Ryumon Falls, Two-tier waterfall in Aira, Japan
Ryumon Falls cascades down in two distinct tiers with a height of roughly 46 meters and a span of about 43 meters, situated within the Tsukushi Lava Plateau. The formation displays two separate levels carved by water flowing over the volcanic stone surfaces.
A Chinese Buddhist monk named Lanxi Daolong discovered this location during the Kamakura Period and named it after a similar waterfall formation in Henan Province. The naming reflects the connection to religious teachings that traveled to the region during that era.
The falls become a gathering place for families during summer, when local traditions of sliding down the wet rock slopes on boards emerge as a popular seasonal activity. This practice turns the location into a social hub where people engage directly with the water and stone formations.
The location is about 15 minutes by car from the Kokonoe exit on the Oita Expressway, and an entrance shop offers rental equipment for water-based activities. Visitors can easily access gear on-site without needing to bring their own supplies.
During summer months this location transforms into a natural water park where families use specialized boards to slide down the rock face. This seasonal shift makes it an unusual destination where recreation and geology merge.
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