Jan 7, 2014 - 1 min read

Hiji Falls

A brisk hike to Okinawa's largest waterfall

By Michael Flemming

Community writer

Hiji Falls as seen from the observation point at the end of a 1.5 kilometer hike from the nearby campground

This map at the parking lot closest to the campground is in English and Japanese; most signs along the trail are also in both languages

If this parking lot is full the attendants will stop you at one of the lots along the roadway further away from the campground

I didn't see any other tombs or shrines during my hike; this shine is in the campground area before the hilly trail to Hiji Falls really begins

There's a prominent sign pointing out this restroom as the last chance to relieve yourself, but there actually is another toilet just past the halfway point to the waterfall

The campground sites are ingenious wooden platforms onto which tents may be pitched

This mini man-made waterfall marks the end of the camping area and the beginning of the nature trail to Hiji Falls

The trail starts out flat and wide but quickly descends and ascends into endless staircases alongside the riverbank

When first entering the suspension bridge on the way to the waterfall turn around from this perspective and look uphill to see a hidden view point along the terrain finger that separates the Hiji River and other rivers that descend from nearby Mount Yohana

The suspension bridge looking from the Hiji Falls side of the nature path

The eco-toilet just beyond the half way point

The staircases takes some of the mud out of hiking to Hiji Falls but the elevation changes are definitely left in

A nice resting point about three quarters of the way to the waterfall

Hiji Falls is Okinawa's largest waterfall at 84 feet. Swimming hasn't been allowed for years due to the danger of rocks and the river current. The end of the nature trail has been offset further and further over the years to keep hikers away from even thinking of entering the water, unfortunately this additional offset has taken away from the otherwise breathtaking perspective one would have looking up at the falling water

Who wouldn't like to see a beautiful waterfall and take a short but brisk walk along a mountainous nature trail? When vacationing at nearby Okuma or just passing through Kunigami Village in northern Okinawa, the 1.5 kilometer trail to Hiji Falls can be hiked in about two hours round trip. The falls are 84 feet high, the largest in Okinawa.

Take hiking shoes, water and wear comfortable clothing. Children under six will likely need to be carried part of the way. Hiji Falls is located in Kunigami Village in northern Okinawa. Once entering the village on Route 58 turn inland at the Family Mart and follow the signs. Admission is 300 yen for children 15 and under and 500 yen for adults and older children. The nature trail is open for hikers 09:00 through 18:00 daily (17:30 November to March) with last entry at 16:00 (15:00 November to March).

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Michael Flemming

By Michael Flemming

Community writer

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Michael Flemming

Michael Flemming Photographer 6 years ago

I'll be back there in a few weeks.

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Ken k

Ken k 7 years ago

Nice Place!

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