Skip to main content
Back to Explore
Best trails in Yambaru National Park

Best trails in Yambaru National Park

4.0(1,132 reviews)

·

Japan
: 
#8 of 29 national parks

All photos

Yanbaru National Park, located in the northern part of Okinawa's main island, was designated a national park in 2016. It is characterized by Japan's largest subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest and a diverse ecosystem. In addition to the beautiful scenery that can be enjoyed from anywhere in the park, it is also known for the various activities that can be enjoyed, such as trekking, canoeing, and animal watching.

Yanbaru (mountain plain) means a region of mountain ranges and forests, and the park is home to many rare species such as the Okinawa rail, Noguchi's woodpecker, and the Yanbaru long-armed scarab beetle. The rich forests and diverse creatures create a unique and complex ecosystem.

As mentioned above, various activities are actively carried out within Yanbaru National Park. If you want to go mountain climbing, head to Yonaha-dake, the highest mountain on Okinawa's main island. Trekking courses are available on the scenic limestone mountain of Daisekirin-san. There are also plenty of leisure activities waiting for you in Okinawa's clear waters. You can also canoe to the mangrove forest in Gesashi Bay, the largest on Okinawa's main island. You can enjoy Okinawa's majestic nature from both land and sea.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Jawbone Ridge Loop

    4.5(342)
    ·Hard
    ·7 mi
    ·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    This trail begins with a steep climb through a dense, humid subtropical jungle, often requiring the use of fixed ropes up the muddy slopes. The trail then emerges from the forest onto the main feature, which is the jawbone ridge. This final section is an exposed scramble, where hikers will need to climb over the sharp, jagged limestone rocks. The reward for this climb is a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view from the summit, offering a breathtaking vista that overlooks the lush green...

  2. #2 - Ta-taki Falls

    4.8(254)
    ·Moderate
    ·1.4 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    The journey begins with a walk through a lush subtropical forest, often passing by giant ferns and the unique, flying spider-monkey tree fern. The central part of the hike involves walking, wading, and scrambling directly in the river itself. The path requires hikers to climb over large, mossy boulders and use a series of fixed ropes to pull themselves up small cascades and steep sections. At the end of the trail, hikers will be rewarded with a stunning, wide waterfall, which flows into a...

  3. #3 - Mount Yonaha

    4.3(100)
    ·Moderate
    ·3.2 mi
    ·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    This trail is a climb to the summit of Mount Yonaha, the highest mountain on the main island of Okinawa. The path is a rugged mountain trail that is full of gnarled tree roots. You will be hiking through a subtropical rainforest, surrounded by giant flying spider-monkey tree ferns and ancient beech trees. This park is the only habitat in the world for the rare, flightless Okinawa Rail, which you might be lucky enough to spot. The trail has several rope sections that you must use to scramble...

  4. #4 - Ogimi Shioyawan

    4.2(40)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.8 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    This trail is a walk through the historic village of Ogimi and along the coast of Shioya Bay. You will walk past traditional houses, cultivated fields, and groves of native local citrus fruit and other subtropical trees. The main reward for the walk is the tranquility and the views of Shioya Bay. This bay is the former mouth of the Shioya River, and the trail offers views of the surrounding green hills and the clear, blue water. The route often includes a visit to the Oku Yanbaru Hot Springs,...

  5. #5 - Kunigami Forest Park - Mount Yonaha

    4.1(37)
    ·Moderate
    ·7.1 mi
    ·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    The ascent begins within the Kunigami Forest Park and takes you into the heart of Yambaru National Park. The path is a steep, muddy, and slippery jungle trek. The trail is rugged and characterized by exposed tree roots, and often requires the use of fixed ropes and cables to assist with steep ascents and descents. You will be hiking through a subtropical rainforest, surrounded by ancient flying spider-monkey tree ferns and lush, endemic vegetation. The park is the exclusive habitat for the...

