【Yoro Falls】A Beloved Landmark of Yoro Town

PREFECTURE
GIFU

INTEREST
NATURE

TAGS
Yoro Falls

Located almost in the center of the Japanese archipelago, at the entrance of the Gifu-Prefecture side of Abo Tunnel, which connects Gifu and Nagano Prefectures, and on the northern slopes of Mount Norikura in the Hida Mountain Range, is Hirayu Onsen. It is one of the hot springs in the Okuhida Onsengo village, along with Fukuji Onsen, Shinhirayu Onsen, Tochio Onsen, and Shinhotaka Onsen.

Many famous tourist spots, such as Hida Takayama, Mount Norikura, and Kamikochi, are concentrated in the surrounding area! The hot spring area also has a large bus terminal, numerous restaurants, and souvenir shops. Today, it is a bustling major transportation hub connecting tourist destinations, such as Norikura, Kamikochi, Shinhotaka, and Takayama.

Name

Okuhida Onsengo Hirayu Onsen

Address

Okuhida Onsengo Hirayu, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, , 506-1433

Business Hours

Open 24 hours

Closed

Open daily

Website

http://hirayuonsen.or.jp (Hirayu Onsen Tourism Information Center)

Phone number

+81-578-89-3030 (Hirayu Onsen Tourism Information Center)

Fee

Vary depending on the facility

CONTENT

The Legend of “Yoro Filial Piety Story”: Water of the Falls Turning into Sake

The “Filial Piety Story,” where the water of the falls turned into sake, is a legend passed down in this region.

“Long ago, a poor woodcutter, gazing at the water cascading down from a deep valley’s rock face, wished that the water was sake to bring joy to his elderly father. As he imagined his father’s happy face, he slipped, fell from the rocks, and lost consciousness. When he awoke, he smelled sake, and looking around, he found a golden-colored water springing from nearby rocks. Tasting it, he found it was indeed sake. He took this back home and gave it to his elderly father, who was overjoyed and seemed to grow younger. This story reached the capital, and Emperor Genyou visited this place, bathed in the spring water, and proclaimed it ‘the rejuvenating water of youth,’ thereby renaming the era to Yoro” (Quoted from the Gifu Prefecture website).

Such legends have long been associated with Yoro Falls, making it a symbol of Yoro Town, cherished by the people.

Enjoying the Walk from the Parking Lot to the Falls

To visit Yoro Falls, you can park at either the Yoro Falls Entrance Parking Lot (free) or the Yoro Falls Parking Lot (paid) near the waterfall. From the Yoro Falls Entrance Parking Lot, it’s about 1.2 kilometers to the falls, roughly a 30-minute walk. The trail to the falls is well-maintained, so comfortable walking clothes and shoes are sufficient. You can enjoy a pleasant stroll while admiring the scenery of each season.

Along the way, there are many attractions such as the Yoro Shrine and seven bridges over a small stream. Yoro Koshizaka Street is dotted with souvenir shops, where you can enjoy local gourmet food and shopping.

A Must-See in Autumn! Known as a Famous Spot for Autumn Leaves

Yoro Falls is also known as a famous spot for autumn leaves. The best time to see them is usually from late November to early December. The entire mountain is dyed in beautiful red and yellow.

There’s a small path known as “Yoro Seseragi Highway” just off the main road leading to Yoro Falls. The autumn foliage here is particularly beautiful, with maple and Japanese maple trees forming arches over the path, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Not Just Yoro Falls! Enjoy a Full Day at Yoro Park

In Yoro Park, where Yoro Falls is located, there’s also “Gifu Prefecture Children’s Country” with its variety of fun playground equipment, and the “Yoro Reversible Destiny Park,” where you can interact with huge experiential art pieces.

In addition to the putter golf course and tennis courts, there is also a campsite called “RECAMP Yoro” with a great sense of openness, so spending time in nature is sure to leave you feeling refreshed. It’s a perfect destination for couples, families, and groups, offering a full day of enjoyment.