Looking to get outdoors in Okinawa, Japan. Hiji Falls is the largest waterfall in Okinawa and a good excuse for a hike. Wear some good shoes because this is a vigorous hike.
Transcript: “Hi. I’m James Knott. We’re in Okinawa, Japan and today we are going to explore Hiji Falls.
The highest waterfall in Okinawa is located on the northern part of the island in Kunigami village near Okuma. There is a small building at the trailhead where you pay 500 yen for access to the trail. It is a one mile hike to the falls, which starts out gently, but gets quite vigorous when you enter the forest.
The trail follows the Hiji River over many bridges and up and downs dozens of staircases. Along the way, we pass several sweaty hikers returning from the falls.
My good friend Haru-san, who always gets stuck driving me on my adventures around Okinawa, joins me on the trip.
We wore long-sleeved shirts to protect ourselves from the insects, but we didn’t really notice any problem with the bugs.
There is a suspension bridge that marks the halfway point of the trail and allows you to get a nice view of the forest and the mountains that surround the river.
We’re a little over half way to the falls. The trail is all man-made, so it’s not too difficult to walk on although there is a lot of elevation changes. So, with the heat and all the climbing you’re going to work up quite a sweat trying to see the falls.
The northern half of Okinawa is very mountainous and sparsely populated. The forest around us is sub-tropical. It is part of the Yambaru Mountain Region and is home to a diverse population of plants and wildlife. It’s a pleasure to search the rocks and trees to see the unique animals of the region.
Birdwatching is popular in Japan. And this bird, Akahige, seems to like the attention.
Alright, we’ve reached Hiji Falls. If you like getting outdoors and you don’t mind getting a little sweaty then this is a great hike in Okinawa. I highly recommend it. However, don’t expect to cool off once you get here because you’re not allowed to swim in the falls or the pool beneath the falls.
At 85 feet, Hiji is the highest waterfall on Okinawa’s main island. You won’t be blown away by its grandeur, but it’s a good excuse to go for a hike. There are several places to have a picnic or you can camp near the trailhead. My big recommendation — take dry clothes to wear on the ride home.
From Hiji Falls in Okinawa, Japan; I’m James Knott. Thanks for watching.”
AloJapan.com