Yōrō Falls, Waterfall in Yoro, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
Yōrō Falls is a 32-metre-high, 4-metre-wide waterfall in Yōrō Park, Gifu Prefecture, where a white column of water drops down a dark, uneven rock face. Near the base it breaks over protruding rocks into several short stepped streams, with green vegetation edging the rock on both sides.
Empress Genshō visited the falls and, according to the edict quoted in the sources, renamed the third year of Reiki as Yōrō 1, declaring a general amnesty; the era name gave the site its name. The sources record no shrine at the falls. The waterfall was later selected for Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls and, together with Kikusui Spring, for the Top 100 Waters.
An old legend tells of a woodcutter who drew water from this cascade and noticed it tasted like rice wine to his ailing father. The story connects the site to filial devotion and became a symbol for healing through natural water in this part of Gifu.
From the car park, a steep 700–800 m road climbs to the falls; a second car park sits nearer the top. The tourist lift from about halfway is currently out of service. The falls are roughly 4 km from Yōrō Station, and the Tōkai Nature Trail passes through the park.
Water from this cascade is used to produce Yōrō Sanroku Cider, a carbonated soft drink made in the area. Bottles of the beverage are sold in local shops around the park and provide a direct link to the source.
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