Best trails in Yambaru National Park
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
- (313)•Hard•6.9 mi•Est. 4–4.5 hrJawbone Ridge Loop (大宜味の石灰岩の山と森周回コース) The route is navigated by ropes to prevent climbers from getting lost, and many landmarks have been left along the way. It includes a lot of slopes and the whole way up to Mount Nekumachiji is overgrown with grass. After passing Mount Nekumachiji, the return route will be simply a paved road. There are several viewpoints to overlook the bay and the ocean along the trail.
- (236)•Moderate•1.3 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrTa-taki Falls (ター滝) is located in the headwaters of the Henan River which is in Yambaru National Park. It is a popular waterfall where you can enjoy the stunning views of the clear water and nature in subtropical zones. The route goes to the waterfall goes along the river and the rocks along the river, so be cautious as you will get wet.
- (84)•Moderate•3.2 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrMont Yonaha (与那覇岳) Note: Mount Yonaha Summit may be closed due to environmental protection, please check before attempting. This hike takes you to the summit of Mount Yonaha (与那覇岳) through the beautiful forest of Yanbaru (the northern region of Okinawa Island). Here you can enjoy the subtropical zones environment. There are no views from the top but some points along the trail. Keep an eye out for habu snakes and other inhabitants that live here.
- (29)•Moderate•7.0 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrKunigami Forest Park - Mount Yonaha (国頭森林公園 - 与那覇岳) Note: Mount Yonaha Summit may be closed due to environmental protection, please check before attempting. This route takes you from the parking lot of Kunigami Forest Park to the summit of Mount Yonaha (与那覇岳) through the gorgeous forest of Yanbaru (the northern region of Okinawa Island). Here you can enjoy the subtropical zones environment. There are no views from the top but some points along the trail. Keep an eye out for habu snakes...
- (29)•Moderate•4.8 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrOgimi Shioyawan（大宜味ー塩屋湾） Ogimi Village, the longest-lived village in Japan. This course offers views of the limestone mountains and the area around Shioya Bay. The trails are paved but long, so it's best to wear clothes that you can sweat. Since it is in a national park, toilets are installed in various places.
- (30)•Moderate•0.5 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrHedoutaki (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.
- (11)•Moderate•4.5 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrBenoki 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.
- (17)•Hard•12.5 mi•Est. 6.5–7.5 hrFukuji Dam - Mt Tamatsuji - Mt Iyu (福地ダム- 玉辻山 - 伊湯岳) The largest dam in Okinawa prefecture, located in Higashi-mura, Kunigami-gun, which is blessed with a large amount of water. The construction of the Fukuchi Dam was started in July 1969 by the US Army Corps of Engineers and completed in 1972. A promenade and an observatory are set up around the large dam, so you can take a leisurely stroll. It is a course where you can enjoy the expressive nature, such as looking down on the dam from a...
Showing results 1–10 of 21
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 313 reviews. This trail is 6.9 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 12.5 mi long.
How many trails are in Yambaru National Park?
There are 21 trails in Yambaru National Park. These trails have an average 4.1-star rating from 1,034 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Yambaru National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Yambaru National Park has you covered. Fukuji Dam - Mt. Tamatsuji - Mt. Iyu boasts the most elevation gain with 2,667 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Jawbone Ridge Loop, which will get you 1,909 ft of elevation gain.
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 3.9 star rating from 24 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 4.1 star rating from 29 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, Hedoutaki, and Fukuji Dam - Mount Tamachiji.
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.
