CONTRIBUTED BY CHRISTY SUTTON
Get ready for one amazing Okinawa adventure! Tadake Falls is a combination of hiking, river trekking, water sliding, jungle swinging, hide and seek, rope climbing and rock collecting in the midst of a breath-taking tropical wonderland. Rarely will you see another American on this adventure unless it is someone in your group. This remote waterfall is an escape for the daring and definitely worth the effort put in to find it. Are you ready to go?
COST: Absolutely FREE! The only cost is your time and energy (and whatever it takes to purchase Motrin on your way home).
WHAT TO EXPECT: The trail is a river. Yes, a river! So be prepared to get wet. This is a wonderful welcome in July, but maybe not so much in January. Water shoes are a must, no flip flops unless you are prepared to barefoot it in the end. At an average pace it will take around 30 minutes to reach the base of the waterfall. Along the way your feet will traverse pebbles, sand bars, boulders, trees, rock walls and dirt. The current is slow and steady and at no point did we feel in danger of being swept away. 
The widest portion of the river may reach 15 feet and did not go deeper than waist deep (unless it was at the base of a waterfall). At different points along the trail you will find ropes in place to either help you cross a difficult area in the river (keeping balance) or help you around a cliff-like area. There are also many Tarzan-like vines to play/swing on, but be careful, it’s not always like the movies and you could end up under water quickly! There are multiple small waterfalls along the way that may distract you, but keep going for the main attraction, it will be worth it.
When you are just about to the base of Tadake Falls it will become eerily silent. You’ll walk on a pebble-ish sand bar which turns to the right and …TA DA, there is the magnificent waterfall! Fifty feet up and emitting power that you couldn’t imagine existed. There is a nice area for a picnic if you don’t mind sitting on rocks, reading lips for conversation and taking in the gorgeous view. A ledge goes behind the waterfall allowing you to disappear (and scare your mother silly if you’re 9!) into the unknown for a moment or two. The pond at the base of the waterfall makes a fine swimming hole and/or allows for hours of rock-skipping.
Along the way, we saw neon green and black dragon fly-looking creatures—BEAUTIFUL!! Vegetation consisted of Bamboo shoots, Ferns and an umbrella canopy of tall, “jungle” trees. There were also thousands of shiny, opalescent rocks of all colors and sizes to admire.
EXTRA: If you’d like the adventure to continue, there is a trail that takes you to the top of the falls. It is straight up (then down) with ropes strategically placed to allow you to climb or repel. At one point there is a complete drop off, but the good thing is that all brush would catch your fall if you were that unlucky. There are multiple large trees on top on which you can fix ropes to repel down the side of the falls. AMAZING!! This extra trip will take another 15 minutes one way.
FINAL REMARKS: I would NOT suggest this for anyone with children under age 10 and/or who has not had experience hiking. It is strenuous in regards to cardio and strength, so make sure you are in good physical condition. We have heard warnings about not swimming in fresh water here in Okinawa, but other than a few bug bites, we had no ill effects—just be forewarned for yourself. It was a “Natural” adventure in which I will list as one of my top 5 hikes of all time. I hope you get to enjoy it as well. Be smart and be safe.
DIRECTIONS: HWY 58 north past Nago, when you pass the Family Mart on your left at the corner intersection to Yagachi Island, start counting your “clicks” (kilometers). Go 6.9 Km to reach Henan Bridge. You’ll see light blue pillars approx. 6 feet tall with the red, heart shapes/hat thingy circling the tops on each side of each end of the bridge. Immediately after crossing this bridge, take a right. 
Follow the road for 2.7 Km and do not turn right or left, keep on the main road that leads you down into a valley. About 1 Km in you’ll pass a fish hatchery on your right, keep going. The road will curve left and then right again. Look for a home on your left with a gray, concrete wall. This will be the indicator that you have reached the parking area. Directly across from the home you will see an open space in which to park. 
There is a sign posted on a tree which reads Tadake Falls in Kanji. The river/trailhead is just down a slope to the right.
THANK YOU for the tip on this hike. It was incredible!
I have a couple of things to add, first WEAR A SWIMSUIT. Second, when you are driving on the road and trying to stay on the “main road” beware, the main road stays to the right almost the entire way, so do not bite off on any of the larger looking roads thinking that they are the main ones.
I went with a few friends this past Saturday and had a blast! I actually trekked the entire thing in flip-flops, although next time I will definitely wear sneakers or a more sturdy type of sandal.
I personally didn’t think the walk was that difficult, and I have nearly no hiking experience. The worst part is navigating your way through the rocks, but with sturdy shoes, I think that would be easier. The fall at the end was beautiful.
AWESOME hike! I had so much fun. I wore my felt bottomed SCUBA booties so I had traction for slippery surfaces. I highly recommend this! It was definitely my favorite hike on Okinawa. The waterfall is better than both Hiji and Aha.
