount Fuji and is crystal clear, almost drinkable.
The great thing about this area is that you can get to see not just one spectacular fall, but two! Just beside Shiraito Fall is Otodome Fall (Sound Stopping Waterfall") which is quite a sight itself, although the route to the bottom of the fall is currently inaccessible. Legend has it that the name "Sound Stopping Waterfall" comes from an episode in the Soga Monogatari story of the Kamakura period. When the Soga brothers accompanied Minamoto no Yoritomo on a hunting expedition to the base of Mount Fuji, they plotted to assassinate one of Yoritomo's retainers, Kudo Tsuketsune, who was the murderer of their father. In order to avoid being overheard, they planned their strategy by the roaring waters of this waterfall.
Shiraito & Otodome Fall
This place is great for an hour or so, the area is not big, but the view is worth the time getting there. If anything, I would just advise on departing early from Tokyo, the traffic from Tokyo towards Mt Fuji can get quite congested even on a normal day.
If you are going on a weekday, there is a sake brewery just nearby which is free to tour, but an appointment will be appreciated, like many other services in Japan.
Catching your own lunch
If you are travelling on a weekend, there are also two fish farms nearby where you can catch your own trouts and have them cooked there. The fishes are very easy to catch and does not have a fishy taste to them, just do not be greedy and catch too many, because you have to bring them home or eat there after those that you caught, releasing them back into the pond is forbidden. I would recommend 2 people to a rod, take turns to fish and you are guaranteed to have a very enjoyable afternoon. Do check for the opening hours as they are closed during winter.
Shopping & Food Market
If you have some time and stomach space to spare, Asagiri Food Park is a spot you will not want to miss. Located about 20 minutes from Shiraito, Asagiri Food Park consist of 5 different local producers - Tea, Sweet Potato, Japanese sweets, Dairy, and Japanese Sake. You can try out free samples in some of the shops, but I would recommend saving some of the space for a buffet in the restaurant there where you can get a nice view of Mt Fuji while enjoying the very delicious local produce.
After all the activities if you are still energetic, while on the way back to Tokyo, you can drop by Gotemba Premium Outlet Mall if you enjoy shopping or just to catch a last view of Mt Fuji. However, a word of advise is to head back to Tokyo before 4 pm, traffic congestion is common from 4-7 pm going into Tokyo.
Enjoy the trip and if you have any question, please free to contact us!