Zatsungawa River (ザツンガワ / 座津武川)

The Zatsungawa River (ザツンガワ / 座津武川)

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Zatsungawa

      GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 49.434	E 128 14.784

      *GPS to starting point




The Zatsungawa River, ザツンガワ / 座津武川

The Zatsungawa River of Uka, Kunigami Village is one of many beautiful rivers in the northern part of Okinawa. For the outdoor enthusiast, this offers an escape into the wild and a good taste of nature. See Trekking Data below. There are some moderate to high risk areas so please read the recommended guidelines below.

Trekking Data & Information
River Name. Zatsungawa (ザツンガワ / 座津武川)
River Location. Uka, Kunigami Village (宇嘉, 国頭村)
Trek Starting Point. GPS N26 49.434 E128 14.784
Recommended Emergency Rally Point (For Emergency Vehicles). GPS N26 49.468 E128 14.632
1st Stopping Point. GPS N26 49.386 E128 14.906 (image, video)
2nd Stopping Point. GPS N26 49.384 E128 14.955 (image, video)
3rd Stopping Point. GPS N26 49.249 E128 15.037 (image, video)
Turn-Around Point. GPS N26 49.246 E128 15.130 (image, video)
Trek Time from Starting Point to Turn-Around Point. Approx 3 hrs
Total Time. 7 hrs
Video Overview.  Map It! Okinawa Video Short, Zatsungawa River.

Tip. Start your trek near the water station. Look for a metallic ladder taking you down to the river. Climb down and cross to the other side. You will see a trail and it will take you to a launch point on your trek.

Note. At the time of this river trek, the turn-around-point could not be surpassed due to the semi steep outer-terrain and the depth of water. Under warmer conditions this may be feasible. It is not recommended to submerge into water above the waist during the colder months. Please read below. The post will be updated after future attempts have been completed.

Recommended Guidelines (MUST READ!)

1. VERY IMPORTANT! This particular river trek is recommended only for those who have fairly good physical agility, coordination skills, and upper body strength. Negotiating steep inclines may be required. Recommended only for young adults and above. Though most of the trek is manageable, it does have some moderate to high risk areas.

2. VERY IMPORTANT! Plan on getting wet up to your knees. It is sometimes safer to walk in the river, rather than hopping and balancing yourself on the rocks just to keep dry. On a normal good weather day, the river current at most areas is not enough to push you off balance. Though this rule may seem trivial, it is a very important thing to remember. The biggest risk to this trek is falling and slipping on the rocks.

3. VERY IMPORTANT! In the colder months you do not want to get wet above your waist. You will run the risk of hypothermia if you continue further. Your upper body will not provide you enough heat for you to keep warm. Ideally, try to keep the water below the knees.

4. VERY IMPORTANT! It is recommended that you do not trek during the rain or after a recent rain shower. The ideal time is on an average good weather day (no rain or drizzle). During good weather the rocks above the river will be dry. This is important for grip. There are some high risk areas that will require good surface grip (feet, hands, and body) to get from point A to point B. This rule is unique to this river. Surface grip will be required to negotiate difficult terrain.

5. DO NOT WEAR TENNIS SHOES!!! Tennis shoes offer no traction and will slip on these rocks. Wear something that has hard soles and has great traction on these kinds of surfaces. If you do not have hard soles you will 'feel' every step you take. And since you will be getting wet, thick heavy boots will only get heavier when soaked. You should wear something that is lighter, has good traction, but still gives you flexibility of movement.

6. GUIDE STICK. Having a guide stick is recommended. Sometimes it will be safer to skirt the terrain just to avoid danger areas. If at some point it seems impossible to continue, look for red or yellow tape markers around the trees. Trekkers have left guide marks to assist with negotiating terrain (though on this particular river, it has not always been helpful). You will need a guide stick to probe these areas for snakes and to knock down spider webs. When you are negotiating boulders however, you will have to set your guide stick aside to free your hands for climbing. This is very important. When it comes to negotiating boulders and rocky terrain, your hands will be your best assets. This is for safety.

7. Never go alone. Have a buddy. For this particular river trek, the 'ideal' number is to have at least three (3) hiking buddies, but optimally try to have more than 3 due to the level of difficulty. If one gets hurt, then you have the option of leaving at least one with the injured while the other(s) go retrieve help. Cell phone reception is very difficult, if not non-existent in these areas. If you are a US Service Member, your nearest US Military Facility will be the Okuma Recreational Facility. It is recommended that everyone should have the number to this location should an emergency arise.

