Complete Guide to Yoro Park (Gifu Prefecture) | Thorough Explanation of Facilities, Access, and How to Enjoy from Yoro Waterfall to Yoro Reversed Destiny Field
Yoro Park, located in Yoro Town, Yoro District, Gifu Prefecture, is a vast municipal park operated by Gifu Prefecture with a total area of approximately 786,000 square meters. Scattered throughout the park, which takes advantage of the natural topography at the foot of Yoro Mountain, are diverse facilities including the “Yoro Waterfall,” selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, the world-renowned art installation “Yoro Reversed Destiny Field,” and the popular “Gifu Prefecture Children’s Country.” This article comprehensively covers information you should know before your visit, from the park’s history to details about each facility, access methods, and event information.
History and Overview of Yoro Park
A Historic Park Dating Back to the Meiji Era
Yoro Park was established in October of the 13th year of the Meiji era (1880), following the Cabinet Order No. 16 “Establishment of Parks” in the 6th year of the Meiji era (1873), making it one of Japan’s parks with significant historical importance. Initially operated by the “Kairaku-sha,” a local elite organization, it was later transferred to the management of Tagi County in July of the 25th year of Meiji (1892), then to Yoro County in December of the 30th year of Meiji (1897). In March of the 12th year of Taisho (1923), it came under the management of Gifu Prefecture as a prefectural park, continuing to the present day.
History of Staged Development
The modern development of Yoro Park has proceeded in stages. From fiscal year 1965 onward, approximately 30 hectares were developed as Phase 1. From fiscal year 1974 through fiscal year 1983, Phase 2 development covered approximately 24 hectares, with parking lots, walking paths, Gifu Prefecture Children’s Country, tennis courts, and a tree specimen garden being developed. Through such continuous development, Yoro Park has evolved into a comprehensive park where nature, culture, and recreational facilities are in harmony.
Basic Information About Yoro Park
Location: 1298-2 Takabayashi, Yoro Town, Yoro District, Gifu Prefecture
Total Area: Approximately 786,000 square meters (78.5 hectares)
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by facility)
Closed Days: Every Tuesday (or the following day if Tuesday is a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3)
Inquiries: 0584-32-0501 (Yoro Park Office)
Main Facilities at Yoro Park
Yoro Waterfall | A Famous Cascade Selected for Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls
The “Yoro Waterfall,” which can be considered the symbol of Yoro Park, is a famous waterfall approximately 30 meters high and 4 meters wide, selected for Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. The water flowing from the Yoro Mountain system is clear and pure, and has long been known through the “tale of filial piety.” When the Emperor Genshow visited, it was praised as a fountain of youth, and became the origin of the name Yoro.
The waterfall is approximately 50 minutes on foot from Yoro Station, or approximately 30 minutes (approximately 1.2 kilometers) on foot from the Yoro Waterfall Entrance parking lot. The walking trail is well-maintained, but with gentle uphill slopes continuing throughout, we recommend visiting in comfortable shoes. You can enjoy nature’s beauty throughout the four seasons, with the new greenery season and autumn foliage season being particularly crowded with tourists.
Yoro Reversed Destiny Field | An Interactive Art Installation by a World-Renowned Artist
Yoro Reversed Destiny Field is an interactive art facility created by world-renowned artist Shusaku Arakawa and his partner Madeline Gins. Opened in 1995, the facility consists of two main areas: “House of the Limits of Resemblance” and “Oval Field.”
The “House of the Limits of Resemblance” is a strange space where the floor is tilted and the ceiling becomes lower and higher, challenging the human sense of balance. The “Oval Field” is a topographically varied terrain with 148 pavilions arranged throughout, offering a maze-like experience.
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Admission: Adults ¥770, High school students ¥510, Elementary and middle school children ¥310, Children under elementary school age free
Closed Days: Every Tuesday (or the following day if Tuesday is a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays
When visiting, comfortable clothing and non-slip shoes are essential. The facility features rough terrain and offers unexpected experiences, making it popular for social media sharing, with many posts using the official hashtags “#my反転地” and “#my養老公園.”
