Shiramizu Falls is a waterfall on a tributary of the Kanna River in Kanna Town, Tano District, Gunma Prefecture. Clear spring water emerging from the mountainside of Mount Kanou flows gently over the rock face, creating a delicate and beautiful landscape.
Unlike a powerful waterfall that plunges directly from a cliff, Shiramizu Falls flows quietly and gracefully down the mountainside. Its soft, ribbon-like appearance is one of its most distinctive features.
Shiramizu Falls is classified as a subsurface-flow waterfall, known in Japanese as senryūbaku. Water that has seeped into the mountain travels underground before emerging from the mountainside and flowing downward.
Because the water contains very little sand, gravel, or driftwood, its erosive force is relatively weak. As a result, moss can flourish across the rock surface, while clear white water gently winds its way through the greenery like delicate threads.
The waterfall is approximately 20 meters high. Flowing almost like a veil over the limestone slope, its graceful appearance is sometimes described as soft and feminine. The whiteness of the water and the green of the moss become especially striking depending on the season and the angle of the sunlight, creating a subtle contrast shaped entirely by nature.
Mount Kanou, where the waterfall is located, consists of a massive limestone formation dating from the Carboniferous to Permian periods. Steep cliffs surround the mountain, creating a rugged landscape that conveys the powerful forces of nature.
Limestone is still quarried near the summit, and the mountain is closely connected with the local industry.
Over a very long period of time, water has traveled through the limestone deep within the mountain before emerging from the mountainside and becoming Shiramizu Falls. In this sense, the waterfall can be seen as the visible expression of water that has journeyed through the heart of the mountain.
Rich forests surround the area, and visitors may occasionally encounter wildlife such as Japanese giant salamanders. The area is also an interesting destination for those who enjoy observing plants and wildlife in their natural environment.
Near the waterfall is the entrance to a tunnel associated with mining facilities. The tunnel is off-limits to anyone other than authorized personnel. A small parking area for several vehicles is located beside it.
Because the waterfall can be reached relatively close by car, it is convenient to combine a visit with other sightseeing attractions around Kanna Town.
Some areas around the waterfall can be slippery, so comfortable, sturdy footwear is recommended. Please take care not to damage the moss, rocks, or surrounding vegetation, and enjoy the natural scenery quietly and respectfully.
The area around Mount Kanou is also known for discoveries of dinosaur fossils. Approximately 10 minutes by car from Shiramizu Falls is the Kanna Dinosaur Centre, which features extensive exhibits on fossils and dinosaurs.
There are also nearby sites where visitors can experience fossil excavation. Combining a visit to the waterfall with these attractions offers an enjoyable way to explore the region’s geological history and learn about life in the distant past.
Another nearby attraction is Serinashi no Renkon, where ripple marks dating from the Cretaceous period and dinosaur footprints have been preserved. Together, these sites make it possible to create a sightseeing route focused on geology, ancient history, and the natural environment.
Shiramizu Falls is one of the “Seven Waterfalls of Kanna”, a group of waterfalls scattered throughout Kanna Town. Each waterfall has its own character and offers different scenery depending on the season.
Also known as “Ura no Taki,” or the Backside Waterfall, Irisawa Falls can be viewed from behind the falling water. A statue of Fudō Myōō is enshrined here, and the waterfall has long been associated with local religious devotion.
With a drop of approximately 30 meters, Fudō Falls is known for its powerful flow. Its name comes from the Fudō Myōō figure enshrined among the rocks nearby.
Hayataki Falls has an impressive drop of approximately 40 meters. During particularly cold winters, the waterfall can freeze into an impressive wall of ice. In summer, it is a refreshing destination for visitors seeking cool mountain air.
From the forest road, it takes approximately 10 minutes on foot to reach an area near the base of the waterfall. The colors and textures of the rocks blend beautifully with the surrounding woodland.
With a walking path and parking area, Kujū Falls is one of the more accessible waterfalls in the area. Visitors can enjoy a distant view of the falls from a bridge.
Ōse Falls appears quietly between the trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere. It is a pleasant place to slow down and spend time surrounded by the sounds and scenery of the forest.
Shiramizu Falls is a graceful waterfall where clear water and limestone rock create a delicate natural landscape. Rather than dramatic power, its appeal lies in its tranquility, subtle beauty, and close connection with the surrounding forest.
Combined with a visit to Kanna Town, known for its dinosaur fossils and remarkable geological heritage, the waterfall offers an opportunity to experience a landscape shaped over immense spans of geological time. For travelers who appreciate quiet natural scenery, Shiramizu Falls provides a memorable encounter with the hidden beauty of Gunma’s mountains.