8. Tell someone (or few others), where you will be river trekking to and leave them at a minimum: the GPS coordinate of the starting point, the name of the river, and this website URL (see Trek Data Information above).

9. Wear a light long-sleeve top (depending on the weather) for protection against the elements and bugs. Whether you trek on the river or skirt the landscape, you will hit spider web after spider web (summer or winter).

10. Wear a hat or beanie to keep warm and to protect yourself against the elements and bugs. You may run into many spider webs along the way (Do a 'spider check' with your buddy every now and then). A beanie does offer some bit of head protection in the event of a fall.

11. VERY IMPORTANT! Bring some light hiking gloves for grip and protection. You may be required to grab roots, tree limbs, trees, rocks, dirt, etc. in order to negotiate terrain.

12. DO NOT WEAR SHORTS! Find something that you don't mind getting wet in and that offers protection against the elements. There 'will' be a few times you will be on your knees or on your rear end as you negotiate some of the terrain. Also you need to protect your legs from critters and abrasions. You may want to bring some shorts if you want to take a dip in the water. There are some areas that are over 7 feet deep. Swimming not recommend in the colder months.

13. VERY IMPORTANT! Apply the '3-Points of Contact Rule' when going over difficult terrain.

14. VERY IMPORTANT! Maintain a low center of gravity when going over difficult terrain.

15. If something looks unsafe, then avoid. Find another way to negotiate the terrain or SIMPLY, DON'T DO IT. Don't try to be brave. You do not have to travel far to enjoy the natural scenery.

16. Give yourself plenty of time AND TAKE YOUR TIME. NO NEED TO RUSH. But remember you have to add time to get back (before dark!). Recommend you leave early morning time frame. The rule of thumb is travel far enough so that have the same amount of time to get back. However, add an extra hour as a buffer on your return trip. (For example, if you travel 3 hours, ensure you have 4 hours of sunlight left to get back). Note. From experience, it is more dangerous on your return trip. There are two reasons; on your return trip your are more fatigued and therefore less alert; and second, gravity and descending elevation. It is usually a lot easier to climb up then it is to climb down.

17. Bring a light backpack for food, water, toilet paper, flash light, survival kit, first aid kit, light rain coat, warming layers, etc. and water proof them as needed.

18. USE THE BATHROOM BEFORE YOU GO! Making natural deposits of certain kind in the wild may not be fun for some.

19. You will get dirty. Bring a towel, extra socks, extra pair of shoes, shirt, pants, and warming layers (Can leave in the car).

20. Tuck in your shoe laces to prevent tripping.

21. Protect & secure items such as your wallet and cell phone from moisture and from getting soaked.

22. Don't try to be brave. Respect your limits and respect nature.

23. You do not have to go all the way to any of the stopping points or to the Turn-Around Point. You don't have to go far to enjoy some of the beauty along the river. Never feel pressured to continue on if you are fatigued or if it becomes too hazardous.

Directions/Parking. Take Highway 58 into Kunigami Village (to the town of Uka, 宇嘉). You will have to navigate by Landmarks annotated in the map. The turn-off point is just a few hundred meters south of the Uka Tunnel (click here for Japanese writing above the tunnel). Additionally, the Uka Tunnel is a newer tunnel. The older tunnel is fenced off to the side. It is the old Zatsun Tunnel. If you wish to park near the water station, please do not block the entrance gate as maintenance crews utilize this station.

Other Rivers in Okinawa. Takazato River, Fukugawa II, Taa Water. 

"Hira Falls ひら滝, Nago City"

Teniya's Hira Falls, Nago City

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Hira Falls

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 34.927	E 128 06.279

Hira Falls, Nago City

A very photogenic waterfall lies on the east side of Okinawa along the Aritsugawa River in a small town called Teniya of Nago City. She is another one of the least known waterfalls here on Okinawa, but she is not shy on displaying her thundering beauty. She is the very proud and commanding, Hira Falls (ひら滝). In Japanese she is referred to as Hira-Taki and in Okinawan dialect, Hira-Tachi. Both suffixes, 'taki' and 'tachi', mean waterfall in their respective languages. 