Gifu Prefecture Children’s Country | Child-Friendly Facility Where Kids Can Play in Nature
Gifu Prefecture Children’s Country is a child-friendly facility with plenty of places to play utilizing nature. There are multiple areas where children can play freely, including the spacious “Nobi Nobi Hiroba” (Open Space), “Bouken Hiroba” (Adventure Space) with field athletics, and “Wanpaku Hiroba” (Energetic Space) with abundant play equipment.
Main Facilities:
- Children’s Pool (summer only)
- Children’s House (indoor play area)
- Grass open space
- Athletics equipment
- Craft workshops (held regularly)
- Storytime reading events
Admission: Free (some facilities have fees)
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Children’s Country is free to enter and has indoor facilities that are unaffected by weather, making it a popular spot for families.
Sports Facilities | Tennis Courts and Miniature Golf Course
Yoro Park also features well-equipped sports facilities.
Yoro Tennis Court has four all-weather courts and accommodates both individual and group use. Advance reservations are recommended.
Yoro Miniature Golf Course is an 18-hole course that takes advantage of natural topography, enjoyable for both beginners and experienced players. It’s ideal for family and group recreation.
Usage Fees: Vary by facility; advance confirmation on the official website is recommended.
Reservations and Inquiries: Yoro Park Office (0584-32-0501)
Other Facilities
Camping Ground: A campsite surrounded by nature that accommodates day camping and tent stays.
Yoro Shrine and Yoro Temple: Historic shrines and temples located along the approach to Yoro Waterfall.
Tree Specimen Garden: Features a diverse array of trees and is suitable for plant observation and nature study.
Restaurants and Shops: The park has multiple dining spots and local specialty shops where you can purchase souvenirs.
Access Methods and Parking Information
Access by Train
Nearest Station: Yoro Railway “Yoro Station”
From JR Ogaki Station:
- Transfer to Yoro Railway at JR Ogaki Station
- Approximately 30 minutes to Yoro Station
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Yoro Station to Yoro Park
- Approximately 50 minutes on foot from Yoro Station to Yoro Waterfall
The distance from Yoro Station to major facilities is within walking distance to Yoro Reversed Destiny Field and Gifu Prefecture Children’s Country, but considerable distance to Yoro Waterfall, so those lacking confidence in their stamina should consider using taxis or rental bicycles.
Access by Car
From Tokai Ring Expressway:
- Exit at Yoro IC, approximately 10 minutes
From Meishin Expressway:
- Exit at Ogaki IC, approximately 20 minutes
- Exit at Sekigahara IC, approximately 25 minutes
Parking Information
Yoro Park has multiple parking lots, allowing visitors to choose the appropriate lot based on their destination.
Yoro Park Parking Lot No. 1: Near Yoro Reversed Destiny Field and Gifu Prefecture Children’s Country
- Capacity: Approximately 300 vehicles
- Fee: Regular cars ¥300, large vehicles ¥840
Yoro Waterfall Entrance Parking Lot: Closest to Yoro Waterfall
- Capacity: Approximately 150 vehicles
- Fee: Regular cars ¥300
- Approximately 30 minutes on foot (1.2 km) to Yoro Waterfall
Other Parking Lots: Multiple parking lots throughout the park
On weekends and tourist seasons (cherry blossom and autumn foliage periods), parking lots tend to be congested, so early arrival is recommended.
How to Enjoy Throughout the Four Seasons
Spring | Season of Cherry Blossoms and New Greenery
From late March to early April, approximately 3,000 cherry blossom trees bloom throughout Yoro Park. Centered on Yoshino cherry blossoms with many other varieties available, walking through cherry blossom tunnels is an exceptional experience. During cherry blossom season, “cherry blossom festivals” and other events are held, attracting many hanami viewers.