  6. #6 - Fukuji Dam - Mount Tamachiji

    4.2(34)
    ·Moderate
    ·3.2 mi
    ·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Fukuji Dam - Mount Tamachiji (福地ダム - 玉辻山) This hike takes about one hour to climb to the summit of Mount Tamachiji from the entrance of Fukuchi Dam. The views from the top of the mountain are outstanding.

  7. #7 - Hedoutaki

    4.6(32)
    ·Moderate
    ·0.5 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Hedoutaki (辺戸御嶽) Hedoutaki is also known as Asumori Utaki, and is said to be the first sanctuary that Amamikiyo, who descended from heaven, created the islands of Okinawa. To reach the summit, climb a steep mountain road. There are also rocky areas and rope areas, so you need to prepare proper clothes and shoes.

  8. #8 - Daisekirinzan Loop

    4.5(20)
    ·Easy
    ·2.1 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr

  9. #9 - Benoki Dam Loop

    4.3(16)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.5 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Benoki Dam Loop (辺野喜ダムループ) Benoki Dam, which represents one of the nine dams in Okinawa Prefecture. The only dam in the north has a road that can go around the dam lake. You can go around in about 2 hours on foot, and you can take a walk while enjoying the nature of Yanbaru, where natural monuments such as Okinawa rail, Yanbaru tenagakogane, Okinawa woodpecker, and Ryukyu long-tailed rat live.

  10. #10 - Hedo Salon Pine Tree Park

    4.0(20)
    ·Easy
    ·0.9 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Hedo Salon Pine Tree Park (辺戸蔡温松並木保全公園) A tree-lined conservation park just a short distance from Cape Hedo. You can see a row of pine trees planted in the 18th century by Sai On, an important person in the history of Okinawa, in the walking path along the ancient road of the Ryukyu dynasty. From the observatory, you can enjoy beautiful views of Cape Hedo and Daisekirinzan.
Showing results 1–10 of 21
Explore more trails
Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Yambaru National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Yambaru National Park is Jawbone Ridge Loop, which has a 4.5 star rating from 342 reviews. This trail is 7.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,909 ft.

What is the longest trail in Yambaru National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Yambaru National Park is Fukuji Dam - Mt. Tamatsuji - Mt. Iyu. This trail is estimated to be 12.7 mi long.

How many trails are in Yambaru National Park?

There are 21 trails in Yambaru National Park.These trails have an average 4.0-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Yambaru National Park?

Fukuji Dam - Mt. Tamatsuji - Mt. Iyu has the most elevation gain with 2,667 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Jawbone Ridge Loop, which has 1,909 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Yambaru National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 camping trail in Yambaru National Park which is Hiji Otaki Falls [CLOSED] with an average 4.4 star rating from 154 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Yambaru National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 running trails in Yambaru National Park and the most popular is Fukuji Dam - Mount Tamachiji with an average 4.2 star rating from 34 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Yambaru National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 biking trails in Yambaru National Park and the most popular is Ogimi Shioyawan with an average 4.2 star rating from 40 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Yambaru National Park?

Yes, there are 13 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Yambaru National Park, including Jawbone Ridge Loop, Mount Yonaha, Kunigami Forest Park - Mount Yonaha, Fukuji Dam - Mount Tamachiji, and Hedoutaki.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Yambaru National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a waterfall in Yambaru National Park: Ta-taki Falls.

Are there any trails with rivers in Yambaru National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with rivers in Yambaru National Park, including Benoki Dam Loop and Hiji Otaki Falls [CLOSED].

Are there any trails with springs in Yambaru National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a spring in Yambaru National Park: Hedo Salon Pine Tree Park.

Are there any trails with dams in Yambaru National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a dam in Yambaru National Park: Benoki Dam Loop.

Are there any trails with bays in Yambaru National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a bay in Yambaru National Park: Shioya Bay Paddle Course.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Yambaru National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with scenic viewpoints in Yambaru National Park, including Daisekirinzan Loop and Daisekirinzan.

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Yambaru National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with an archaeological site in Yambaru National Park: Hedo Salon Pine Tree Park.