Shiraito Falls & Lake Tanuki: Fuji's Water Country
If the mountain is the reason you booked this cruise, this is the tour: five hours into Fuji's own foothills with the operator that has run it for cruise passengers the longest.
It starts by the cruise terminal — no transport needed
- 60+ reviews and a perfect 5.0 — the best record of any Fuji tour from this port.
- The operator states it outright: if weather stops your ship docking at Shimizu, you get 100% back.
- Every stop is wheelchair-accessible, and a wheelchair-equipped car can be requested.
- Highway tolls and parking are included, so the price you see is the price you pay.
Calls of 8 hours or more with a morning arrival — Fuji is clearest early.
Five hours door to door: on a 07:00–14:00 call it is too tight. Lake Tanuki's mirror view also needs a still, clear morning — Shiraito Falls is worth it in any weather.
What you’ll do
Head into the Fujinomiya side of the mountain with an English-speaking national guide in a jumbo taxi. The centrepiece is Shiraito Falls — a 150-metre curtain of Mt. Fuji’s own spring water, part of the mountain’s World Heritage listing. You’ll also stop at Lake Tanuki, famous for its mirror-image “upside-down Fuji,” and Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, the grand shrine that has watched over Fuji worship for centuries.
Why it’s worth it
- The prettiest, greenest face of Fuji — falls, forest and a reflecting lake, not just a distant cone.
- Led by a nationally licensed English-interpretation guide; return transport from Shimizu Port included.
- Step-free: all stops on this route are wheelchair accessible.
Good to know
- About five hours door to door — needs a morning arrival with a mid-afternoon or later all-aboard, and confirm it returns you 60+ minutes before. Not for short or afternoon-arrival calls.
- The falls are worth it rain or shine; the reflecting lake needs a still, clear moment.
- Booking and live pricing are on Viator.
What you will see
Our own guides to each stop — so you know what you are booking before you book it.
Choose your vehicle
Booked through Viator (a Tripadvisor company) — free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead. There is no tour desk at the pier, so book before you sail.
- highway toll road fee
- a government-certified English speaking guide
- Parking Fees
- A chartered van taxi with a professional, licensed driver
- Lunch
We may earn a small commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. It never decides what we recommend — the “think twice” notes above are there on purpose.
Before you book
Is the Shiraito Falls & Lake Tanuki: Fuji's Water Country worth it from Shimizu?
If the mountain is the reason you booked this cruise, this is the tour: five hours into Fuji's own foothills with the operator that has run it for cruise passengers the longest. Best for: Calls of 8 hours or more with a morning arrival — Fuji is clearest early.
How long a port call do I need for this tour?
About 7 hours: the tour runs 5 hours, and you should be back at the pier 60 minutes before all-aboard, plus time to get off the ship.
What should I know before booking?
Five hours door to door: on a 07:00–14:00 call it is too tight. Lake Tanuki's mirror view also needs a still, clear morning — Shiraito Falls is worth it in any weather.
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