Hahano Shirataki shrine
| The Good | The Not-So Good |
| Only locals generally | No bus (car or walk) |
| Peaceful hike and waterfall | OK waterfall |
Not usally on the tourist itineraries, the Hahano Shirataki (Mother of the White Falls) waterfall is part of a trio of sites to the north of Lake Kawaguchi that can only be accessed on foot or by car (taxi?).
Kawaguchi Asama shrine (map)
Torii Gate in the Sky (map)
Mother of the White Falls (map)
The view from the car park is probably one of the best around.
As of Marc 2020 there seems to be a lot of construction around that area to provide camping facilities so it is possible there will be more tourist opportunities in the coming months. It could be related to the camp site just down the road, which offers a variety of facilities to rent with view of Mount Fuji.
Regarding the construction, by the (fairly new looking) car park there is already a cafe built that seems a recent addition (it is not mentioned in this blog post from 2018).
Once you walk down a short path you will reach the falls. To the left are stairs up leading to the Father of the White Falls, which is a smaller waterfall. Past that is a damn like structure which “When Japan” guesses is there for the rainy season to mediate the flow and stop the water washing away the shrine. Outside of this time it seems pretty pointless.
Hiking routes from the falls (don’t get lost!)
Beyond that is a hiking trail that will take you thought a forest with some splendidly tall trees and a glimpse of two of Mount Fuji through the trunks and branches. The trail is probably too dangerous to walk when it is wet or snowing, although if you can make it to the falls in winter they do ice up during January as the average temperature that high is below zero.
Getting to Hahano Shirataki shrine
You can get there by car (there is a small car park and even a cafe) or by taking the P or K lines to Kawaguchi Asama shrine (or the Red line to close by) and walk the rest of the way. The buses all start at Kawaguchiko station.
If you get a bus to Kawaguchi Asama shrine you can walk the rest of the way by following the map below. The last section to the falls is not on Google Maps but there is only one way and it is clearly sign posted.
It is a narrow road and fairly steep so expect to dodge a few cars and be out of breath by the top.
