Kumamoto

<p>The twin falls of Meoto-take just outside Kurokawa Onsen</p>

The twin falls of Meoto-take just outside Kurokawa Onsen (Photo: Mandy Bartok)

Kumamoto

Meoto Waterfall

A dual cascade outside of Kurokawa Onsen

Mandy Bartok Dec 08, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The twin falls of Meoto-take just outside Kurokawa Onsen</p>

<p>The steps down to the falls are lined with paper hearts in homage to the legend of the falls</p>

<p>It's a peaceful area but there aren't many places to sit and enjoy the scene</p>

<p>A close-up on the left falls</p>

<p>The falls on the right side</p>

<p>A view of the surrounding hills from the path to the waterfall</p>

<p>The sign for the waterfall is only in Japanese so keep your eyes peeled</p>

Just outside the town of Kurokawa Onsen, a steep metal staircase leads down to the dual waterfalls of Meoto-taki. The cascade on the left is termed the otoko (man) falls, while the one on the right is the onna (woman) falls. According to local legend, the two waterfalls represent a samurai and a farm girl, the main characters in their own story of star-crossed love. Despite the apparently tragic fate of the two lovers, this is still a popular spot for young couples to visit.

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok

Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.