【Fuji’s Hidden Gems Option 01 🌧️】
Can’t see Mt. Fuji today due to clouds or light rain? No problem! This area offers many other great experiences.
Today, I’m sharing a walking course from Kawaguchi Asama Shrine to Haha-no-Shirataki Falls. This path was historically used by pilgrims for purification before climbing Mt. Fuji.
Imagine the pilgrims who stayed at nearby Oshi houses (lodges for pilgrims) around the shrine, then purified themselves here before starting their ascent. Walking this route connects you to that ancient journey.
Starting Your Walk: Kawaguchi Asama Shrine
To get to Kawaguchi Asama Shrine:
By Bus: From Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyuko Line), take the Kawaguchiko Retro Bus (Red Line). Get off at the “Kawaguchiko Museum of Art” bus stop. The shrine is about an 18-minute walk from there.
By Car: The shrine is about a 15-minute drive from Kawaguchiko Station and offers a free parking lot.
Exploring the Shrine
First, explore the shrine itself. It was built in 865 AD to calm Mt. Fuji after a major eruption. The main highlight is the many giant trees. Some, like the Seven Cedars (Shichihon−Sugi), are over 1200 years old. Other cedars along the path are also huge, around 800 years old.
Use the temizuya to wash your hands and mouth, then pass through the main gate to visit the central shrine. Walk towards the back right of the shrine grounds to see more ancient trees.
Soon, you’ll reach a set of stone stairs. Climb these stairs, passing under a large Zelkova tree and two red torii gates.
Heading to the Falls
After about 10-15 minutes, you’ll reach a paved road.
You’ll come to a cedar plantation. Continue uphill on this road. You’ll soon see a sign for Haha-no-Shirataki Falls.
Note: If it’s a clear, sunny day, you can make a detour to the famous “Tenku-no-Torii” (Sky Shrine Gate) from this route for views of Fuji.
Turn right at the sign onto a gravel path. After passing the “Qoonel+” campsite, you’ll hear water, meaning you’re close. You’ll see the waterfall through a red torii gate.
you’ve arrived at Haha-no-Shirataki Falls (Mother’s White Falls)! Look for the statue of a deity inside the waterfall.
Optional Extension: Father’s White Falls
If you still have energy, climb the steep stairs next to Haha-no-Shirataki. In about 5 minutes, you’ll reach Chichi-no-Shirataki Falls (Father’s White Falls).
The path continues as a mountain trail to Mt. Mitsutoge, but that’s a longer hike for another time. You can return on the same route or stay on the paved road all the way down.
This walk is a great way to experience the Mt. Fuji area’s history and nature, even when the mountain isn’t visible. Give it a try!
Timeline Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the estimated walking times for the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine to Haha-no-Shirataki Falls course.
Exporling the Shrine
20 mins
Stone steps to 2 red TOrii Gates
5-10 mins
Walk up in the forest to paved road
10-15 mins
To Tenku no torii
(optional detour)
5-10 mins
To Haha-no-Shirataki Falls
10 mins
Exploring Haha-no-Shirataki and Chichi-no-Shirataki Falls
20 mins
Back to kawaguchi asama Shrine
30 mins
