Shirai falls are waterfalls in the Ehime prefecture, widely known for its cascade of ice during the winter time. Although the waterfall is beautiful throughout the year, the mystical and enchanting appearance of the frozen waterfall is what makes it rare and extra special.
Facebook で見るAbout the Shirai Falls
Shirai falls, which literally means "white-boar falls" is a picturesque waterfall, located in the Saragamine Mountain Range. These mountains are within a natural park in Toon city, Ehime prefecture. Shirai falls is a vertical drop of 96m, with the water from the waterfall leading to an enchanting forest. Shirai falls is upstream of the Shigenobu river, which passes through the gorge of Omotegawa Shiraigoe. Surrounded by beautiful Japanese mountains and serene nature, Shirai falls is a must-visit place throughout the year. But if you are to choose the best time to visit the falls, it should be during the winter time. When the weather gets severely cold in winter, the waters of Shirai falls freeze and form a magical cascade of ice. The view of a mystical and incredible ice sculpture, created by nature, is what’s extraordinary about this waterfall and attracts many tourists.
A Waterfall that was also Loved by Poets
Another amazing thing about this beautiful waterfall is that this waterfall was also appreciated by famous Japanese poets. The great novelist Soseki Natsume and poet Shiki Masaoka have visited this place and written short poems about the breathtaking view. It surely will be a great experience to witness nature that inspired century-old, Japanese literature.
Shirai Waterfalls Festival
The is also a festival every year on the 3rd of November to celebrate autumn. The trees and leaves turn vibrant colours and people gather to view another wonderful face of the waterfall. At the festival, you can enjoy cultural shows such as, a Japanese taiko drum performance and dances performed by school children. The festival also holds a bazaar, where you can enjoy shopping and you will also be delighted with free delicious rice balls.
Discover More by Exploring the Surroundings
Toon city offers much more to explore and discover in it’s surroundings.Shiogamori Furusato Park is situated just 40 minutes drive from the Shirai falls, which is a great place for hiking and appreciate nature. In each season, walking on the hiking trail, you will discover different flowers and plants. The peak of the Shiogamori Furusato Park is 525m, where you will be able to see the beautiful panoramic view of the Toon city via the observation deck. If you are a camping enthusiast, the place also has a camping ground for overnight stays.
Within the Saragamine Mountain Range, there is another enchanting spot called Namegawa Valley. Located another 40 minutes drive from Shirai falls, this place is filled with numerous natural wonders named after dragons. A 1km long monolithic bed of rock, the Namera river is a truly amazing thing to see. At the end of the trail, you will be able to see a beguiling waterfall!
How to visit?
From Tokyo to Ehime, it's a 90 minutes plane ride. Once you get to Ehime, head to Matshuyama station where you can take a bus to the Shirai waterfalls. Once you get to the Shirai falls carpark, 900m hiking up in the mountain is required which can take about 30 minutes depending on the walking pace. ### Reference listhttp://www.city.toon.ehime.jp/toon-navi/genre/shizen/shirai_no_taki.html
https://en.japantravel.com/ehime/shirai-falls/1034
https://www.visitehimejapan.com/en/see-and-do/395
https://www.pref.ehime.jp/chu99914/navi/route7/en_index.html
https://www.iyokannet.jp/ginkou/spot/detail/kuhi_id/149
https://toon-kanko.jp/shiraino_taki_festival/
