Jōren Falls, Waterfall in Yugashima district, Izu, Japan

Jōren Falls is a waterfall in the Yugashima district of the Izu Peninsula, where water drops from basalt cliffs about 25 meters tall (82 feet) and 7 meters wide (23 feet) into the Kano River. The water flows into a pool area surrounded by rocks and vegetation on both banks.

The falls drop over basalt lava that flowed from the Hachikubo-yama scoria cone of the eastern Izu volcanic group about 17,000 years ago. Until the Meiji era the cliffs and gorge kept people away; a philanthropist then opened a path down to the falls. In 1990 the Ministry of the Environment listed it among Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls.

The name ties to the Jorogumo, a spider from old stories that could change into a woman. Visitors today see the falls as part of the Izu Peninsula landscape and come for photos or walking.

Stairs lead down from an upper area with parking and shops to viewing platforms by the water. Visitors should watch their step in rain, as the stairs can become slippery.

Wasabi plants grow along the river banks below the falls, where the cool and clean water creates conditions for this sharp-tasting root vegetable. The Amagi area wasabi fields rank among the most well-known in Japan.