When you first arrive at the base of the falls, a sense of deja vu will hit you. Hira is very reminiscent of her sister, Taa, who lives in Ogimi Village on the west side of Okinawa. Their vertical heights are approximately the same – roughly 50 meters. What makes Hira Falls special however, is that the layout of the land makes for great photographic moments at different angles that you couldn't easily achieve at other waterfalls here on Okinawa. Please see photo album above or click here to see other photos.

An Okinawan, familiar with the waterfall, was asked if there was a special shrine or sacred grove around this waterfall where Okinawans pray. His answer was yes. We just happen to be looking at her the whole time.

FOR SAFETY, PLEASE READ EVERYTHING BELOW BEFORE YOU GO!

Physical Ability. Recommended for young adults and above with good physical agility and coordination skills. I do not recommend bringing children on your first trip to this waterfall. After the first go-around, parents can gauge the safeness for their children. It is not a difficult trek, however, it is not a flat path either and there are narrow areas where you can trip or fall, and the vegetation along the trail may be too overgrown where snakes can hide. Hopefully, over time, the trail may get beaten down enough where this becomes less of a concern. The level of difficulty of this trek is between that of Taa and Fukugawa II, but more closer to Taa's level. 

The Starting Point. The most difficult part of this river trek is finding the starting point. This is really an off-the-beaten path waterfall. Vehicle directions to the starting point are at the very bottom. Please study them carefully. There are NO official markers or signs pointing you to this waterfall. You have to study the Landmarks provided. The trail starts at a small creek, near a road, that connects to the main river (Aritsugawa) which feeds the Hira Falls.

The Trail/River Trek. The trail weaves in and out of a small creek that connects to the main river. Sometimes you are in the water. Sometimes you are on land. It is about a 20 minute river trek. You will see 'red tape' or 'red spray paint' on trees along the trail leading you the way. However, they are sometimes easy to miss. As long as you let the creek guide you, you will reunite with the marked trail again at some point. The trail may be at times narrow, or not as beaten down, so please watch your step looking for possible snakes. At one point at a difficulty pass in the creek, you will see a guide rope to left.

The 'Y' and the First Waterfall. Near the end, you will come across a noticeable 'Y' fork on the creek. If you go right, you will come to a dead end about 3 minutes later, however there is small waterfall tucked around the corner with a decent size pool of water. THIS IS NOT HIRA FALLS. Continue to the left of the 'Y'. Hira Falls will be around the corner 100 meters away on the left hand side.

The Dangers. Potentially the most dangerous part is a run-in with the Habu. Because the path weaves in and out of the creek, you are sometimes forced to go on narrow vegetated paths. Recommend bringing a guide stick to brush away the trail and to remove spider webs.

Wildlife in the Area.
Spider Webs. You will see many spider webs along the way. Just be aware. Wear appropriate clothing and highly recommend wearing gloves.
Fresh Water Eel. At times along the way, you may see a fresh water eel. This is just for your awareness and to not get overly excited and fall when confusing it with a snake. It is not certain what species/subspecies they are, but they may be the Giant Mottled Eel (See the Churami Aquarium website http://oki-churaumi.jp/en/area/freshwater-life.html). Several were seen in this area.
Snakes. Always be vigilant for snakes when in the wild. Wear appropriate footwear/protective gear and bring a guide stick to remove brush. Take your time. There is no need to rush.
Mosquitoes/Critters. Recommend using bug repellant and wear appropriate clothing to protect your skin.

The Horse Fly. This is one pest worth mentioning and writing an entire paragraph on. If you get bit by one, you will understand. For some reason, they are frequent in this area of Okinawa and probably just during the hot season. They are tremendously annoying – to the point you will be rooting for Okinawa's legendary 'Banana Spider'. Their bite can be very painful – even through clothing, and possibly leave an infection if left long enough on your skin. The Okinawans refer to these flies as 'Abu'. Do not be surprised if 'one' seemly 'stalks' you along the way to the waterfall. You will find yourself constantly swatting the air around you. This is another reason to avoid bringing small children on your first trip, or at all. 

