Shirai Falls, Natural waterfall in Tōon, Japan
Shirai Falls is a 96-meter-high waterfall in Toon that cascades through dense forest, creating multiple streams of water. The flows converge as they descend into the mountain valley below, forming an active natural system.
Local records from Ehime Prefecture document the waterfall's presence since the Edo period. It served farming communities nearby as a vital water source for generations.
The waterfall takes its name from a local word for wild boar, connecting to ancient hunting traditions that remain part of regional memory. This link to the past shows how people have long understood their relationship with the natural world here.
Access is via a mountain path where walking sticks are available at the trailhead, especially useful during winter months. The path can be slippery in cold conditions, so extra caution is recommended then.
During winter months, roughly a third of the waterfall transforms into ice formations when temperatures drop below freezing. This seasonal change dramatically alters the appearance of the site and draws visitors seeking to experience its frozen form.
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