Yōrō (養老町 Yōrō-chō) is a small town in southwestern Gifu Prefecture, Japan nestled between the farming land of greater Nagoya and the mountains.
Understand
Yōrō lies at the foot of the mountains and is a popular momiji (autumn colours) viewing spot of central Japan. It is also the region chosen by the architectural duo Arakawa-Ginz to be first turned into their vision of the future.
Get in
The local Kintetsu Yoro train line running from Ogaki to Kuwana stops at Yōrō about halfway.
Nexco also upkeeps an expressway service area and interchange on the northern fringe of town.
Get around
Walk, or if you are staying over, hop in the courtesy car that most local onsen-resorts provide.
See
Autumn colours and waterfalls in the nearby mountains. Numerous hiking courses exist as well as a chairlift.
Do
- Site of Reversible Destiny (養老天命反転地), 35.282102°, 136.550584°. Fall on your arse. No, seriously. Although part of a broader, unfinished vision for Yōrō, this site is for all intents and purposes a theme park where the theme is you, yes you, falling on your butt. Its sloped surfaces and utterly bizarre design is intended to disorient visitors. Try not to miss the pitch-black tunnel system on the northwest side, but don't worry, there's no creepy crawlies living in there! The grand artistic vision is essentially that people rely on their physical senses too little and that peoples' lives can be made to revolve around navigating man-made objects (namely their houses). The gift shop stocks helmets. ¥710 2020-08-01
- YORO Rando (養老), 1155-2 Yoro, 35.284620°, 136.548773°, +81 584 32 3456. W-M 09:00-17:00. Amusement parks with inside and outside rides for young kids. 2020-08-01
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
There are a tonne of upmarket onsen resorts a ways north-west of the train station.
Connect
Stay safe
Yōrō Park is still open during mild rain, so while it is undoubtedly more fun this way, be careful.