A grand waterfall that is indispensable for Izu tourism
Joren-no-Taki is the most scenic spot in the Izu area. It is said that the name for the waterfall was derived from Joren-ji Temple that used to be located near the waterfall. It was once a place of mystery since it couldn’t be easily accessed by people in the distant past, but a path to it was opened at the end of the Meiji Era. To reach it, you have to go down the 200 steps from the free parking area. Walking down is a bit treacherous so it’s recommended that comfortable shoes be worn. Joren-no-Taki is a large waterfall that is 25m high and 7m wide, and is one of Japan’s 100 Great Waterfalls. Its appearance within a tranquil atmosphere while the water flows noisily down makes for a fully spectacular experience. Around the waterfall and at the bedrock of the basin, there is a special species of fern known as Woodwardia unigemmata growing. The entire area is overflowing with negative ions, and even in the summer, you are totally enveloped in a refreshingly cool atmosphere.
Plenty of sights to see around the waterfall basin including mountain stream fishing and wasabi farms
The Amagi International Trout Fishing Pond is located downstream from the waterfall’s basin where rainbow trout and red spotted masu trout which is known as the Queen of the Mountain Stream are released. Fishing can be enjoyed throughout the year and the fish can be taken home for a fee. Also there are rental portable stoves which can be used to grill the fish right there. Even beginners can easily enjoy themselves fishing in the stream. As well, along the stream, there are wasabi farms which are famous in the Amagi area. Nearby Joren-no-Taki at the Maruiwa Ando Wasabi Shop, there are products which include the wasabi from the farms. Among these is the popular wasabi ice cream. Once you order some, freshly-grated wasabi is placed on top of the ice cream where the refreshingly sharp taste of the wasabi makes an unexpectedly good match. There are even plenty of souvenir shops and eateries right by the parking area where you can obtain unique items such as wasabi pickles and beer that uses wasabi as well.