Hiji Otaki is a waterfall in the middle of the Hiji River in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa. It is the largest waterfall in Okinawa, and you can see a spectacular view. In addition, there is the Hiji Otaki campsite where you can camp comfortably in abundant nature.
What is Hiji Otaki?
Hiji Otaki is the waterfall that boasts the largest height and volume of water on the main island of Okinawa, with a drop of 25.7 meters. It is located in an area called “Yanbaru” where animals and plants such as endemic species and endangered species live. Therefore, 380 kinds of precious plants grow thick around the waterfall, and creatures such as birds and crabs also live here.
Highlights of Hiji Otaki
Hiji Otaki has a trekking course that continues from the entrance of the Hiji Otaki campsite and spots where you can play in the river. Here are some recommended spots and ways to spend your time.
Trekking Course to Hiji Otaki
There is a promenade along the way to Hiji Otaki, making it a popular trekking course. It is about 1.5 km and takes about 40 minutes one way. There are plenty of points to see while on the promenade, such as plants and animals, and a spectacular view of the forest.
There is a suspension bridge in the middle that allows you to see the Hiji River from directly above, and the magnificent scenery spreads beneath you.
There are many stairs and steep slopes on the road, so it is recommended to go with easy to walk in sneakers.
Unusual Creatures in the Forest that Inhabit Hiji Otaki
As Hiji Otaki is in the forest of Yanbaru, it is highly likely that you will encounter valued animals and plants. For example, Cyathea lepifera (brush pot tree) and Alocasia odora (Asian taro) that live around the promenade are huge subtropical plants that cannot be seen on the mainland of Okinawa.
If you are lucky, you can also see the endemic Okinawan bird, the Ryuku robin, and animals such as the Sword-tail newt and the Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle.
Admission Fee and Business Hours of Hiji Otaki
The entrance fee for Hiji Otaki is 500 yen per adult. Business hours vary depending on the season, from 9:00 to 16:00 from April to October and 09:00 to 15:00 from November to March. Each has a closing time, until 18:00 from April to October and 17:30 from November to March. (As of August 2019)
Access from Naha Airport to Hiji Otaki
If you want to go sightseeing in Hiji Otaki, first try to get to Nago Bus Terminal from Naha Airport. If you take an express bus, you can access it directly, and it takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Transfer to Okinawa Bus from Nago Bus Terminal and arrive at “Okuma Beach Entrance” at the nearest bus stop in about 50 minutes. From Okuma Beach Bus Stop, you will arrive at the Hiji Otaki campsite in about 30 minutes on foot.
From Hiji Otaki campsite to Hiji Otaki is about 40 minutes through the promenade.
Spot information
- Spot name: Hiji Otaki
- Street address: 781-1 Hiji Kunigami, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 905-1413
- Access: Nago Bus Terminal → [Okinawa Bus] 50 minutes → Okuma Beach Entrance Bus Stop →About 30 minutes on foot → Hiji Otaki Campsite ... About 40 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language: Japanese only
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
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