Yoro Falls

Yoro Falls, known for a long time as the "Waterfall of Filial Piety," is one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls. It is located deep within Yoro Park at the foothills of Mount Yoro in the southwestern part of Gifu Prefecture, surrounded by rich nature and cherished as a scenic spot. The waterfall, which is about 30 meters high and 4 meters wide, cascades beautifully over rocky ledges, enchanting many literary figures throughout history with its grand and stunning appearance. It is also famous because the ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai depicted it in his works during the Edo period.

Yoro Falls is also well-known for the "Filial Son Legend," a story about filial piety. According to the legend, a woodcutter named Minosuke found a spring with water that tasted like sake in the mountains and made his elderly father drink it, which restored his father's vitality. This miraculous event reached the capital of Nara, leading Emperor Genjo to visit the site, where he referred to the water as "the water of rejuvenation that nourishes old age" and changed the era name to "Yoro."

Visitors can reach the waterfall from the Yoro Falls Entrance Parking Lot in about 1.2 kilometers, approximately a 30-minute walk. The path features well-maintained walking trails and seven bridges, allowing guests to enjoy the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery, and autumn leaves along the way. Every year on July 1, a ceremony called "Yoro Falls Opening" is held to pray for the safety of tourists, becoming a summer tradition.

Surrounding the waterfall are historical sites related to the Filial Son Legend, including the famous Kikusui Spring, chosen as one of Japan's top 100 springs due to its association with Emperor Genjo, as well as Yoro Shrine, known for its blessings of longevity and academic success, Furoga Pond, and Yoro Temple. Additionally, Yoro Kōko Slope offers dining establishments and souvenir shops, where visitors can taste local specialties such as gourd-shaped snacks and Yoro cider. Yoro Park features various attractions, including the Yoro Temei Hantenchi, Gifu Children's Land, and Mount Yoro hiking trails, making it an appealing tourist destination where one can enjoy nature, history, and culture all at once.