In May during the new greenery season, the vegetation around Yoro Waterfall becomes vibrant, allowing for hiking that lets you feel negative ions.
Summer | Pools and Camping
The “Children’s Pool,” opened seasonally during summer, is hugely popular with children. The facility offers circulation pools, water slides, and other amenities for cooling off during hot summers.
Additionally, the campground allows camping experiences surrounded by greenery, with many families visiting during summer vacation.
Autumn | A Famous Autumn Foliage Spot
From early to late November, Yoro Park is known as a famous autumn foliage spot. Especially along the walking path to Yoro Waterfall, Japanese maple and other maple trees change color, creating a spectacular contrast between the waterfall and autumn leaves. The autumn foliage around Yoro Reversed Destiny Field is also beautiful, offering scenery that blends art and nature.
Winter | Leisurely Walking in Silence
Winter at Yoro Park has relatively few visitors, allowing for quiet, leisurely strolling. With luck, you may see Yoro Waterfall frozen as an “ice waterfall.” The clear air makes scenery visible and crisp, making it an ideal season for photography.
Events and Experience Programs
Regularly Held Events
Various events are held throughout the year at Yoro Park.
Spring Events:
- Cherry Blossom Festival (late March to early April)
- Children’s Day Events (May)
Summer Events:
- Summer Festival (July to August)
- Night pool opening (limited period)
Autumn Events:
- Autumn Craft Market in Yoro Park
- Autumn foliage illumination (November)
Winter Events:
- Winter nature observation walks
- New Year events
Experience Programs
Gifu Prefecture Children’s Country regularly holds craft workshops and nature experience programs. Woodworking classes, pottery experiences, nature observation walks, and other programs that foster children’s creativity are abundant.
Yoro Reversed Destiny Field offers experiences engaging body sensations through art and is also used for school field trips and corporate training.
Group Utilization and Group Reservations
School events, corporate recreation, group travel, and other group activities are possible. Some facilities require advance reservations for group use, so early contact with the Yoro Park Office is recommended.
Group Discount: Some facilities such as Yoro Reversed Destiny Field offer discounted rates for groups of 20 or more.
Group Programs: Guided tours and customized experience programs are available upon consultation.
Dining and Souvenir Information
Dining Spots in the Park
Multiple dining facilities within Yoro Park serve food made with local ingredients and light meals.
Restaurant Kaede: A full-service restaurant within Yoro Park offering set meals, udon, soba, and other dishes using local vegetables.
Shops and Cafes: Light refreshments, drinks, ice cream, and other items are available, perfect for taking a break during your walk.
Tea Houses Near Yoro Waterfall: Tea houses along the path to the waterfall serve “Yoro Soda,” “mugwort rice cakes,” and other local specialties.
Recommended Souvenirs
Yoro Soda: A popular local product made with the pure water of Yoro
Yoro Waterfall Crackers: Representative confection of Yoro
Local Sake: Japanese sake made with the clean water of Yoro
Yoro Reversed Destiny Field Goods: Original merchandise and art-related products
Local Agricultural Products: Seasonal vegetables and fruits
Information to Know Before Your Visit
Clothing and Items to Bring
When going to Yoro Waterfall:
- Comfortable sneakers or hiking boots
- Easy-to-move-in clothing
- Drinking water for hydration
- Towel (you may get splashed by waterfall spray)
When going to Yoro Reversed Destiny Field:
- Non-slip shoes (heels and sandals are prohibited)
- Clothing that can get dirty
- Hat (sun protection)
- Camera (many Instagram-worthy spots)
Expected Time Requirements
Yoro Waterfall only: Round trip approximately 2 to 3 hours
Yoro Reversed Destiny Field only: 1.5 to 2 hours
Gifu Prefecture Children’s Country: 2 to 3 hours
Enjoying the entire park thoroughly: Half day to full day
Barrier-Free Information
Some facilities at Yoro Park have barrier-free accommodations, but the walking path to Yoro Waterfall and Yoro Reversed Destiny Field have rough terrain and are difficult to navigate by wheelchair. For details on barrier-free accommodations, we recommend contacting the Yoro Park Office in advance.