Solutions. There is no 100% solution to this problem during the hotter months. There may be less or none during the colder months. If you can tolerate the heat, you can wear clothing that covers your entire body along the way to the waterfall and then change when you get there. This may mitigate the sharp pain you will feel if they bite you. A can of 'Off' Spray or equivalent may or may not work. Cover, the back of your neck with a wet towel. Cover, your head with either a hat or wet towel. You will know when they approach you. They make an unforgettable sound. To temporarily get them away from you, try swinging a towel violently in a helicopter manner as if you are swatting them. You may at least get 5 minutes of peace. According to the Orkin Pest Control website, horse flies are attracted to dark objects so wear clothing accordingly. Ehow.com may also have some house-hold remedies that may be of help. Thankfully, they usually harass you one at a time.

Getting to the Top of the Waterfall. The terrain is too steep and densely vegetated to get to the top safely, and there is no trail up there. Highly recommend making no attempt to go up. This is very, very unsafe from the base of the waterfall. A safer route is currently being reconnoitered, however, it is no where near the trail of this waterfall. This post will be updated once a safer route has been verified.

Going away from the Waterfall. Once you meet the Aritsugawa River, Hira Falls will be immediately on your left and the river continues on to the right. It flatten outs tremendously but then ultimately gets little deeper making it tremendously difficult to continue.

Other Guidelines.
1. Plan on getting wet up to your knees. Wear good shoes/boots with traction (not tennis shoes).
2. Sometimes, it best to walk in the water than on land or balancing yourself on the rocks.
3. Nearest Medical Facility. For U.S. Services members the nearest medical facility will be at Camp Scwhab about 30-40 minutes away to the south. 4. GPS for the trail's starting point is N26 34.927, E128 6.279. Recommended GPS Rally Point for emergency vehicles is N 26 34.393 E 128 07.328. It will be a large tree clearly visible near Highway 331 and is one of the Landmarks designated in the map above. GPS to the Hira Falls is N26 35.121, E128 6.340.
5. Recommend a small backpack of snacks, a bathing suit to go swimming (optional), bug spray, towel. And don't forget your camera. There are nice areas already for natural shade. Pack out what you pack in. Leave no trace behind.
6. Leave an extra set of clothes and shoes in the car to change into later. More than likely you will get wet and dirty. If it's summer, you will be sweating.
7. Bring a hiking buddy with you.

Parking. There is only one area near the starting point that you can park your car. It's big enough to park maybe 2 cars. If this is full you have to park further down the road but off to the side. This is somewhat a narrow road. Please leave plenty of space for truck-size vehicles and please do not park in such away that would block farmers access to their farms.

Directions. (Please Read carefully). Your venture starts from Highway 329 in Nago. Then get on the Highway 331 turn-off, heading north. You will now be on the east side of Okinawa (The Highway 329/331 turn-off is about 10 minutes north of Camp Schwab by car). Another 8km you will past the Kanucha Resort. Travel another 7.5 km and you will be arriving in Teniya. At some point you will be traveling around a sharp 'bend' in the road. To your right of this 'bend' will be a very noticeable old and large pine tree. On the left side and on the opposite side of the road will be a small elementary school building. These are Map Landmarks provided in the above map. Once you pass the elementary school, look for a second through-road on the left. It will be a 'Y-like' fork intersection with signs. This is where you turn left as you leave the 331. This is the beginning of the blue designated route in the map above.

From there, go at a very moderate and safe speed. Farmers and delivery trucks still travel these areas at high speeds. The roads are medium size in width and are curvy. The next landmark to look for will be on the left hand side 2km later. It is a small pull-out area where you can park your car. Please look at this picture. There is only one like it in that area. If you get to here then you known you are in the right spot. (Eventually, if you go past this, you will see a sign down the road that looks like this on the left. If you get here, you gone too far!!!) Park your car at this pull-out area or in the immediate area off to the side. Do not block any roads that leads to farm land.

From the pull-out area, you have to backtrack on foot down the road for about 100m as if you are going back to the 331. As you are headed in that direction, look for 3 small 'red dot's sprayed painted on the white guard rail. This marks the entry point to the path. From there you will see a small trail that leads you down and connects you to a small creek. You will also see 'Red Tape' and 'Red Spray Paint' along the way. If you look at this picture you will see the car parked in the background (at the Landmark). You will also see those '3 Red Dots' to the right on the guard rail.

Enjoy and Have a Great Trip!

Other waterfalls in Okinawa. Azaka Falls (Ogimi Village), Fukugawa Falls (Nago City), Kijoka Falls (Ogimi Village), Meoto Falls (Higashi Village), Ogimi Waterfall (Ogimi Village), River Trekking to a Nameless Waterfall (Fukugawa II) (Nago City), Taa Waterfall (Ogimi Village), Todoroki Waterfall (Nago City), Nameless Waterfall (Kunigami), (Aha and Hiji Falls not listed yet).

