Hiji Falls, Waterfall in Kunigami, Okinawa, Japan
Hiji Falls is a waterfall in Kunigami Village in the northern part of Okinawa, Japan. The falls drop about 84 feet (26 m) into a mountain stream and are reached by a maintained trail that winds through dense forest.
The area around Hiji Falls has long been part of the protected forests of northern Okinawa, a region locally known as Yambaru. In 2021, this region was recognized as a UNESCO Natural Heritage site, reinforcing the protection of its forests.
The trail to Hiji Falls passes over a suspension bridge that sways underfoot and opens up a view into the forested valley below. For many visitors, crossing this bridge is a moment they remember as much as the waterfall itself.
The trail to Hiji Falls is easy to walk and takes less than an hour each way, but good footwear is recommended since some sections can be slippery. It is worth checking current conditions before visiting, as the trail was temporarily closed following storm damage in 2024.
Near the trailhead sits the Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center, which has displays about the rare animals living in these forests. Some of the species found here, such as the Okinawa rail, exist nowhere else in the world.
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