Oko Falls 大川の滝

For visitors to Yakushima , the Oko Falls are a must-visit. Situated between Kurio and Nagata on the southwest coast of the island, the falls are 88 meters high with water cascading in two streams down to an emerald-green plunge pool below.

The falls are easily accessible by bus.

Local Yakushima Kotsu buses to Oko Falls run infrequently from Miyanoura Port; allow around 90 minutes for the journey. It is also possible to take a sightseeing tour of the falls and other local attractions (Japanese-language only), but reservations should be made at least a week in advance through travel agents.

Yakushima's reputation for being one of the wettest places in Japan means the island has its fair share of falls, and Oko Falls is considered one of the best. The waterfall was selected for a 1996 list of Japan's 100 best waterfalls.

The falls measure 88 meters high and fall in two cascading streams to a deep-green plunge pool below. It is possible to get pretty close to the falls, but rocks near the water's edge tend to become quite slippery, so proceed with caution.

Nearby Oko Springs is ranked as one of Japan's superior natural sources of drinking water.

During rainy periods, the gorge leading away from the waterfall can flood quite quickly and make the Oko Falls unreachable. During these times, the waterfall becomes quite dangerous. Swimming in the local river is not recommended.