Janokuchi Waterfall

Janokuchi, whose name means snake mouth, is one of Yakushima's three main waterfalls. Water from nearby Mt. Suzu fans across a broad granite face in a drop of about 30 meters, but the stream continues another 100 meters above that, making Janokuchi taller than the better-known Oko Falls. The 4-kilometer trail to reach it takes around two hours one way and passes through subtropical forest. Because of that distance, far fewer people make the trek, giving you a real chance of having the falls to yourself. The trailhead starts at Onoaida Onsen, a convenient place to soak after the hike.