Maruo Falls

**Night illumination:** The falls are lit with colored LEDs (18:00–22:00) — not to everyone's taste (some find it tacky), but the combination of glowing water, rising steam, and dark forest creates otherworldly atmosphere. Virtually no crowds after dark. The illumination is free; parking lot remains accessible after dark. **Warm water phenomenon:** Touch the water in the pool at the base of the falls — it's noticeably warm (30–35°C). In winter, the warm water prevents freezing and creates heavy steam clouds. The phenomenon is rare worldwide (most waterfalls are cold mountain streams). **Combine with shrine:** Maruo Falls is 5-minute drive from Kirishima Shrine. Ideal itinerary: Shrine visit (9:00–11:00), drive to falls (5 min), view falls (15 min), then proceed to Ebino Kogen crater lakes (30-min drive). This circuit covers Kirishima's highlights in a half-day.