Onneto Yunotaki Falls
Overview
Onneto Yunotaki Falls is approximately 1.4 km, or twenty minutes on foot, from the forest road entrance at the parking lot near the Onneto Campground. Wild birds, Eurasian red squirrels, Ezo squirrels, and Yezo shika deer can often be seen on the walking trail from the forest road entrance to the falls.
Yunotaki means literally “hot water waterfall.” The waterfall cascades down 30 meters. Bathing used to be common in the warm pool at the bottom of the falls, but for conservation purposes, entering the water is now prohibited.
Valuable Minerals of the Falls
Onneto Yunotaki Falls is home to microorganisms that produce manganese oxide, an important mineral used in the manufacturing of iron and dry cell batteries. These manganese deposits are formed on top of the rocks found at Yunotaki Falls. The scale of the manganese deposit found here is extremely uncommon, making it an important site for research on how manganese is formed in nature. In 2000, it was named a Natural Monument for its rarity.
Important: during the winter period (approximately December to April), all roads in the area are closed.