Hyogo: Splashing water blows away summer heat; waterfalls become major attraction for sea kayakers

TOYOOKA, Hyogo — The view at Takeno Beach got a lot better this summer when larger waterfalls crashed into the Sea of ​​Japan in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture.

The waterfalls in the area, which normally go unnoticed, suddenly received more visitors when the amount of water flowing through them increased during the rainy season.

This area near the beach is characterized by rocky, uneven terrain, with mountains that run straight down to the sea, dotted with cliffs and caves. There are also streams that abruptly become waterfalls, which plunge directly into the sea.

Because of the steep cliffs, the falls are only visible from the ocean side, which makes it an attractive spot for sea kayakers. One of the falls is 10 meters high and when you go there by kayak, it feels like you are being hit by a downpour.