[Access] Approx. 30 minutes by car from Ken-O Expressway Kisarazu Higashi IC
[Webpage] Yoro Valley Onsenkyo – Tenryuso (Japanese)

I came across a story about Awamata Falls, where people enjoy sliding down the gentle waterfall like a natural waterslide, so we decided to take a day trip there. Upon arrival, I saw many children having fun sliding down the falls. However, I thought it might be a bit too challenging for younger kids.

The area downstream of Awamata Falls transforms into a calm, gentle river where even small children can safely play, searching for fish or enjoying nature in their own way. The riverside path is shaded by trees, creating cozy spots to rest, albeit narrow. We brought a bug-catching net, and my child used it to catch small fish from the stream.

The waterfall itself isn’t particularly steep, making it possible to slide down like a waterslide. However, the uneven surface in some places could be a bit painful if you’re not careful. Because of this, it may not be the best for very young children.

After playing at the falls, we stopped by Tenryuso, part of the Yoro Valley Onsenkyo, instead of taking a longer detour to Kameyama Onsen. The hot springs in this area are famous for their kuroyu – a dark, cola-colored spring water. The water is gentle on the skin and has a smooth texture that makes it easy to soak in. While I don’t think I’d plan to stay overnight, it was a nice way to unwind after a day of playing in the valley.