White sandy beaches and blue oceans – Okinawa is wonderful, but aren't you interested in exploring a different kind of Okinawa?

The place I'm introducing today is a hidden gem located in Yanbaru, which is partly designated as a national park: Ta-taki Falls.
One of the charms of Ta-Taki Falls is that you can also enjoy the journey to the impressive waterfall, which has a drop of about 10 meters.
The rich natural beauty of the subtropical forest evokes the age of dinosaurs, making the journey even more exciting.

This article will introduce everything from how to access the fascinating Ta Falls to important points to keep in mind.

<Table of Contents>
1. Directions and Access to Ta Falls
2. The path from the parking lot to the waterfall
3. Clothing for playing at Ta Falls
4. Recommended tours to Ta Falls
5. To safely enjoy Tar Falls

Show all table of contents

1. Directions and Access to Ta Falls

To reach Ta-taki Falls, the first destination is the "Hiranan River Ta-taki Falls Parking Lot." It's about a 30-minute drive from the Kyoda Roadside Station.

Head north on National Route 58, and near the "Ogimi Shikuwasa Park" in Ogimi Village, you will see a sign that says "Ta-taki Falls," so turn right.

Continue straight along the road, and after passing Ogimi Shikuwasa Park, you'll soon reach a dead end where you'll see another sign.

It's basically a straight road, and there are signs in places that are difficult to find, so you should be fine, but if you're searching on Google Maps, it's best to search for "Hiranangawa Ta-taki Parking Lot".
Be careful when searching for "Tar Falls," as it may not lead you to the parking lot.
If you drive for about five minutes from this sign, you will see the parking lot.

The Hiranamigawa Ta-taki parking lot is open from 8:30 to 17:30 (last entry at 16:00). The fee for cars is ¥500 for the first two hours, and ¥50 for every 30 minutes thereafter.

The parking lot also has public restrooms and shower rooms (for a fee of ¥100 per use), so you can use them with peace of mind.

2. The path from the parking lot to the waterfall

The walk to the waterfall from the parking lot takes about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace.
To reach Ta Falls, simply follow the river upstream.
You can walk along the rocky terrain or through the water, but even if you're very careful, your legs will get wet up to your shins.

Although there are some steep sections along the way, ropes are installed, so even elementary school children can complete the route without any problems if they go slowly.

Although the water around the waterfall basin is generally shallow, you can enjoy various activities such as swinging on a Tarzan rope or getting soaked by the waterfall.

3. Clothing for playing at Ta Falls

Image source: White Bear Family

While Ta-taki Falls is enjoyable even for children, the journey may involve getting wet and navigating steep, rocky terrain.
Therefore, we recommend minimizing skin exposure (to prevent cuts and insect bites) and wearing clothes that can get wet.

Also, since you may be walking through flowing water or on slippery rocky areas, it's best to avoid sandals and wear shoes that can get wet or marine shoes.

Put your smartphone and other belongings in a waterproof bag to keep your hands free, and if you have small children, have them wear life jackets for added safety.
By dressing appropriately, you can not only make your journey more comfortable, but also reduce the burden in case of trouble, allowing you to enjoy your trip more safely.

4. Recommended tours to Ta Falls

While it is possible to visit Ta Falls independently, considering equipment, preparation, and safety, joining a local guided tour is highly recommended.
Joining a tour not only ensures your safety, but also allows you to share knowledge about nature, including plants and animals, enabling you to enjoy the experience more deeply.
Below are some recommended tours.

Image source: White Bear Family
Okinawa Nature Experience: Yanbaru River Trekking
A specialist in Ta Falls, offering only river trekking tours to Ta Falls.
We also put a lot of effort into photography, and we upload many photos of the Ta Falls tour to Instagram.
【ショップ情報】Okinawa Nature Experience: Yanbaru River Trekking
Address: 5-2-39 Onishi, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture 905-0018
Hours: 8: 00 ~ 19: 00
Closed holiday: irregular holiday

Adventure Island Okinawa - Comprehensive Outdoor Tour Specialist
Adventure Island is a highly-regarded outdoor tour specialist that has been featured in numerous magazines.
They offer a wide variety of activities, and as professionals in outdoor tours, you can enjoy them with peace of mind.
【ショップ情報】Adventure Island Okinawa - Comprehensive Outdoor Tour Specialist
Address: 149 Maeganeku, Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture 904-0414
Hours: 8: 00 ~ 18: 00
Closed: Open all year round

5. To safely enjoy Tar Falls

While Ta Falls is full of charm, it cannot be said to be entirely safe, as there have been incidents in the past where the falls have been isolated due to flooding or caused by people falling into the water.
There are some things to be careful about when playing in nature.

Pay attention to the weather.

While calm rivers are enjoyable and relaxing, they can also experience sudden increases in water levels due to rain.
In September 2020, heavy rains caused flooding, raising the water depth from the usual 50 cm to 1 meter, leaving 13 people temporarily isolated.
In addition, in 2016, 18 people were stranded, and in 17, 33 people were rescued by firefighters.
While a water depth of 1 meter might not seem like much to some, a river with a fast current due to heavy rain can be extremely dangerous.
I understand that you may have scheduling conflicts, but I recommend checking the weather forecast before you go, and returning as soon as possible if the weather looks like it's going to turn bad.

Do not enter restricted areas.

There are several restricted areas at Ta Falls.
In 2017, a 41-year-old man fell to his death after crossing a rope marking a restricted area to reach the top of the waterfall.
To ensure you have fun and create lasting memories, please keep the above points in mind and play safely while following the rules.

Conclusion

How did you like Ta-taki Falls, where you can experience a different kind of Okinawan charm than the ocean?
Whether you're with friends, a lover, or family, you can enjoy a slightly special atmosphere.
With the utmost attention paid to safety, please enjoy playing at Ta Falls, which is great to look at and great to swim in!