Hiji Waterfall (”ä’n‘å‘ê, Hiji Ōtaki) is located in the Yambaru area of northern Okinawa Honto, where the population density is low and the majority of land is covered by natural forests. The waterfall can be accessed in an attractive and easy hike along a nature trail through the forest.
The trailhead is about two kilometers inland from the main road along the island's western coast. At the trailhead there is a gate where an entrance fee must be paid. From there, the distance to the waterfall is about 1.5 kilometers, and the hike takes about 40 minutes one way. The trail is well maintained, and there are quite a few steep sections with stairs along the way. One of the highlights of the walk is crossing a suspension bridge that spans a valley 17 meters below.
The trail comes to an end at the Hiji Waterfall, which makes an impressive sight. Nestled in the forest, the waterfall is about 26 meters tall. The sound of the running water and the tranquil atmosphere of the forest make the waterfall a good spot for a rest before making the return trip to the trailhead.
At the trailhead there is a campground that visitors can make use of as an alternative to visiting Hiji in a day trip. The campground offers picnic tables and elevated wooden decks which tents can be set up on. Camping costs 2000 yen per tent site per night.
Because of the Yambaru area's small population there has been much less human encroachment on the habitat of the area's wildlife than elsewhere on Okinawa Honto. Accordingly, a much larger diversity of wildlife can be found in the area. Travelers who keep alert of their surroundings will have the chance to see a number of animals unique to the area, such as particular species of bird, turtle, snake and lizard.
Information about the Yambaru area's wildlife and hiking trails can be found at the nearby Ufugi Nature Museum, which is located about one kilometer inland from the main road along the coastline. The museum has illustrative maps and displays about the area's wildlife and is free to enter.
Getting there and around
Hiji Waterfall is located in northern Okinawa Honto, about 75 kilometers from Naha and not far from Okuma Beach.
By bus
Take highway bus number 111 or 117 or the Yanbaru Express from Naha to Nago Bus Terminal (90 minutes, 1650-2140 yen from Naha Bus Center; 105 minutes, 1650-2230 yen from Naha Airport; 1-2 buses/hour) and transfer to bus number 67 to Okuma Beach Iriguchi (‰œŠÔƒr[ƒ`“üŒû, 60 minutes, 1030 yen, 1-2 buses/hour) from where the trailhead is a 20-25 minute walk inland along the road.. Note that between Naha and Nago the Yanbaru Express is cheaper than the other buses and that it stops at the Kencho Kitaguchi bus stop instead of the Naha Bus Center.
By car
By car, it takes about two hours to reach the small parking lot next to the trailhead from central Naha if using the expressway between Naha and Nago (1040 yen one way).
How to get to and around Okinawa Honto
Hours and Fees
Hiji Waterfall
Hours
November to March: 9:00 to 17:30 (entry until 15:00)
Closed
Admission
Typical Visit Duration
Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center
Hours
Closed
Admission
English
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Okinawa Island
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Condominium Felicita NahaCondominium Felicita Naha is situated in the centre of Naha, just 3.3 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and 1.4 km from DFS Galleria Okinawa. The apartment, set in a building dating from 2017, is 1.5 km from Yachimun Street and 3.5 km from Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate. This air-conditioned apartment features 1 bedroom and a bathroom equipped with a bath and free toiletries. A flat-screen TV is featured. Off-site paid public parking is available nearby. Shuri-jo Castle is 3.7 km from the apartment. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from Condominium Felicita Naha.View on Booking.com -
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The LANAI HOSTELIn a prime location in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, The LANAI HOSTEL is located 2.1 km from Naminoue Beach, 2.4 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and 1.4 km from DFS Galleria Okinawa. With a shared lounge, the 2-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. At the hostel every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. The LANAI HOSTEL offers a sun terrace. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Yachimun Street, Sakaemachi Arcade and Tsuboya Pottery Museum. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from The LANAI HOSTEL.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel CollectiveHotel Collective features a restaurant, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and bar in Naha. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has city views and free WiFi. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, bathrobes and a desk. At the hotel every room has bed linen and towels. Continental and ? la carte breakfast options are available every morning at Hotel Collective. The wellness area at the accommodation is comprised of a sauna and a hot tub. Popular points of interest near Hotel Collective include Naminoue Beach, Yachimun Street and Shijo Hondori. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com -
