A day trip to Okinawa's wild north — the biodiverse Yanbaru subtropical forest, the spectacular 26-meter Hiji Falls, and the dramatic northernmost tip of the main island at Cape Hedo. This is Okinawa's most adventurous day trip, taking you through increasingly wild and forested landscape as you head north. The views at Cape Hedo where two seas meet are extraordinary.
| Travel time | Full day (10-11 hours round trip) |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Rental car essential — no practical public transport to this area |
Suggested itinerary
- Time
- 7:00
- Activity
- Early departure from Naha northbound (important — long drive)
- Time
- 8:30
- Activity
- Coffee stop in Nago city center
- Time
- 9:00
- Activity
- Hiji Falls trailhead — hike to the waterfall (1.5-2 hours return)
- Time
- 11:00
- Activity
- Continue north to Cape Hedo (40 minutes from Hiji Falls)
- Time
- 11:45
- Activity
- Cape Hedo — northernmost point, cliff walk, sea confluence views
- Time
- 13:00
- Activity
- Lunch at a Kunigami village restaurant or packed lunch at the cape
- Time
- 14:00
- Activity
- Yanbaru Wildlife Conservation Center (Kunigami)
- Time
- 15:30
- Activity
- Scenic drive south through Yanbaru forest — watch for yanbaru kuina
- Time
- 17:00
- Activity
- Depart south on expressway
- Time
- 19:00
- Activity
- Return to Naha
Highlights
- Hiji Falls 26m waterfall
- Cape Hedo wild coastline
- Yanbaru endemic wildlife
- Pristine subtropical forest
- Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center
Tips for visiting
- Start at 7am — this is the longest day trip from Naha
- Bring packed lunch — restaurant options limited in far north
- Yanbaru kuina most likely spotted on slow drives through forest at dawn/dusk