大川の滝 – Ooko Falls

[Original Travel Date: 12/30/2013]

Most people come to Yakushima solely for the cedar forests, but there are lots of things to see and do other than hiking.  During the warm weather there are all kinds of aquatic activities, and there are also a few seaside onsen for colder weather.  We opted for a more nature-watching route and headed for the Ooko Falls, which at 88 meters high is considered to be one of the best waterfalls in Japan.

It was a pleasant drive to the falls, and when we got there the sun was up and there was a convenient bench and table, perfect for a nice picnic (which is exactly what we did) before traipsing around and splashing in the nearby stream.