Aiya Falls

A waterfall located three kilometers from the Sumoto interchange on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway traveling along National Route 28 and Prefectural Routes 473 and 534 towards Maehira. Situated 600 meters downstream from the Aiyagawa Dam in Sumoto City, the 14.5-meter drop falls are the biggest on Awaji Island. The falls were once seen as a sacred place which was visited by many, and traces of this history still remain, such as a stone monument and statue of Acala enshrined at the base of the falls. An ancient evergreen and broadleaf tree forest sprawls around the falls area; a famous destination for enjoying cherry blossom and fall foliage viewing, the falls also serve as the 61st station on the Awaji Flower Pilgrimage. In summer, visitors just might catch sight of fireflies.