Romon Falls is a serene waterfall site along the Mt. Daimonji hike

Despite its name, the Romon Falls have nothing to do with Rome, but rather is the name of a beautiful waterfall site in the forests of Kyoto.

A stunning waterfall known as the Romon Falls reveals itself during the journey to the peak of Mt. Daimonji. Located in the heart of Kyoto, the falls are best accessed via the Philosopher’s Path.

First Sighting

About an hour into the Mt. Daimonji hike, after you’ve passed the Zuiko-in Temple, you begin to reach the halfway point toward the mountain’s summit.

Before you even see the Romon Falls, you will hear the sound of water gushing down a narrow river like music to the ears.

The first sighting of the Romon Falls flowing waters comes when you see the rows of fallen tree trunks crossing over to the other side of a deep ditch.

In The Thick Green Forests

The hike toward Mt. Daimonji’s summit is one of fantasy and adventure. Thick green trees accompany you every step of the way!

As you near the Romon Falls, the scenery becomes more and more magical as white gushing waters are revealed by beams of sunlight seeping through the trees (a phenomenon known as komorebi in Japanese).

A sight straight out of The Lord of the Rings, the waterfall can be seen entrenched among the bright green trees with heavenly rays of light shining down upon them.

A Well-Earned Rest Stop

Given the constant incline of the ground as you hike through the earthy tracks, you will no doubt feel exhausted once you’ve reached the Romon Falls.

While there aren’t any man-made benches around, you are definitely more likely to find a smooth rocky spot to sit by the waterfall if you wish to take a break.

I personally didn’t sit, but just loitering around the waterfall and stopping for a drink was rejuvenating enough for me to tread on in high spirits!


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