Yoro Park is a prefectural urban park located in Yoro Town, Yoro District, Gifu Prefecture. It is renowned for its beautiful natural surroundings and historical attractions, particularly Yoro Falls, a celebrated waterfall associated with a traditional tale of filial devotion.
Covering an extensive area of approximately 78.5 hectares at the foot of Mount Yoro, the park offers spectacular scenery throughout the year. Cherry blossoms color the grounds in spring, while autumn brings vibrant foliage that transforms the surrounding mountains into a tapestry of seasonal colors.
Yoro Falls is famous for a traditional Japanese legend about a devoted woodcutter who discovered water said to have the power to restore youth. According to the story, he collected the miraculous water in a gourd and gave it to his father, who became younger after drinking it.
The waterfall has long attracted writers, poets, and artists. Even the celebrated ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai depicted it in his woodblock prints.
The waterfall itself is impressive, but the surrounding natural scenery is equally captivating. In spring, cherry blossoms blanket the park in shades of pink. In autumn, the mountains are covered in brilliant red, orange, and golden foliage, creating a beautiful seasonal panorama.
Yoro Park offers a variety of facilities and activities for visitors of all ages throughout the year. Highlights include the interactive contemporary art attraction Yoro Tenmei Hantenchi and Children’s Kingdom, a family-friendly area with playground equipment.
The history of Yoro Park is closely connected with the legend of its miraculous water. In 717, during the Yōrō era, reports of a spring in Mino Province whose water supposedly restored youth reached the imperial capital. Empress Genshō visited the area, and the story is traditionally associated with the adoption of the era name “Yōrō.” The legendary spring is believed to have been either Yoro Falls or Kikusui Spring.
The story of filial devotion associated with Yoro was also recorded in the medieval collection Jikkinshō, compiled in 1252. This long history of legends, religious traditions, and scenic beauty has helped establish the area as an important cultural destination.
Between 1765 and 1784, during the Edo period, Kijūrō Okamoto worked to develop Yoro Onsen. The historic Chitose-rō inn also opened during this period.
In 1879, Masayoshi Matsukata, then Minister of Finance, visited the area, helping to advance plans for the establishment of a public park.
On October 17, 1880, Yoro Park was officially established by government order. Its administration was transferred between different authorities over the years before coming under the management of Gifu Prefecture in 1923.
The park opened in 1880 and celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2020. Today, it remains one of Gifu Prefecture’s best-known parks, combining natural scenery, historical sites, art, and recreational facilities.
Yoro Falls is a spectacular waterfall measuring approximately 32 meters high and 4 meters wide. It has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Waterfalls and is the centerpiece of the park. The waterfall is particularly popular with visitors who wish to enjoy the surrounding forest scenery and learn about the legend of filial devotion.
Yoro Shrine is dedicated to Kukunochi-no-Kami? No—the deity enshrined here is Kukurihime-no-Kami. Within the shrine grounds lies Kikusui Spring, which has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Waters. The spring is associated with the local legend of water that restores youth.
Yoroji is a temple belonging to the Ōtani-ha branch of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism. The temple grounds preserve a number of historic buildings and offer visitors an opportunity to explore the area’s religious heritage.
Chitose-rō is a historic inn with a long tradition dating back to the mid-Edo period. Three of its buildings, including the main building, are registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan. The inn is an important reminder of the area’s history as a destination for visitors seeking relaxation and hot springs.
Yoro Tenmei Hantenchi is an extraordinary contemporary art attraction based on works by artists Shusaku Arakawa and Madeline Gins. Its unusual architecture, sloping surfaces, and unconventional spaces encourage visitors to experience the environment from unexpected perspectives.
Children’s Kingdom is a family-friendly recreational area featuring facilities and play spaces designed for younger visitors. It is an ideal place for families to enjoy outdoor activities together.
The park also offers a variety of leisure facilities, including Yoro Park Golf Course, a putting golf course, tennis courts, the Rakuichi Rakuza Yoro shopping and dining area, and the Yoro Camp Center. These facilities provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and family outings.
Yoro Park brings together the natural beauty of the foothills of Mount Yoro, the celebrated waterfall, historic temples and shrines, and distinctive contemporary art. Since its establishment in 1880, the park has remained a beloved destination for visitors seeking both cultural experiences and time in nature.
Whether admiring the waterfall, exploring the park’s historical sites, enjoying seasonal flowers and foliage, or experiencing its unique art installations, visitors can discover a different side of Gifu Prefecture throughout the year.