Visit Okawa Falls, a spectacular spot on Yakushima Island! Thorough explanation of how to get there and sightseeing routes
Table of Contents
- 1 Recommended for beginners in Yakushima! What kind of place is Okawa Falls?
- 2 Attractions of Okawa Falls, Yakushima
- 3 Yakushima Okawa Falls Access and Duration
- 4 Yakushima - Enjoy Okawa Falls to the Fullest Model Sightseeing Course
- 5 Guided tours for your peace of mind! How to choose Okawa Falls Tour
- 6 summary
Recommended for beginners on Yakushima!
What kind of place is Okawa Falls?
Ooko-no-Taki Falls, located in the southwestern part of Yakushima, is one of the most spectacular views representing Yakushima.
Drop-off: approx. 88 metersThis waterfall is the largest on the island, and has been selected as one of the "100 Best Waterfalls in Japan" by the Ministry of the Environment, making it a power spot where visitors can truly experience the scale of nature. It is located deep in the forest, yet is relatively easy to access.
◆Those interested in Okawa Falls in Yakushima
◆If you want to know the access information of Okawa Falls in Yakushima
◆Those who want to know about tours to enjoy nature in Yakushima
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Yakushima.
Attractions of Okawa Falls, Yakushima
From the parking lotBarrier-free to the waterfall basinThe area is well maintained and wheelchair-accessible.
Advance to right in front of the waterfall basin.The waterfall's powerful force can be experienced with the whole body, and especially in summer, the splash of the water is a pleasant and cool experience. Surrounded by abundant nature, it is a healing space where visitors can enjoy the mysterious atmosphere of Yakushima.
Click here for a nature walking tour of Okawa Falls.
Click here for trekking tours to Okawa Falls.
Yakushima Okawa Falls
Access and Travel Time
Okawa Falls is one of the highlights of sightseeing in Yakushima. You can enjoy a smooth trip by knowing in advance how to access the site and how to get there.
From Yakushima Airport and Miyanoura Port
Directions to Okawa Falls
The distance from Yakushima Airport to Okawa Falls and Miyanoura Port is about one hour each. Most tourists enter the island via Yakushima Airport or Miyanoura Port, which serves as the entrance to the ferry.
On the road.Tourist attractions such as Yakusugiland and Kigen SugiThe drive itself can be enjoyed as a part of Yakushima sightseeing.
Access: 1 hour by car from Miyanoura Port
Approximately 1 hour drive from Yakushima Airport
Parking: Available, approx. 10 cars
Toilet: Available
Click here for recommended trekking tours in Yakusugiland
Click here for recommended trekking tours
Points and time required for car rental and bus transportation
| (data) item | Rental Car Transfer | bus transfer |
|---|---|---|
| feature | Freedom of movement and efficient touring of tourist attractions | Fewer services and limited hours |
| Time required (from Awa) | Approx. 1 hour | Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours (including waiting time and transfers) |
| root | Awa → via Seibu Forest Road → Okawa Falls | Awa/Miyanoura → "Kurio" bus stop → walk or cab |
| degree of freedom | high | low (position) |
| thing to note | On the Western Forest RoadYakushima sika (Cervus nippon yakushimae)interpoint (interword separation)Encounter with a Yak Monkeyopportunity | None (buses do not travel on mountain roads) |
| degree of difficulty | Caution is required due to narrow roads and many curves. | No need to drive |
| advance preparation | Car rental reservations required. | Check bus timetable in advance |
| For people like... | First time visitor to Yakushima Island, who wants to go around freely. | People who are anxious about driving and have time to spare |
Okawa Falls parking information and road conditions
Free parking is available at Okawa Falls,Parking space for about 10 carsare available. However, it is recommended to visit early in the morning, as it can be crowded during the tourist season.
Also, the road to the falls has many mountain roads and narrow sections, so care must be taken when driving. In particular, some sections of the western forest road are not paved, so when driving a rental carReduce speed, safety first.Please proceed with
Be careful when accessing
Seasonal and weather precautions
Yakushima Island has high precipitation throughout the year.35 days of rain in a monthIt is so called "the best of the best". When visiting Okawa Falls, consider the effects of the season and weather.
Especially during the rainy season (late May to early July) and typhoon season (August to September), due to sudden rain and strong winds,Road conditions worsen.Sometimes, it is also possible to
Fall and winter are the best times for sightseeing, as the weather is relatively clear and the volume of water in the falls is stable.
Road access and safety measures during rain and typhoons
In case of rain, the roads may become muddy and there is a risk of landslides, so check the latest road information before setting out.
Especially on the western forest roads, fallen trees and rocks may occur, so rental car companies and accommodationsImportant to check traffic conditions in advance.It is.
Access to the area around the falls may be restricted when a typhoon is approaching. Avoid an unreasonable schedule and consider switching to another plan when the weather worsens.
