Where is Hiji Waterfall located?

Hiji Waterfall is located in the Yambaru area, which is in the northern region of Okinawa. It is part of the larger Okinawa Honto and can be accessed from Nago City by car.

What is the best time to visit Hiji Waterfall?

The best time to visit is during the spring and early summer months when the weather is cooler and the rainfall adds to the volume and beauty of the waterfall. However, it is accessible year-round.

How long does it take to hike to Hiji Waterfall?

The hike to the waterfall takes about 40 to 50 minutes one way, depending on your pace. The trail is well-maintained but can be moderately challenging with some steep sections.

Are there facilities available at Hiji Waterfall?

Basic facilities such as restrooms are available at the entrance of the trail. There are no shops or restaurants, so visitors should bring any necessary supplies with them.

Can I swim at Hiji Waterfall?

Swimming is not recommended at Hiji Waterfall due to safety concerns. The pool beneath the waterfall can be rocky and the water currents strong, especially after rain.

A small waterfall cascades down rocky cliffs into a clear pool, surrounded by lush green trees and dense foliage in a forest setting.

A close-up view of a waterfall cascading over rocks, with vibrant green ferns and moss growing on the rocky cliff beside the flowing water.

A waterfall cascades into a clear, turquoise pool surrounded by rocky cliffs and moss-covered stones, creating a serene natural scene with soft flowing water and rugged textures.

A rocky stream flows through a lush, green forest with dense trees and foliage, creating a serene natural setting with sunlight filtering through the leaves.

A lush, green forest surrounds a rocky stream with clear water flowing over stones and moss-covered rocks under a canopy of trees.

Okinawa

Hiji Waterfall

4 (105)Natural FeatureEstablishment

Hiji Waterfall, located in the lush northern part of Okinawa, is a hidden gem that offers a refreshing escape into nature. As one of the tallest waterfalls on the island, standing at approximately 26 meters high, Hiji Waterfall is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a scenic hike and a touch of adventure.

The journey to Hiji Waterfall involves a picturesque trek through a dense subtropical forest, which adds to the overall experience. The trail, approximately 1.5 kilometers long, is well-maintained and features wooden steps and boardwalks that make it accessible for most visitors. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the rich biodiversity of the area, including various species of tropical plants and birds, which makes the walk both educational and enjoyable.

Once you reach the waterfall, you are greeted by the spectacular sight of water cascading down into a clear, cool pool below. The area around the waterfall is serene and provides an ideal spot for relaxation and picnics. The sound of the falling water and the natural beauty of the surroundings offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Hours:

Summer (April to October): 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Winter (November to March): 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Closed:

Closes during extreme weather conditions

Available:

All year, weather permitting

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Fees:

Adults: 500 yen

Children (6 to 15 years old): 300 yen

The area

Address

Hijio Falls, Hama, Kunigami, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-1415, Japan

What other travelers are saying about Hiji Waterfall

Great short hike to a beautiful waterfall. We went at the end of August and we were hot but not unbearably so. The water was so clear. It was tempting to jump into the water throughout the hike! There is an area designated to play in the creek not too far from the entrance, so if you want to get wet, that’s the spot to do it. I surprisingly had NO bug bites. Mosquitos usually flock to me but there weren’t any! Path was well-maintained. There was never any question of which direction to go. Definitely recommend doing this hike if you are in the area!

Marie Turner

Aug 31, 2024

Nice hike of 4.2km go and back. Beautiful walk along a river leading to waterfalls in the middle of the forest. Expect some going up and down and quite a few steps. Good for families. Pets not allowed. Entrance fee to pay by cash only. ⚠️ Attention this is not the access by car, for the right location look for Hiji Falls Gate. There are 3 parkings.

Xavier Lochu

May 6, 2024

Remarkable and yet magical location. Still went on the adventure even though the park was closed down. A lot of the trail is eroded away. Still recommend. About 1.5 miles from the parking lot to the waterfall, about 45 minutes regular hiking pace.

Cristian Robledo

May 4, 2025

Hijio Falls is a great little hike that is well maintained and beginner friendly. It is a steep hike up some stairs at some points but overall it’s not too long and probably took us around 40min there and back while also stopping for pictures. The trail is absolutely beautiful with the amount of nature around it.

Julian M

Apr 26, 2024

UPDATE: ROAD WAY AND PATHS MAY BE CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING/LANDSLIDES If you are going to go just be mindful that this hike or campground area may be closed. There are plenty of short hikes or nice long one up in the National Yanbaru Park. I wanted to let everyone know as we had driven there and saw a sign that said closed since 2024 I felt bad when I watched other tourists approach in a taxi they paid for and had to be driven elsewhere. You can still park just before the campground if you need a spot of quiet area near the river. Unsure if overnight parking is allowed for vehicle camping.