Karuizawa Shiraito Falls
Nagano, Japan • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jul, Aug, Oct
17°C – 26°C, july is warm with occasional rain showers, high crowds, peak season
17°C – 26°C, july is warm with occasional rain showers, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Accessible from parking, flat path, restrooms, benches available.
Accessible from parking, flat path, restrooms, benches available.
Value for money
High
Admission is free, making it great value for couples.
Admission is free, making it great value for couples.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the serene atmosphere and the beautiful waterfall setting. Very romantic!
Refreshing Escape
The cool mist and the natural beauty made for a rejuvenating experience for couples.
Easy Access
Couples appreciated the short walk from the bus stop. Perfect for a relaxed day out.
Crowded Weekends
Travelers noted that it can get busy, especially on weekends. Hard to enjoy the peace.
Smaller Than
Some couples felt the falls were smaller than expected from photos. Slightly disappointing.
Toll Road
Couples should note the toll road fee if driving, adding to the overall cost.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Experience the serene beauty as you traverse the captivating Karuizawa Shiraito Falls.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
-5-6°C
Cold with possible snowfall. Vegetation is sparse and the area can be icy.
Cold with possible snowfall. Vegetation is sparse and the area can be icy.
Open
No major restrictions. Routes may be slippery due to ice or snow. Check bus schedules for possible winter adjustments.
No major restrictions. Routes may be slippery due to ice or snow. Check bus schedules for possible winter adjustments.
Not recommended
December is not recommended due to cold temperatures, bare scenery, and potential icy conditions. The falls remain accessible but lack the lush or colorful appeal of other seasons.
December is not recommended due to cold temperatures, bare scenery, and potential icy conditions. The falls remain accessible but lack the lush or colorful appeal of other seasons.
January
LOW
-8-2°C
Cold winter conditions with possible snow and icy paths. The area is quiet and scenic, but can be slippery and chilly.
Cold winter conditions with possible snow and icy paths. The area is quiet and scenic, but can be slippery and chilly.
Open
Paths may be icy or slippery; public transport operates on normal winter schedules but may be affected by snow.
Paths may be icy or slippery; public transport operates on normal winter schedules but may be affected by snow.
Not recommended
Shiraito Falls is accessible in winter, offering a tranquil, snowy landscape, but it is not a popular season for visits due to cold and slippery conditions.
Shiraito Falls is accessible in winter, offering a tranquil, snowy landscape, but it is not a popular season for visits due to cold and slippery conditions.
February
LOW
-7-3°C
Continued cold and snowy weather. The falls area is serene but often icy.
Continued cold and snowy weather. The falls area is serene but often icy.
Open
Possible icy paths; bus service available but may be delayed by snow.
Possible icy paths; bus service available but may be delayed by snow.
Not recommended
February is off-season with cold, snowy conditions. The falls are quiet and atmospheric, but access requires caution.
February is off-season with cold, snowy conditions. The falls are quiet and atmospheric, but access requires caution.
March
MEDIUM
-3-8°C
Temperatures begin to rise; occasional snow may linger early in the month, with increasing signs of spring.
Temperatures begin to rise; occasional snow may linger early in the month, with increasing signs of spring.
Open
Generally accessible; early in the month, some icy patches possible.
Generally accessible; early in the month, some icy patches possible.
Recommended
March marks the transition to spring with more comfortable weather. The fresh thaw and fewer crowds make it a pleasant time to visit.
March marks the transition to spring with more comfortable weather. The fresh thaw and fewer crowds make it a pleasant time to visit.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Take the Kusakaru Kotsu bus from Karuizawa Station (North Exit) to the Shiraito no Taki stop (approx. 25 min), then walk 5 minutes.
Car
Recommended
Drive via the Shiraito Highlandway toll road from Karuizawa Station (20-25 min). Parking is available near the falls.
Taxi
Taxis are available at Karuizawa Station for direct transport to the falls.
Walking
A 5-minute walk from the Shiraito no Taki bus stop to the waterfall.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required