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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Hotel CollectiveSet in Naha, 1.5 km from Naminoue Beach, Hotel Collective offers accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has city views and free WiFi. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, a concierge 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. ? la carte and American 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 Yachimun Street, Shijo Hondori and Makishi Public Market. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 6 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com -
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Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai StreetWell set in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street is located 1.2 km from Naminoue Beach, 3.7 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and 1.6 km from Yachimun Street. 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. Every room comes with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV, and certain units at the capsule hotel have a safety deposit box. At Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street rooms come with bed linen and towels. The accommodation offers 2-star accommodation with a sauna. DFS Galleria Okinawa is 2.7 km from Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street, while Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate is 4.1 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from the capsule hotel.View on Booking.com -
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Condominium GOLF GOLF TsuboyaCondominium GOLF GOLF Tsuboya features city views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Naha, 2.5 km from Naminoue Beach. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchenette, a TV and a private bathroom with bidet, slippers and a hairdryer. A microwave, a fridge and stovetop are also provided, as well as a kettle. An American breakfast is available daily at the aparthotel. 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, 6 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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Little Island Okinawa TomariSet in Naha, near Naminoue Beach, Tomarin - Tomari Port Terminal and Shijo Hondori, Little Island Okinawa Tomari features free WiFi. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower, slippers and a hairdryer. A microwave, a fridge and stovetop are also featured, as well as a kettle. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 3.5 km from the aparthotel, while DFS Galleria Okinawa is 2.1 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 7 km from Little Island Okinawa Tomari.View on Booking.com -
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The Kitchen Hostel AoIdeally situated in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, The Kitchen Hostel Ao is situated less than 1 km from Naminoue Beach, 4.1 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and 2 km from Yachimun Street. With a bar, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar. All rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. Guests at the hostel can enjoy a ? la carte breakfast. Speaking English and Japanese at the 24-hour front desk, staff are always at hand to help. DFS Galleria Okinawa is 3.1 km from The Kitchen Hostel Ao, while Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate is 5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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Grand Cabin Hotel Naha OrokuGrand Cabin Hotel Naha Oroku is situated in Naha, within 8 km of Tamaudun Mausoleum and 2.3 km of Naha Air Base. 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. Yachimun Street is 5 km from the accommodation, while DFS Galleria Okinawa is 7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 2.3 km from Grand Cabin Hotel Naha Oroku.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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Rihga Royal Gran OkinawaOffering direct access from Asahibashi Monorail Station, Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa features spacious Western-style accommodations with free WiFi. Guests can ask for concierge services at the front desk. All rooms are non-smoking and feature air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, safety deposit box and fridge. Guests can make green tea using the electric kettle and wear the provided sleepwear. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer and toothbrush sets. Currency exchange and photocopying services are offered at the front desk. Laundry services are provided and on-site parking is available at an extra charge. The lobby is located on the 14th floor. A breakfast buffet and Western a la carte dishes are served at Dining 19, which offers beautiful sunset views from the top floor. Okinawa Gran Rihga Royal is a 10-minute walk from Kokusai Street and a 25-minute drive from Shuri Castle. Naha Airport is just a 10-minute drive or train ride away. A 24-hour convenience shop can be found next door.View on Booking.com -
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HOTEL ANTEROOM NAHASet in Naha, 800 metres from Naminoue Beach, HOTEL ANTEROOM NAHA offers accommodation with a restaurant, private parking and a bar. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has family rooms. At the hotel, all rooms are fitted with a desk. All guest rooms will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. Guests at HOTEL ANTEROOM NAHA can enjoy a ? la carte or an American breakfast. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 6 km from the accommodation, while DFS Galleria Okinawa is 3.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 7 km from HOTEL ANTEROOM NAHA.View on Booking.com -
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Hyatt Regency Naha, OkinawaThe stylish Hyatt Regency Naha offers spacious rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and 4 restaurants. It is located just a 3-minute walk from the lively Kokusai Dori (International street) and features a seasonal outdoor pool, a bar and a small shop open 24-hours. The closest station is Makishi Station and is a 8-minute walk away. Make a visit to the famous Shurijo Castle with a 17-minute drive or take a 9-minute drive to the DFS Galleria Okinawa to enjoy shopping. Naha Airport can be reached with a 20-minute drive. The elegant rooms are decorated in light natural tones, and furnished with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a sofa and a desk. An electric kettle, a fridge and a safety deposit box is provided. The private bathroom comes with a bathtub, free toiletries and a hairdryer. The on-site restaurant Sakurazaka is open for breakfast and lunch hours and serves a buffet-style meal. The Milano restaurant, located on the 18th floor, features Italian dishes. Guests can also go to the caf? or the bar to enjoy light snacks and beverages. The Naha Hyatt Regency offers a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange. Parking is available at a fee.View on Booking.com
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