Hiryu Falls
nature
Hiryu Falls
跳龍の滝
Overview
Hiryu means “flying dragon” in Japanese, and with a little imagination, one can imagine this two-tiered waterfall in the middle of a lush forest living up to its mythic name.
Hiryu Falls in Hakone drops in two stages through dense forest: a 15-meter upper fall hits a rock pool, then plunges another 25 meters before disappearing into the greenery below. Historical records show the falls have been significant since the Kamakura period, when Buddhist priests used the icy water for ascetic training, meditating beneath the flow to purify the mind. Reaching them still requires some effort: a 45-minute hike from Hatajuku or a 30-minute downhill walk from the Ashinoyu area. Both trails are unpaved and can be slippery. Arriving in the morning gives the best light through the canopy.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 跳龍の滝
- Nearest station
- Kowakidani Station (10 min bus)
- Payment
- Cards accepted
- Reservations
- not required
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