Yoro no Taki (Yoro Falls) |
There is also a famous legend surrounding the power of Yoro Falls “Kokogenjonai”. According to the legend, in the 8th century, a poor woodcutter and his father lived in the area. One day, the woodcutter went into the woods to find firewood and discovered the water of the spring had turned to sake. He filled a gourd with the spring water/sake as this was his father’s favourite drink, and as they were so poor they couldn’t afford to buy it. The woodcutter brought the water/sake to his elderly father who was very sick. The father drunk the sake and was instantly returned to good health. The transformation of the water to sake was believed to be the gods rewarding the son for his dedication to his father.
Spring Water at Yoro Falls |
The water today is not sake but tasty water and the locals make a carbonated drink from it called “Yoro-sanroku Cider”. It is a must try when at Yoro Falls. The water of Yoro Falls is naturally filtered through the mountain of chalk that is Mount Yoro, producing water rich in minerals and natural gases.
Yoro-sanroku Cider |
Yoro Park has around 3000 cherry trees the bloom during the spring, as well as many Japanese maple trees that turn the park into ablaze of yellow, orange and red during the Autumn. The mountains surrounding the waterfall and park are stunning this time of the year and many people visit the park to see the changing leaves or Koyo (紅葉) in Japanese.
Beautiful Autumn Colours at Yoro Park |
The park is also home to the Site of Reversible Destiny (養老天命反転地). A conceptual art project that opened in 1995. According to their website, it is an “experience park” conceived on the theme of encountering the unexpected. By guiding visitors through various unexpected experiences as they walk through its component areas, the site offers them opportunities to rethink their physical and spiritual orientation to the world. The park is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and entry costs 710 yen (USD$7.10).
More Pictures of Yoro Park
Starting Point at Yoro Park |
Autumn Leaves at Yoro Park |
The Beautiful Path to Yoro Falls |
Lantern Shaped Light at Yoro Park |
The Famous Yoro Falls |
Red Autumn Leaves at Yoro Park |
Yoro Park Manhole Cover |
Yoro Park Information
Location: 1298-2 Takabayashi, Yoro-cho, Gifu Prefecture
Closed: Mondays & from December 29 to January 3
Admission: FREE to Yoro Park but entrance fees apply for the Site of Reversible Destiny
Access: Yoro Park can be reached by car with parking available. Public Transportation is also available with trains running from Ogaki to Yoro Station. From Nagoya take the JR Tokaido Line to Ogaki Station and then change to the Kintetsu Yoro Line. The park is a short 10 minute walk from Yoro Station.
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