Yoro Park: Shrines, Waterfalls and an Art Theme Park!

History of Yoro Park

Yoro Park has a history of over 100 years. As a part of an order from the Meiji government, the park was established in 1880. For about the next 40 years, the park was under the control of local constituency. In 1923, the park was put under the hands of the prefectural government, and construction plans for expansion began. With the completion of the Site of Reversible Destiny, the park was finally complete in 1995.

Inside Yoro Park

Yoro Park can be divided into several areas. Here is an introduction to each area.

Yoro Falls Area

■Yoro Falls – 養老の滝

Yoro Falls

Yoro Falls is undoubtedly the most famous spot in the park, and is chosen as one of Japan’s 100 scenic falls. The fall elevation measures at about 30 meters, and locates in the most western area of the park. Aside from the falls itself, Yoro Falls is famous for its traditional legend behind it, titled “Koshi Monogatari” (孝子物語).

“Koshi Monogatari” takes place approximately 1300 years ago. A young man named Gen-jonai living in the area worked hard to take care of his sick, blind father. His father found joy in drinking alcohol, as he could not do much else due to his physical immobility, but alcohol was an expensive commodity.
One day, when Gen-jonai was out in the forest collecting firewood, he fainted from fatigue. He woke to the smell of alcohol, and followed the scent. To his surprise, he ended up at a spring flowing with alcohol, and he collected it to bring home to his father. His father regained his health as he drank the alcohol, and soon the magic effects of the spring’s alcohol became the talk of the town. The emperor heard of this story, and granted Gen-jonai the land of the area.

The name “Yoro 養老” was given to the land, as the emperor had described the land as “the heart of counteracting ageing (老) and replenishing (養) youthfulness. Because of this legend, people throughout Gifu prefecture cherish the waters of Yoro Falls.

■Yoro-jinja Shrine

Yoro-jinja Shrine

Yoro-jinja enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, widely known in Japan as the god of learning. Within the shrine is Kikusuisen, a spring known as one of Japan’s three famous springs. In fact, the spring is said to be the one from the “Koshi Monogatari” legend. Visitors can try drinking the water.

■Seven Bridges

The bridge

Inside the park is a small stream, and across the western portion of the stream are 7 bridges extending over it. The seven bridges harmonize beautifully with the surrounding nature.

■Furoga-ike Pond

Furoga-ike Pond

Following the stream flowing from Kikusui-sen, you will arrive at Fuoga-ike Pond. The pond’s waters are high in transparency due to the exceptional quality of Kikusui-sen. Inside the pond are small fishes, which you can see clearly from above. The view is especially impressive during the fall, with the colored leaves reflecting in the water.

■Yoro-ji Temple

Yoro-ji Temple

Yoro-ji Temple is said to be created by Gen-jonai from the “Koshi Monogatari” legend. The temple is famous for answering prayers related to longevity. Though the temple burned down in 1560, it was rebuilt during the Edo Period (1603 – 1868). Inside, you can find a statue of the 11-headed bodhisattva, which is a designated national cultural property.

The Site of Reversible Destiny

The Site of Reversible Destiny's Office

From just the name, The Site of Reversible Destiny, you might not get an idea of what it exactly is, but it is actually a artistic theme park. World-renowned artists Arakawa Shusaku and Madeline Gins collaborated on this project, and the whole area is like one huge art project. The concept of the park, which is artistic in the most bizarre way possible, is said to have taken over 30 years to brainstorm.

The Site of Reversible Destiny

The Site of Reversible Destiny is divided into two areas, the main pavilion named the “Critical Resemblance House” and the “Ellpitical Field”. With over 148 unique, strange paths and spaces, the Site of Reversible Destiny aims for visitors to challenge their perspectives to see the world in a new, quirky light.

【Opening hours】
9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. (last entry at 4:30p.m.)

