Hiji Falls is the largest waterfall in Okinawa with a beautiful trail towards the base pool of only 1.5 kilometers. This short trail in the northern part of the island called Yambaru sounded really easy and effortless until hubby and I proved ourselves wrong hiking it on a humid summer morning. We had never sweated that bad! The staircases were also quite a challenge which are spread throughout the route. Our calves were very sore after.

Hiji Falls, located in the northern part of Okinawa island called Yambaru, is the largest waterfall in the island with a beautiful trail towards the base pool of only 1.5 kilometers.
Hiji Falls, located in the northern part of Okinawa island called Yambaru, is the largest waterfall in the island with a beautiful trail towards the base pool of only 1.5 kilometers.

 

However, the short trail was magnificent. A wide selection of rare flora and fauna carpeted the track. We even spotted a snake along the way.  The stretch of the Hiji River was also captivating, quite a temptation when you are all covered in sweat. 

The first sight to greet you on the trail towards Hiji Falls is the dam which was made to look like a natural waterfall.
The first sight to greet you on the trail towards Hiji Falls is the dam which was made to look like a natural waterfall.
The beautiful stretch of Hiji River in the northern part of Okinawa, Japan.
The beautiful stretch of Hiji River in the northern part of Okinawa, Japan.
The staircases spread throughout the 1.5 kilometer trail to Hiji Falls is quite a challenge especially on a humid summer day.
The staircases spread throughout the 1.5 kilometer trail to Hiji Falls is quite a challenge especially on a humid summer day.
Hiking the 1.5 kilometer trail to Hiji Falls in the northern part of Okinawa, Japan.
Hiking the 1.5 kilometer trail to Hiji Falls in the northern part of Okinawa, Japan.
One of the charcoal pits spotted along the 1.5 kilometer trail to Hiji Falls in the northern part of Okinawa, Japan.
One of the charcoal pits spotted along the 1.5 kilometer trail to Hiji Falls in the northern part of Okinawa, Japan.
A wild snake spotted along the trail to Hiji Falls in the northern part of Okinawa, Japan.
A wild snake spotted along the trail to Hiji Falls in the northern part of Okinawa, Japan.
An orange mushroom spotted along the trail to Hiji Falls in the northern part of Okinawa, Japan.
An orange mushroom spotted along the trail to Hiji Falls in the northern part of Okinawa, Japan.

 

Snakes are something to watch out for on the trail and equally dangerous are the falling rocks along the way.

Falling rocks along the way are something to be cautious about while hiking the trail to Hiji Falls in Okinawa, Japan.
Falling rocks along the way are something to be cautious about while hiking the trail to Hiji Falls in Okinawa, Japan.
Falling rocks along the way are something to be cautious about while hiking the trail to Hiji Falls in Okinawa, Japan.
Falling rocks along the way are something to be cautious about while hiking the trail to Hiji Falls in Okinawa, Japan.
Japanese picnic table at Hiji Falls trail in Okinawa, Japan.
Japanese picnic table at Hiji Falls trail in Okinawa, Japan.

 

And oh, I should mention this day was our First Year Wedding Anniversary :)

Cheers and more to come!

Hubby and I feeling accomplished witnessing the beauty of the Hiji Falls in the northern part of Okinawa, Japan on our first year wedding anniversary.
Hubby and I feeling accomplished witnessing the beauty of the Hiji Falls in the northern part of Okinawa, Japan on our first year wedding anniversary.