White Threads of Water

The Shira-Ito Falls (shira=white + ito=thread) on the Shiba River are a unique waterfall in the scenic, lush surroundings of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park on the western slope of Mt. Fuji.

These falls are the result of two major volcanic eruptions. The ground at the bottom of the falls was formed by eruptions of “Old Fuji” around 100,000 years ago. The ground at the top of the falls was formed by eruptions of “New Fuji” that have occurred during the past 5,000 years.

The falls are easily accessible from Tokyo by either the Tomei Expressway or the Chuo Expressway. There are two large parking lots near the falls which only cost 300 yen for the whole day. (Note that rates might be more expensive if you visit on a national holiday or weekend.)