Otodome Falls

Otodome Falls is a waterfall in Fujinomiya that drops about 25 meters into a pool, creating a white curtain of water against dark rock walls. The water maintains a compact column as it falls, giving the cascade a distinctive appearance within its rocky setting.

This location has been known since the Kamakura period, when the Soga brothers used the sound of the falling water to conceal their voices during secret planning. This historical connection shows how the waterfall has served practical purposes for people over many centuries.

The name Otodome means 'sound stopping' in Japanese, referring to how the falling water masks all surrounding noises. Visitors quickly notice how the roar creates a bubble of sound that isolates the area from the outside world.

Getting there is straightforward with bus service from Shin-Fuji or Fujinomiya stations running several times daily. Designated viewing areas let you see and photograph the waterfall from the best angles.

The water falls in a remarkably narrow, consistent column rather than dispersing in all directions like most waterfalls do. This unusually precise behavior makes the stream from the rock face captivating to observe.

Location: Fujinomiya

Location: Shizuoka Prefecture

Height: 25 m

Width: 5 m

Part of: Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, Shiba River

GPS coordinates: 35.31238,138.58922

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:42