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La Passione Boutique B&BFeaturing free WiFi and a terrace, La Passione is a secluded bed and breakfast in Naha. Guests can take a 10-minute walk to Naha Kokusai Dori or go to Jogaku Park, a 4-minute walk from the property. Bicycle hire is available upon reservation. All rooms have an electric kettle and a refrigerator, while some rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. A hairdryer is provided on site. Extra amenities include face tissues, cotton buds, hand soap, body soap, hair shampoo and conditioners. Guests can enjoy Western-style breakfast at La Passione. Luggage storage is available on site. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 500 meters away from La Passione, while Makishi Public Market and Yachimun Street are both a 10-minute walk away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, a 20-minute taxi ride from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai StreetLocated within 1.2 km of Naminoue Beach and 3.7 km of Tamaudun Mausoleum, Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street provides rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Naha. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All units in the capsule hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. At Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street every room comes with bed linen and towels. The accommodation offers 2-star accommodation with a sauna. Yachimun Street is 1.6 km from Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street, while DFS Galleria Okinawa is 2.7 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from the capsule hotel.View on Booking.com -
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”ü‚çƒK[ƒiƒnƒEƒX’ÙìLocated in Naha, near Naminoue Beach, Manko Park and Okinawa Prefecture Government, ”ü‚çƒK[ƒiƒnƒEƒX’Ùì features free WiFi. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A microwave and fridge are also provided, as well as a kettle. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 6 km from the apartment, while Yachimun Street is 2.3 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 3 km from ”ü‚çƒK[ƒiƒnƒEƒX’Ùì.View on Booking.com -
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Villa Coast Nishimachi - Guesthouse in OkinawaLocated just a 7-minute drive from Naha Airport, Villa Coast Nishimachi houses self-contained accommodations with free WiFi connection. The apartment houses a shared lounge with drinks and snacks vending machines. Each room is fitted with a full kitchen with a microwave and a washing machine. All rooms have air conditioning, a working desk and a flat-screen TV. Featuring a bath, private bathroom comes with a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. From the apartment, a convenience store is within a 2-minute walk. There are numerous local restaurants and shops within 15 minutes walking distance around the apartment. Naminoue Beach is a 10-minute walk and Asahibashi Station is a 13-minute walk away.View on Booking.com -
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Grand Cabin Hotel Naha OrokuGrand Cabin Hotel Naha Oroku is situated in Naha, within 2.1 km of Senaga Kaichu Road Beach and 8 km of Tamaudun Mausoleum. Featuring a shared lounge, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Private parking is available on site. All rooms have a safety deposit box. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a continental breakfast. Staff at Grand Cabin Hotel Naha Oroku are available to provide advice at the 24-hour front desk. Naha Air Base is 2.3 km from the accommodation, while Yachimun Street is 5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 1 km from Grand Cabin Hotel Naha Oroku.View on Booking.com -
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Condominium GOLF GOLF TsuboyaLocated in Naha, 2.5 km from Naminoue Beach, Condominium GOLF GOLF Tsuboya provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. The property is situated 3.8 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum, 2.3 km from DFS Galleria Okinawa and 4.3 km from Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate. Every room is equipped with a balcony. All units are equipped with air conditioning, a microwave, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a wardrobe. The private bathroom is equipped with a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. The rooms will provide guests with a stovetop. An American breakfast is available daily at the hotel. Popular points of interest near Condominium GOLF GOLF Tsuboya include Yachimun Street, Noren Central Market and Tsuboya Pottery Museum. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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Nest Hotel Naha KumojiIdeally situated in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, Nest Hotel Naha Kumoji is situated less than 1 km from Naminoue Beach, 3.3 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and 1.3 km from Yachimun Street. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. Private parking is available on site. The rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. All rooms will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. Popular points of interest near Nest Hotel Naha Kumoji include DFS Galleria Okinawa, Tomarin - Tomari Port Terminal and Fukushu-en Garden. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com
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