I went to Uriwari Falls, which was introduced in a book like “100 Scenic Spots in Japan You Must Visit While You Live.”
It’s a little on the other side of Lake Biwa, so I thought it would be close, so I took the lower route, but I got caught in the slow flow on a weekday afternoon, and it’s no secret that it took about 4 hours each way.
Now, I’ll quote from Street View where I forgot to take photos, but there is a fairly large free parking lot, so if you avoid weekends and holidays, you won’t have to worry about finding a parking spot.
There seemed to be a spot in the back where you could get water for free, and it was crowded with elderly locals.
I also park my car.
It was too hot and too far, so this time I didn’t go with a roadster, but rather a Prius, which has a reputation for comfort and fuel efficiency.
It wasn’t as hot as the sweaty heat of midsummer, but it wasn’t cool enough either. Even in mid-September, it seems difficult to go out comfortably unless it’s very cloudy or the wind blows.
Now, if you enter the park from the east side rather than from the store side, you will see a pond and weeping cherry blossoms.
A space full of atmosphere. If you make the effort to come, we recommend that you also enjoy Wakasa Uriwari Meisui Park.
It’s located just east of Tentokuji Kaikan, marked with a blue pond mark. Many carp are swimming happily.
When I watch them from shallow water, I see them come ashore in search of food.
Perhaps my feelings were conveyed to me, “It’s all fat, bland, and delicious.” When I approached it, it ran away in a panic.
Although it doesn’t seem like there is a clearly defined route or map, you won’t get lost. Let’s proceed south while enjoying the majestic natural scenery while opening it on Google Maps.
Along the way, you will see a splendid building called “Eirei-den” on your left. It had such a beautiful shape that it wouldn’t be strange to see it in Kyoto or Nara.
Well, there’s a sign posted, so I don’t think you’ll get lost. You will be hiking in the mountains for just a few tens of seconds to a few minutes.
There’s nothing to worry about.
The distance is such that if you prepare yourself, you will arrive soon when you are mentally prepared. I went there normally with Crocs.
And here is Uriwari Falls. As the word “wari” suggests, the water flows through many branches.
You can feel Japan’s ancient nature and its majesty worthy of worship.
However, when I saw enlarged/zoomed photos like the one below on the internet or in books, my first impression was, “Isn’t it small?”
I want you to imagine it. Something of this magnitude…
This is how I expanded it and used it.
The image and reality are also different.
I just want you to feel safe. It’s a good spot where you can laugh at such things.
For me, I rather appreciate the fact that it doesn’t feel like a “uniform tourist destination.”
There’s a large free parking lot, public restrooms, vending machines, and a shopping street that says, “Let’s walk, and if you’re lucky, buy a few things and eat.” “Let’s go here next weekend” type introductions on TV and in magazines.
There is no sense that the area is being used for population reasons, and instead there is a sign saying, “This is an ancient place of worship, so please do not desecrate it.” I love that kind of atmosphere.
The moss-covered waterwheel continues to rotate without anyone seeing it, and without its rotational energy being used for anything. Take care.
It was a spot where you could feel the richness of Japan’s water resources.
It was empty this time, but it might be crowded on Saturdays and Sundays.