Pets
Pets may enter the park, but some facilities have entry restrictions. Leashes are mandatory, and responsible use following proper etiquette is required. Some facilities such as Yoro Reversed Destiny Field prohibit pets, so advance confirmation is necessary.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Yoro Hot Springs
Yoro Hot Springs, approximately 10 minutes by car from Yoro Park, has well-equipped day-use hot spring facilities. A plan to soak in the hot springs after strolling through the park is also recommended.
Nanno Hot Springs Suishou-no-Yu
Located in Kaizu City, neighboring Yoro Town, this day-use hot spring facility is renowned for the wonderful views from its outdoor bath.
Chiyoho Inari Shrine (Ochobo-san)
Famous as a shrine devoted to business prosperity, Chiyoho Inari Shrine is approximately 30 minutes by car from Yoro Park. The approach is full of gourmet dining including skewered fried foods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is admission required to enter Yoro Park?
A1: Admission to Yoro Park itself is free. However, some facilities such as Yoro Reversed Destiny Field charge admission. Parking is paid (regular cars ¥300).
Q2: Can I drive to Yoro Waterfall?
A2: You cannot drive directly to Yoro Waterfall. From the closest “Yoro Waterfall Entrance Parking Lot,” you must walk approximately 30 minutes (1.2 km) along a designated walking path.
Q3: Can it be enjoyed on rainy days?
A3: Gifu Prefecture Children’s Country has indoor facilities that can be enjoyed even in rain. However, Yoro Waterfall and Yoro Reversed Destiny Field are outdoor facilities, so rainy conditions make them slippery and dangerous.
Q4: What are the operating hours and closed days?
A4: Basic operating hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by facility), and closed days are every Tuesday (or the following day if Tuesday is a holiday) and year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3). However, this varies by facility, so we recommend confirming on the official website before your visit.
Q5: Can I bring my own bento lunch?
A5: Yoro Park has numerous grassy areas and rest spaces where bringing lunch is permitted. You can enjoy a picnic atmosphere. However, please remember to take all trash with you when you leave.
Q6: When is the park most crowded?
A6: The cherry blossom season (late March to early April), Golden Week, summer vacation, and autumn foliage season (November) are particularly crowded. For those wanting to avoid crowds, weekday visits are recommended.
Q7: Can families with children enjoy a full day?
A7: Gifu Prefecture Children’s Country alone offers over half a day of enjoyment. Including the pool during summer season and Yoro Reversed Destiny Field, you can enjoy a full day of activities.
Q8: From what age can children enjoy Yoro Reversed Destiny Field?
A8: Elementary school age and above is recommended, but children under elementary school age may enter if accompanied by a guardian. However, given the rough terrain and risk of falling, special care is required when bringing small children.
Conclusion
Yoro Park (Gifu Prefecture) is a comprehensive park with diverse attractions including the historic waterfall “Yoro Waterfall,” the world-renowned art installation “Yoro Reversed Destiny Field,” and “Gifu Prefecture Children’s Country” where children can play in nature. With cherry blossoms in spring, pools in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and the quiet of winter, it offers enjoyment throughout the four seasons and accommodates diverse groups from families to couples to friend groups.
The excellent accessibility within walking distance of Yoro Railway’s “Yoro Station,” coupled with adequate parking, makes the location easy to reach by both train and car. With dining facilities and souvenir shops within the park, you can spend a full day leisurely. When visiting, prepare appropriate clothing and items based on your destination, confirm the latest operating hours and event information on the official website before heading out. Create unforgettable memories at Yoro Park, where nature, art, and history converge.
