When traveling around Mt. Fuji, looking at the area through the lens of the “Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park” makes the experience so much more rewarding.
The theme here is “Earth’s Dynamic Activity.”
Many of you know Mt. Fuji is an active volcano, and Hakone is too. The Izu Peninsula also has its own unique story, having traveled from the far south on a tectonic plate. The collision of this volcanic peninsula with the mainland is what triggered the many eruptions that shaped this entire region. When you see the land this way, everything—the hot springs, the terrain, and the ecosystem—starts to connect in fascinating ways.
I’d like to start sharing some of these “Geo-spots.”
Today’s spot is Mt. Ashitaka, located between the Lake Kawaguchi and Hakone areas. It is a long-dormant volcano, having stood here since long before Mt. Fuji was born.
During its ancient eruptions, Mt. Ashitaka released massive amounts of lava. As it cooled, it formed a structure of “columnar joints”—vertical, pillar-like rock formations. Over eons, the relentless flow of river water carved through this rock, creating the Keigashima Gorge.
At the edge of this gorge stands “Byobu-iwa” (Folding Screen Rock), a stunning, sheer cliff of these stone pillars. It tells a story of long passages of time, offering a presence that feels quite different from the young lava flows of Mt. Fuji.
It is only about a five-minute walk from the parking lot to the base of the falls. I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes to enjoy the stroll through the beautiful forest. Down by the waterfall, the soothing sound of the water and the songs of birds create a truly peaceful atmosphere.
You can also enjoy a different perspective from the nearby bridge, looking down over the waterfall and the gorge from above. Even a short visit here will leave you feeling refreshed and connected to nature.
If you’re traveling between Fuji and Hakone, I highly recommend taking a small detour here to feel the true pulse of the earth.