Yakushima Island Enjoy Okawa Falls
Sightseeing Model Course
Okawa Falls is not only to be visited by itself, but also to be enjoyed in combination with the surrounding nature and spectacular scenic spots. Here we introduce a model sightseeing course for a half-day to a full day.
For beginners!
Half-day nature spot tour course
For those who want to feel the nature of Yakushima even within a limited time, we recommend a half-day course centering on Okawa Falls. The following route allows for efficient sightseeing.
(2) Experience the great nature at Okawa Falls
(3) Footbath & rest at Hirauchi Underwater Hot Spring
4) Plant observation at Shidoko Banyan Tree Park
All transportation is within 1 hour by car. This is a model plan for first-time visitors to enjoy the nature and hot springs of Yakushima all at once.
3 recommended waterfalls to visit in combination with Okawa Falls
There are many beautiful waterfalls on Yakushima. The following are recommended waterfalls to visit in conjunction with Okawa Falls.
Each of these waterfalls has a different attraction and can be visited in a single day.
Senpiro Falls
The volume of water is modest compared to Okawa Falls,Sliding down a monolith with a 66-meter dropThe combination of the beautiful sight and the huge V-shaped valley is breathtaking. The scale of the view from the observation platform offers a spectacular view different from that of the Okawa Falls!
Access: 30 minutes by car from Yakushima Airport
Parking: Available (free of charge)
Facilities：Toilets available
Click here for a nature walk tour to Chihiro Falls.
Toloki Falls
While Okawa Falls is a powerful waterfall deep in the mountains, Toloki Falls is a rarity in Japan.Waterfalls pouring directly into the sea."The waterfall is a compact, yet easy to access spot to stop by. Although compact, this is a spot where visitors can enjoy the collaboration of the ocean and waterfalls, and is easily accessible, making it an easy stopover.
Access: 40 minutes by car from Yakushima Airport
Parking: Available (free of charge)
Facilities: No restrooms (use nearby facilities)
Click here for a nature walk tour of Toloki Falls.
Janokuchi Waterfall
While Okawa Falls can be reached by car, Janokuchi FallsUnexplored waterfall that requires trekkingThe waterfalls are located in the middle of a mountainous area. The sense of accomplishment and the mysterious charm of the waterfall in its serene setting are accentuated by the fact that it is reached on foot on one's own, making it an enjoyable natural exploration.
Access: 40 minutes by car from Yakushima Airport, 1 hour walk from the trailhead
Parking: Available (free of charge)
Facilities: No restrooms (recommended to use the nearest facility)
More Yakushima waterfalls ranking & detailed information↓↓
Visit Yakushima Drive
Great Views & Stopping Places
The area around Okawa Falls is dotted with scenic spots, making it ideal for driving sightseeing. The following stops are especially recommended.
◆Kurio Coast: The most beautiful coastline in Yakushima
◆Onoma Onsen: Natural hot spring loved by locals
The scenery and food on the drive are also major attractions of the trip.
Popular cafes and eateries to stop by during sightseeing
Enjoying local delicacies in between sightseeing will make your trip even more satisfying.
◆Shima Yui Cafe (Onoma): Lunch and sweets using local ingredients
◆Yakushima Fruit Bell: Smoothies made with Yakushima fruit are a specialty.
Guided tours are available!
How to choose Okawa Falls Tour
For those who are traveling to Yakushima for the first time or are anxious about getting around, we recommend participating in a guided tour. There are many advantages in terms of safety, and you can also enjoy the commentary by a knowledgeable guide.
Local Tour Features and Recommendations
For tours to and from the local area,Plan with pick-up and drop-off from airports and accommodationsThere are many places to visit on Yakushima Island, so there is no need to worry about transportation. In addition, a guide who is familiar with the geography and culture of Yakushima will accompany you, so you will not miss any of the highlights of the island.
Reservations are conveniently made in advance online, and several tour companies compete with each other, making it easy to choose the price range and content.
Click here for a list of tours with pick-up service in Yakushima
Recommended for beginners
Nature Walks and Photo Tours
For those who want to look good on social media,Visit photogenic spotsTours are the best choice. Tours are perfect for couples and friends traveling together to capture the unique natural beauty of Yakushima, including Okawa Falls, the ocean, forests, and hot springs, on your camera.
Many of the tours are at the light hiking or walking level, making them safe for beginners. The fact that equipment rental and guided assistance are available is also an attractive feature of these tours.
Click here for a list of Yakushima photo tours
summary
Okawa Falls is a spectacular spot where you can feel the magnificent nature of Yakushima up close. It is recommended for beginners due to its easy accessibility and sightseeing. By combining it with the surrounding waterfalls, ocean, and hot springs, a more fulfilling sightseeing tour of Yakushima can be realized.
Enjoy a safe and comfortable trip, paying attention to the season and weather conditions. By renting a car or taking a guided tour, you can efficiently enjoy the attractions of Yakushima. Please visit Okawa Falls for the power of nature and healing.
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