Janokuchi Waterfall is one of Yakushima’s three magnificent waterfalls, the other two being Oko and Senpiro. Its name translates as “snake-mouth.” Wide streams of water from nearby Mt. Suzu flow over a large granite wall at Janokuchi. When viewed from the pool below, the waterfall appears about 30 m tall. Its stream, however, continues further upwards for about 100 m, making Janokuchi even taller than Oko.
The trail leading to Janokuchi is around 4 km long and takes about two hours to hike one way. A variety of subtropical plants can be seen along the way. Janokuchi welcomes much fewer visitors than the other waterfalls on the island thanks to the long trek to reach it, so there is a high chance of being able to enjoy the falls alone. The entrance to the trail starts at Onoaida Onsen, so hikers can soak in the hot springs after their hike.