Actually the correct name of the falls is “Taa” so would be: “Taa falls” or “Taa daki” in Japanese. Amazing place!
Went there today and really enjoyed it. Thanks for the post! i would just add to the directions that we found it only 6.3 kms to Henan Bridge. And the “main road” does veer right. If you go up and on a 2 lane road, you went the wrong way. The road you need is to the right and one lane only. And it took us about 1 1/2 hours from Kadena on a Wednesday afternoon. Faster on the expressway. ENJOY!
This above page said that they don’t recommend this for children under 10. We saw a group of 20 Japanese children supervised by 6 adults. We asked the age and they said they were 5 years old. We followed them back from the falls. They needed a little guidance but the 5 years olds did great.
This looks like a lot of fun! Are there snakes?
Thanks so much for the info! We totally enjoyed ourselves. No, you do not need to be in extreme physical shape, and the pillars are barely three feet tall, not six! We didn’t see any snakes. My 7yr had a blast and didn’t complain one bit about the hike, in fact, he wanted to stay all day. As you travel down the road after making the right off 58, keep in mind that you’re following the river you just crossed (the bridge) and try to stay right as the road curves and twists. We strayed off the road to the left thinking it the main road, but we only started to climb in elevation. We turned around and stayed to the right, which eventually led us there. Pack a light lunch and wear something you can get wet in but padded enough if you should slip! Surprisingly, the river rock wasn’t all that slippery, but tread on your shoes is a great idea. We will be visiting again soon!
Fun trip I took my 6 month old with me in her bjorn. Its about a 20/30 min hike up a stream with 2 or 3 semi tough obstacles. The falls were great, way better than hiji. The water is spring water so if you don’t know its about 72 degrees year round. Definitely wear some kind of shoe not sandal. Enjoy.
I’ve been twice and both times had a blast. Both times were right around this time of year – one New Year Day and the other a day or two before. It’s a bit cold, but if you have a change of footwear in the car (and possibly pants) it’s more than bearable while you’re there. Be forewarned, for anyone who cares to go that time of year. I’m not sure of all the details, but both times I’ve gone, there have been participants in a Japanese bathing ritual. This last time it was just one guy who changed into a karate uniform and stood under the waterfall for about 15 minutes, but last time it was a group of 15 or so high school/college boys in various states of near nakedness (loincloths, small towels, etc.) running to immerse themselves in the falls. Someone explained to me that it was related to a priestly purification ceremony and I believe that it is only performed around New Years. Just wanted to pass along a heads up!
Can anyone give specfic driving info from Kadena? I tried looking this up on Google and couldnt quite find Yagachi; I did find a Yaguji however…
What would be the exit you take on the expressway going that way? From foster. Thanks!
you have to go all the way to the end of the xpressway and thru nago — it’s on the Northern side of Nago — the bridge is the second bridge (I think; just know it’s not the first one) — there are Lotus Hats (like the ladies wear at Gysukendo Caves – that’s what the author is referring to as “hearts”
I went with a group of 5-10yr olds; no one had a hard time; we parents did worry, but everyone was fine. It was beautiful…better than Hiji, in my opinion, as the kids could walk up along the wall and get under the fall itself. Definitely a must-see/do!
Awesome! Can’t wait to go… Great article:)
The mileage figures for the turn after the bridge are pretty good… it’s a curving bridge on the edge of the ocean, and the little decorative endcaps are on the North end (far end).
After you make the turn there are two “Y”‘s in the road: first one, stay left; second one, stay right down the littlest road.
You can make it to the falls with only getting your feet wet if there has been no recent rains. Lots of rocks to cross back’n'forth as needed. And some areas, there are some small rope trails to climb up and around the deep water fords. I saw a five year old do it with his partents along with some “portly” lady friends… so this is do-able by anyone.
Now, if you want to climb the trailhead up to the top of the falls… I would only recommend that for teenagers and above, and only for fit adults… it’s steep, treacherous and if you tripped, it would be an injury of some sort or worse.
Overall, about 20 minutes to go from the parking lot to the falls, and another 15 minutes up the steep trails to the top of the falls.
Do this instead of Hiji falls!!!! You’ll enjoy a real waterfall, and get a great hike out of it, too. (And save 500Yen per person).
A google map to the Tadake Falls parking area and hiking trail…
Fingers crossed this works for ya’ll…
Click on my name “Matt Rings” to get the map…
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&t=h&hl=en&msa=0&ll=26.632628,128.093736&spn=0.003616,0.00456&z=18&msid=200021451344983606673.0004a017c888b7b1cb03e
or click on the link above
Thanks Matt for the Google Map! Huge help.
Are we good to bring our dog?
There’s no attendant there and no sign board about dogs, that I can remember….go for it
Is it safe to take my expensive camera?
I too would like to take my dogs. Has anyone taken their’s?
