Karuizawa Shiraito Falls
Nagano, Japan •
Underrated
UnderratedNagano, Japan
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.
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.
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
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.
April
MEDIUM

2-15°C
Mild spring weather with fresh greenery. Occasional rain showers are possible.
Mild spring weather with fresh greenery. Occasional rain showers are possible.
Open
No major restrictions; all paths and bus services are fully operational.
No major restrictions; all paths and bus services are fully operational.
Recommended
April is a recommended time for visiting Shiraito Falls, with fresh foliage and pleasant temperatures. The falls are accessible and scenic.
April is a recommended time for visiting Shiraito Falls, with fresh foliage and pleasant temperatures. The falls are accessible and scenic.
May
MEDIUM

8-20°C
Fresh green foliage appears, temperatures are mild and comfortable, and humidity is moderate. Rain is possible but not dominant.
Fresh green foliage appears, temperatures are mild and comfortable, and humidity is moderate. Rain is possible but not dominant.
Open
No major restrictions; easy access from the parking area and via local bus. Facilities such as restrooms are open.
No major restrictions; easy access from the parking area and via local bus. Facilities such as restrooms are open.
Recommended
May is a pleasant time to visit Shiraito Falls, with vibrant greenery and comfortable weather. The waterfall can be enjoyed without the heavy crowds of summer.
May is a pleasant time to visit Shiraito Falls, with vibrant greenery and comfortable weather. The waterfall can be enjoyed without the heavy crowds of summer.
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



