All accommodation  on Yakushima for the week of the eclipse was completely full months if not years before I tried to book. Luckily I managed to find some space at Jerry’s Campsite – Mandala on the southern coast beside the village of Onoaida. Camping in the summer heat and humidity is not really a great idea,  (the campsite is normally closed in the summer months during which the owner lives in Hokkaido) but luckily we were lent a large well-ventilated tent that made things more comfortable.

On the 21st, the weather was cloudy with occasional rain. Left the big camera and took the waterproof point and shoot on the hike up to Janokuchi-taki (Janokuchi waterfall). The trail started at the Onoaida-onsen (hot spring) and climbed up the mountainside for 4 kilometers.

Once in the forest the trail was marked by bits of pink ribbon tied to trees. I am not sure if this is also done on the longer hikes into the center of the island, but it made it easy to follow the trail.

Reached the waterfall after around 90 minutes of steady walking. The falls were pretty with a large pool at the base. Lush green vegetation was growing everywhere – a result of the damp climate. As if to prove a point it started to rain heavily. Got a couple of quick photos, the second of which I’m quite pleased with.

Hiked back down the trail into Onoaida, and then to the campsite. The mountain tops were shrouded in mist and solid cloud blanketed the sky. Not a good sign for the 22nd but still hoping things would clear.