I went today and saw multiple dogs
There is no one there to stop you from taking your dogs. Once you park, you are on your own to do as you please
And yes, it is safe to take your expensive camera. I actually ran into a guy that shoots for combat camera out there with his big ol’ camera, so I’m assuming you’d be fine too 
We took our dogs and they did fine. There were some challenging parts, but overall they really enjoyed it and I would take them again.
My husband and I and his single buddy just went today and it was amazing! We are all outdoor people and the hike was a nice change of pace from the beach. We had a blast swimming in the pools and hiking around. We hiked up behind the waterfall and headed towards the second one but had to turn around so it didn’t get dark on us.
I saw banana spiders everywhere and that scared me but no snakes.
We are definately going back and bringing more friends. This place rocks!!!
How long would you say it takes to get there from foster ?
How long does it get there coming from foster ?
I went to the falls today with some guys from my shop and just wanted to say it was fun!!! I also wanted to say that if you can make it up to the top of the water fall…instead of going back down to the bottom if you go around the bend for another 10-15 minutes there is another fall that is a little smaller but way more quaint and alot more peaceful!!!
hope you enjoy the falls….oh and just for those with small kids i dont recommend it as it is a rough hike to the falls!
I went with my 5yr old and carried my 2yr old in a hiking back pack, it was amazing, peaceful and beautiful. The only question I had was when we got to the falls we saw the locals playing with the rocks and making mud on them and then putting them on their skin. I followed suite and so did the kids but I was wondering if anyone knew what and if it has any significance. I do recommend bringing a light lunch at the end, it’s nice to sit and watch the waterfall while eating a light snack or lunch.
As of today, the road to get up there is blocked off (closed). The one that you turn on right after the bridge. I’m guessing from the 47″ of rain we just had from the typhoon 1 1/2 weeks ago. We went past it to the next road trying to find a way in but couldn’t due to the fact that many of the roads leading that direction were completely covered in debis and mud. So, as of right now, no falls to enjoy…. We did continue to the tip of the island and enjoy the sights of Cape Hedo.
Well we finally made it to Tadake falls, after giving up on it cause the roads were closed…. Don’t know why though. On the way back from Cape Hedo we noticed it was back open. The sun was starting to set so we quickly jetted down the road so we could get back before we lost the light.
Can anyone give me directions from camp Courtney? Thanks! Planning on going this weekend
We just did this yesterday. We have had a lot of rain and definitely some parts were deep and extremely slippery. We went to top of falls and that is where the tricky part began. The trek up was not as bad as the way down. After about 20 in the group walked the path it wore it down as some had been washed away due to heavy rains. I wore grip bottom water shoes and I only struggled on way up to water fall. Some of the ropes were broke so tree branches in the earth were the only way to hold on. It was fun and gorgeous. If you go to top of water fall expect to hurt next day from shoulders and arms.
We saw a few spiders but no snakes. Super easy to find. Can’t wait for aha falls
Upon arriving on the island our sponsor suggested this trip and we jumped on it, What an amazing experience we had! It was beautiful and fun, no snakes we did see Banana Spiders but they didn’t bother us and we didn’t bother them…there were 4 adults and 4 children under 10, 3 were actually only 6 years old and they did awesome. We all actually walked in the water the whole trail as much as possible and swam across 1 time i believe…the kids had a blast but yes wear swimsuits/shoes (although we did see a ton of people in flip flops), extra clothes to change into afterward and snacks/drinks…a waterproof camera and be prepared for a great experience…
We hiked this in November with our three children ages 10, 5, and 2. Our 2 yr old make it the ENTIRE way by himself. I’m not sure about the people who said not to take kids or make sure they’re old enough because my 2 yr old has been one to hang off my hip most days and he had a BLAST!! I took my expensive camera and got a ton of amazing pictures with the kids and the falls. It look us longer to get to the falls but it was pretty easy. I would recommend it to anyone with children. It’s a great experience and the kids love climbing!! Oh and we did go all the way to the top of the falls with the kids they all made it.
My husband and I went here last Sunday. It was absolutely gorgeous!!!!!! We took 58 straight there from Kadena… about an 1.5hrs. The directions are dead on… only thing I would add is that the pillars aren’t THAT tall and there are 2 forks in the road: 1st one, head left; 2nd, head right.
We plan on going back soon. This time we want to go to the top of the falls… we tried last week but the wind was starting to pick up and we didn’t want to chance it. We took a ton of pics, so don’t forget your cameras!!!!! Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We were up north last weekend and loved these falls! We got there about 9 AM and were the first ones back there (watch out for lots of spider webs!) The falls were amazing and we got so many good pictures! We took the hike up to the top of the falls. It was slippery from the rain, but we were happy we did it. It gives some great views of the mountains around. We did agree, that going to the top once is all we need to do! We hope to bring family back to these falls sometime! We did run into a few Japanese hikers and one group of Americans, but overall, it was very peaceful and quiet and a perfect way to enjoy nature!