‘Phantom waterfalls’ made from melting snow appear in the Mount Fuji area; Water formations will likely last until the end of May

OYAMA, Shizuoka – Waterfalls formed by flowing water from melting snow have returned this year to the delight of climbers in an area of ​​Mount Fuji in Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture.

The “phantom waterfalls” appear when the snow on the mountain melts. They appear in a lava-formed land area about a 30-minute walk from the fifth station of the Subashiri Trail.

On Saturday, water from the melting snow turned into waterfalls of varying sizes after flowing over lava-formed rock surfaces.

Mount Fuji is covered with rough volcanic surfaces, which easily absorb rainwater and melting snow into the underground soil. Because of this, the formation of waterfalls and rivers is thought to be difficult. However, it is believed that flowing water can develop in areas where lava-formed rocks are exposed.

Yoshitaka Ueta, head of the secretariat of the Oyama-Town Tourism Association, said the falls have often been spotted between mid-May and mid-June. However, because the snow started to melt earlier than normal this year, Ueta said rushing water was observed in late April.

“It is likely that the falls will be gone by the end of May. I hope people who want to see them will come by as soon as possible,” he said.

There is a trail to see the falls, but visitors should be aware of the need to choose appropriate clothing and shoes when traversing the rocky surface.