Yōrō Falls | waterfall, interesting place

 waterfall, interesting place

The waterfall is 32 meters high and 4 meters wide. It was chosen as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. The water from the falls is praised for its high quality, and is mentioned in a legend that tells the story of a dedicated son who offered the water, which tasted like sake to his ailing father who, upon drinking it, was revived. The Empress Genshō, who visited this area, renamed the period of her reign "Yōrō" saying, "Rei Springs art beautiful springs. And so doth nourish the old. Perhaps it be the spirit of the waters. I do [hereby] give amnesty under heaven, and fix the third year of the Reiki (era) anew to year 1 of the Yōrō (era)."

Yōrō Park extends from Yōrō Falls to the Nanno Sekigahara Line, a prefectural road that runs along the foot of the mountain. From the park's parking lot, one must climb a steep hillside road for 700 to 800 meters, but from about midway between the parking lot and the falls, there is a lift running. By taking this lift, one may reach the falls with comparative ease. Also, there is another parking lot nearer the falls. The carbonated beverages like Ramune and cider, which are made using the water, are also popular.

The cider that is made with the local water was once called "Yōrō Cider" and was produced in the town. In recent years, the production of this beverage has been taken over by a different company, and the product renamed "Yōrō Sanroku Cider."

This is one of the "Japan's 100 Greatest Waterfalls"