7 Recommended Tourist Spots in Yoro Town, Gifu Prefecture! Head to the Town of the Legend Where Water from the Waterfall Turned into Sake

Located in the southwestern part of Gifu Prefecture, Yoro Town in Yoro District is famous for the filial piety tale where the water from the waterfall turned into sake. It is said that Emperor Genshō, who was visiting the area, recovered from an illness after washing her body in this waterfall’s water, and thereafter changed the era name to “Yōrō.” As a result of this story, many place names in the surrounding area were given the name “Yoro.” Let’s take a look at the tourist spots in Yoro Town.

1. The Number One Sightseeing Spot in Yoro: “Yoro Falls”

Yoro Falls, the most famous tourist destination in Yoro Town, is about 30 meters in height and about 4 meters wide. It is considered the birthplace of the Yoro filial piety legend.

Once upon a time in Mino Province, there lived a young man named Genjōnai, who collected firewood in the mountains every day to care for his elderly, blind father. His father’s only pleasure was sake. One day, as Genjōnai was gathering wood as usual, he was suddenly overcome by drowsiness and fell asleep. He awoke to a scent of sake in the air and discovered a spring from which sake was constantly flowing. Bringing this sake home and giving it to his father cured the father’s blindness. Hearing this story, the emperor at that time entrusted the protection of Mino Province to Genjōnai, according to legend. Within Yoro Park, you can find Kōshi (Filial Piety) Shrine, related to this origin tale, which also plays an important role for sightseeing.

2. Enjoy a Whole Day at “Yoro Park”

“Yoro Park,” a prefectural tourist park in Gifu, stretches from Yoro Falls on Mt. Yoro down to the prefectural road at the foot of the mountain, covering over 780,000 square meters. It is strongly characterized as a tourist hub, featuring numerous sightseeing facilities that take advantage of its vast space. Simply exploring the park can fill an entire day, which is its greatest appeal. Centered on the famous Yoro Falls, you can also explore historical sightseeing spots such as Yoro Shrine—home to the “Meisui Kikusui Spring”—and Yoro Temple while strolling around.

Make sure to visit the “Site of Reversible Destiny – Yoro Park,” an experiential art piece consisting of hills, depressions, 148 winding paths, and variously sized representations of the Japanese archipelago. In addition, there are facilities such as “Gifu Children’s Country,” where families can have fun together, “Yoro Park Golf Course” and “Yoro Putter Golf Course,” plus tennis courts and other sports facilities. At the food park area “Rakuichi Rakuza Yoro,” you can try local specialty dishes.

3. A Full Day of Fun! Yoro Park “Gifu Children’s Country”

Located within the grounds of Yoro Park, “Gifu Children’s Country” is more of a nature-friendly playground than an amusement park. Admission is free, so it’s perfectly fine for small children to run around to their hearts’ content! There are carts and tricycles on hand, allowing children to play safely. There is also a pool, so be sure to bring swimsuits in the summer.

There’s a “Children’s House” with indoor play equipment and a library where you can read picture books, a field playground called “Adventure Plaza,” plus “Wanpaku Plaza” and “Nakayoshi Plaza”—all sorts of fun areas. With sports facilities and places to enjoy seasonal flowers, it’s a park that can be enjoyed beyond mere sightseeing.

4. Satsuma Kaikozu Road! Yoro Gourmet Sightseeing “Yoro Yakiniku Highway”

A representative spot for gourmet sightseeing in Yoro is “Yoro Yakiniku Highway.” Nowadays, it’s safe to say it occupies a part of the sightseeing landscape. Many yakiniku (Japanese-style barbecue) restaurants operate in fierce competition along this highway, making it the perfect place to indulge in delicious meat in a gourmet sightseeing setting.

When it comes to Gifu tourism, you can’t miss “Hida beef.” All wagyu classified as black-haired cattle across Japan belong to the same bloodline, but their flavor differs according to their place of origin, environment, feed, and rearing conditions. Also, while foreign markets may have different preferences from Japanese consumers, the beautifully marbled wagyu is universally appreciated. Many overseas tourists even go out of their way to visit restaurants known for serving top-quality wagyu. Make sure to treat yourself to this guaranteed delight.

5. The Best View! “Zobisan Kofungun” (Zobisan Tomb Group)

A must-see for those interested in ancient history is Yoro Town’s “Zobisan Kofungun” (Zobisan Tomb Group). It’s not clear who is buried here, but over 70 tombs have been excavated so far, making it a large-scale site visited by many tourists.

These tombs in Yoro Town’s Zobisan area date from the 2nd to 6th centuries. The largest one is a keyhole-shaped tomb about 40 meters in total length. Artifacts discovered inside include a bronze mirror known as “Sōhōmon-kyō” (Double Phoenix Pattern Mirror), stone objects shaped like koto bridges, iron tools, and more, making it one of the oldest tourist spots in the prefecture.

Since these tombs stand more than 140 meters above sea level, you can take in distant views of the Nōbi Plain far below. Conversely, because of its location, the site is quite visible from afar, suggesting that a powerful local clan was buried here.

6. Enjoy an Art of Balance: “Site of Reversible Destiny – Yoro Park”

One of the recommended tourist attractions in Yoro is the “Site of Reversible Destiny – Yoro Park.” This facility allows you to experience the artwork by moving around inside it, making the facility itself a piece of art. This location was used as a set for the cover shoot of one of Kou Shibasaki’s CDs. Recently, it has also gained recognition after famous celebrities who visited posted photos on their blogs, further increasing its popularity among tourists.

The mysterious experience is genuine—like stepping into another world! The field comprises both indoor and outdoor sections, offering an unforgettable, surreal experience that can become addictive once you enter. Definitely give it a try!

7. A Spring of Youthful Water at “Yoro Shrine”

It is said that Empress Genshō came for an imperial visit (gyōkō) to “Yoro Shrine” after hearing about the Yoro filial piety legend—another legend that grew from the original. Even now, its miraculous water draws the attention of many tourists as the “Kikusui Reisen” (Chrysanthemum Water Spring). It is recorded that Empress Genshō visited this land in September of 717. Upon washing her hands and face at Kikusui Spring, her white hair turned black and she grew younger, the visually impaired recovered their sight, and those who were ill felt better. Such is the legend.

Each year, on the day of the spring equinox, the shrine conducts a ceremony called “Wakamizutori,” a ritual celebrating the arrival of spring, which also attracts many visitors. Moreover, in the waters of Kikusui Spring grows a somewhat unusual National Natural Monument: a red-colored algae called “Benimadara-mō.” Be sure to check it out when you visit!

◎ Summary of Tourist Spots in Yoro Town, Gifu Prefecture

Yoro Town in Gifu Prefecture boasts many sightseeing spots rooted in the legend of filial piety, including Yoro Falls—known for its lush greenery and brilliant autumn foliage—Yoro Park, which serves as both a local and tourist relaxation area and a famous spot for cherry blossoms, and Yoro Shrine with its legendary rejuvenating spring waters. While tracing the world of these legends in Yoro Town, you can also enjoy local gourmet food and hot springs.

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7 Recommended Tourist Spots in Yoro Town, Gifu Prefecture! Head to the Town of the Legend Where Water from the Waterfall Turned into Sake