Okonotaki Falls Yakushima: 2026 Bus Guide & Travel Tips

Explore Okonotaki Falls, Yakushima's Majestic Waterfall

Your 2026 Bus Schedule, Fares, & How to Get There Guide

Okonotaki Falls (大川の滝) is undoubtedly one of Yakushima's most impressive natural wonders, boasting the largest scale among the island's many attractions. Nestled on the western coast of Yakushima, this magnificent waterfall is a must-see for any nature lover.

With an astounding drop of 289 feet (88 meters), it proudly stands as the tallest waterfall in Kyushu. It's even been recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, celebrated for its immense and powerful flow, making it Yakushima's largest in terms of water volume.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover:

✔️ How to get to Okonotaki Falls, Yakushima

✔️ Okonotaki Falls bus schedule and fares for 2026

✔️ Our personal experience and tips for visiting

We've gathered all the essential information to help you plan your visit!

01. How to Get to Okonotaki Falls (Bus Schedule & Fares)

Okonotaki Falls is situated on the western side of Yakushima, meaning you'll likely need to catch a bus from Miyanoura Port or Anbo Port to reach it. It's crucial to note that both the buses to Okonotaki Falls and the return buses operate only twice a day. Seriously, don't miss your return! Always confirm the schedule in advance.

🚌 Yakushima Okonotaki Falls Bus Information

- Fare: 2,100 JPY one-way

- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes from Miyanoura Port

- Daily Frequency: 2 buses per day

Given the considerable distance and fare, if you're planning to stay on Yakushima for several days, we highly recommend purchasing a multi-day unlimited bus pass. It will save you money and hassle!

For our trip, we departed from our accommodation near Miyanoura Port, catching the bus that left promptly at 8:45 AM.

02. Exploring Okonotaki Falls, Yakushima's Gem

🌊 Okonotaki Falls Quick Facts

- From Bus Stop: 5-minute walk

- Recommended Visit Time: Around 30 minutes is plenty

- Admission Fee: Free

After an almost two-hour bus ride, we finally arrived at the majestic Okonotaki Falls. You'll spot clear signposts pointing the way, and it's just about a 5-minute walk from the bus stop.

💡Tip.

Remember, only two return buses run daily, so double-check your departure time!

Our bus driver was incredibly helpful, reminding us, "Please be back at the bus stop by 11:00 AM!" as we disembarked. We arrived around 10:25 AM, which gave us exactly 35 minutes until the next bus. This proved to be the perfect amount of time to fully experience the waterfall without feeling rushed.

Best of all, admission is completely free, so you can enjoy this natural wonder without any extra cost.

As we made our way towards the falls, the roaring sound of Okonotaki grew louder and louder. The sight of the lush, vibrant trees that are so iconic to Yakushima photos truly came to life before our eyes, making the experience feel incredibly authentic.

Once you spot the Okonotaki Falls monument, you're just a short walk away from the main event.

And there it is – the magnificent, colossal Okonotaki Falls!

The powerful cascades streamed down both sides. It had rained recently during our visit, so the water flow felt even more intense and abundant than usual.

While photos hardly do justice to its grandeur, the sheer volume and height of the waterfall meant that standing near it, we could feel the refreshing spray on our faces. The thunderous roar of the water was truly awe-inspiring, echoing through the air.

You can freely walk right up to the base of Okonotaki Falls. However, the rocks near the waterfall are perpetually wet and can be very slippery. For your safety and comfort, we strongly recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes or waterproof footwear.

Beyond the main cascade, the smaller streams flowing nearby are equally beautiful and natural. If you only have time to visit one waterfall on Yakushima, we highly recommend making it Okonotaki Falls.

After about 30 minutes of soaking in the views and snapping photos, we started our pleasant walk back to the bus stop.

The air was filled with the fresh scent of greenery, and the wild flowers along the path were simply beautiful. This walk back through nature was incredibly enjoyable.🍃

To return to Yakushima's main towns, simply head back to the same bus stop where you were dropped off and catch your bus.

If you're exploring the western coast of Yakushima, we wholeheartedly recommend adding Okonotaki Falls to your independent travel itinerary. It’s a truly unforgettable experience!

However, due to the limited bus services, it is absolutely essential to check the bus timetable in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free visit.