【Closed】
Mondays and year-end holidays

【Fees】
General: ¥750
High school students: ¥500
Elementary/junior high school students: ¥300

“Children’s Land” Kodomo no Kuni

“Children’s Land”

For those with children, a visit to Kodomo no Kuni is a must! Located in the eastern portion of the park, Kodomo no Kuni is a play area geared with playground equipment, sporting fields and even tricycles. There is even a swimming pool open during the summer time that children under the third grade can use free of charge.

There is also an indoor facility, called Kodomo no Ie (Children’s House), stocked with toys and picture books. Kodomo no Ie is prefect for rainy days.

Sports Area – スポーツエリア

You can play golf recreationally here in the sports area. Golf tends to be time consuming and expensive, but here you can enjoy it for 1/3 of the time and for a fraction of the cost! The course only has 6 holes, which is a third of the regular 18 hoe course, and uses Cayman golf balls which are less than half of the weight of a regular golf ball, making it easier for beginner golfers. You can rental golf equipment here too, so you don’t need to have your own set to enjoy golfing.

【Opening hours】
9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. (last entry at 4:00p.m.)

【Closed】
Mondays and year-end holidays

【Fees】
Weekdays:
・ General: ¥1080
・ 65 and up: ¥860

Weekends and Holidays:
・ General: ¥1510
・ 64 and up: ¥1300

*Discounts available for players playing more than 2 rounds
*Elementary school students and younger not allowed
*Rental fees are not included

Though children in elementary school and below cannot play on the Cayman ball golf course, they can play o the Yoro Putter Golf Course. Two of the three courses are putter golf courses.
【Opening hours】
9:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. (last entry at 3:00p.m.)

【Closed】
Mondays and year-end holidays

【Fees】
General: ¥430
Junior high school students and younger: ¥220

*Equipment rental is free of charge.

Next to the putter courses are 8 tennis courts. You can rent out the courts at reasonable prices. Check out the official website for more information.

■Rakuichi Rakuza Food Park
After a long day of playing and moving, you deserve some good food! At Rakuichi Rakuza Food Park, you can enjoy foods of five different themes: local cuisine, local beer, cafeteria, noodles and snacks. At the local cuisine and local beer areas, you can enjoy meals and drinks made in the Yoro area. In the spring, you can enjoy your feast under the blossoming cherry blossom trees.

【Opening hours】
10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. (last order at 4:00p.m.)

■Yoro Land

Right next to Rakuichi Rakuza Food Park is Yoro Land, an amusement park for children. The amusement facility has indoor and outdoor rides, and even a petting zoo.
【Opening hours】
9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
Petting zoo: 10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.

【Closed】
Tuesdays

【Fees】
General: ¥600
Children: ¥400
*Rides are not included. Each ride ranges from ¥100 to ¥400.

Events

Yoro Park hosts many different events throughout the year. There are illuminations, mini-concerts and food festivals held in the park and at the falls. Check the official website for more the schedule and details.

On your next break, Yoro Park is the place to go

Yoro Park in fall

Yoro park, an area with nature, history, art, attractions, and foods! The park is beautiful during all four season, but the most beautiful by far is during the Autumn. The red and yellow leaves that paint over the entire canvas is truly breath-taking.

Also, the camping center is open from April to November, so you can enjoy a nice, "at-home" atmosphere while having fun!

Access

Nearest Station: Yoro Station (Yoro Railway)

From Gifu Station 岐阜駅

JR Tokaido Line / for Ogaki
→【Ogaki Sta.】－ Yoro Railway Yoro Line / for Kuwana
→【Yoro Sta.】－ about a 10-minute walk

From Nagoya Station 名古屋駅

JR Express Mie No.7 / for Toba
→【Kuwana Sta.】－ Yoro Railway Yoro Line / for Ogaki
→【Yoro Sta.】－ about a 10-minute walk

From Chubu Centrair International Airport 中部国際空港

Meitetsu Airport Line / for Shinkani
→【Meitetsu Nagoya Sta.】－ about a 3-minute walk
→【Kintetsu Nagoya Sta.】－ Kintetsu Nagoya Express / for Isuzugawa
→【Kuwana Sta.】－ Yoro Railway Yoro Line / for Ogaki
→【Yoro Sta.】－ about a 10-minute walk

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