Doryu Falls, Waterfall in Hokuto, Japan
Doryu Falls is a waterfall in the Kawamatagawa Valley where water flows through multiple paths down moss-covered rocks. The formation has an average width of about 15 meters (49 feet) and drops approximately 10 meters (33 feet), with surrounding vegetation framing the descent.
The name comes from the way water cascades down the rocks, resembling the image of a dragon spouting water from its mouth, which holds significance in Japanese culture. This naming reflects the traditional connection between natural formations and mythological imagery.
The waterfall became known after appearing in the opening sequence of a Japanese television series, attracting many photographers and nature lovers to the location. This media presence has made the spot popular with people who visit natural settings from films and television shows.
Access is through a roughly ten-minute forest walk from the parking area, requiring a crossing of the Kawamatagawa River via a narrow bridge beneath a railway passage. The ground is relatively easy to reach but requires proper footwear for the mossy and wet terrain.
During winter months, the waterfall transforms as icicles form along the rocks while snow accumulates on the surrounding moss and forest vegetation. This seasonal change offers a completely different visual appearance compared to other times of the year.
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