"River Trekking the Takazato River"

A very small waterfall at the Takazato River

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River Trekking - Takazato River

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 42.259	E 128 10.185

River Trekking the Takazato River 

The Takazato River that borders Ogimi and Kunigami Village can be fun and enjoyable, and yet very challenging for even the most experienced nature hiker. If you thought river trekking to Fukugawa II was somewhat strenuous then Takazato will give you a real good workout. There are a lot more risks here however, and more caution is required. This can be rewarding and fun, but you have to respect nature and your limits. If you have poor agility and coordination, then you will have a tough time. Along the way, you will have to negotiate small boulders. And at times, in the interest of safety you may have to skirt the river via small trails off to the side that are often masked by thick vegetation.  The risk here then becomes snakes. It is highly recommended that you read all the guidelines below. This can be adventurous and exciting, but respect towards mother nature must have the highest priority.

Interesting things to see. Click on the photo album above to see the some of the natural beauties along the way. When you arrive at the parking area, you will see a small dam. It's an interesting setup and a good place to just relax if nothing else. Once you begin your journey, you will see a noticeably unique 'Gajimaru Tree'. Further down the river, you will see the 'Fern Arch', consisting of what appears to be two dying trees with an abundance of ferns that have taken over. You will also see many, many boulders with beautiful cascading water streams. The highlight of this journey is a small waterfall (1.5-2 meters high) that you see above that pours into a good size pool of water.

Starting Point. The start of the trail begins at the parking area behind the picnic tables. You will see a noticeable trail that takes you little higher up a hill. It takes you behind the dam.

Highlight/Turn-around Point. The highlight of this trip is a small pretty waterfall (1.5 - 2meters high) that goes into a large pool of water (above picture). This is about 1hr 30 minutes to 1hr 45 minutes away from the starting point. Further past this point are more rocks and boulders and the 'turn-around point' is at GPS N26 41.966 E128 10.328. Both are marked in the map above. You will notice on the map that a farm is about 300 meters due east of the turn-around point. It is not certain what is further upstream beyond the turn-around point.

Trekking Time: 1:30-145 minutes at a reasonable safe pace to the turn-around point.

Directions. The main turn-off is from Highway 58 just before the statue of the Yanbaru Kuina. From there, getting to the actual starting point may take some doing. Essentially, you are following the Takazato River on the south side. Study the map carefully. You will see another designated landmark of apartment buildings just before you go onto the dirt road leading you to the starting point.

GUIDELINES (PLEASE READ). 
The Guidelines are similar to that of going to Fukugawa II with a few exceptions. Because this trek is little more difficult please read through all the guidelines.
1. VERY IMPORTANT. This particular river trek is recommended only for those who have fairly good physical agility and coordination skills. Negotiating large boulders may be required at times. Recommended only for young adults and above.

2. VERY IMPORTANT. Plan on getting wet up to your knees. It will sometimes be safer just to walk in the river, rather than hopping and balancing yourself on the boulders & rocks just to keep dry. If the boulders are wet (& best to assume they will be), they will be slippery. Though this rule may seem trivial, it is a very important thing to remember. The biggest risk trekking along this stream is slipping and falling on the rocks.

3. DO NOT WEAR TENNIS SHOES!!! Tennis shoes offer no traction and will slip on these rocks. Wear something that has hard soles and has great traction on these kinds of surfaces. If you do not have hard soles you will 'feel' every step you take. And since you will be getting wet, thick heavy boots will only get heavier when soaked. You should wear something that is lighter, has good traction, but still gives you flexibility of movement. 

4. GUIDE STICK. It was not recommended for Fukugawa II that you do bring a guide stick, however, it will be needed here. Sometimes it will be safer to skirt the terrain just to avoid large boulders. You will see some trails that may have thick vegetation. You will need a guide stick to probe these areas and to knock down spider webs. When you are negotiating boulders however, you will have to set your guide stick aside to free your hands for climbing.

5. Never go alone. Have a buddy. For this particular river trek, the 'ideal' number is to have at least three (3) hiking buddies if you can, but optimally to have more than 3 due to the level of difficulty. If one gets hurt, then you have the option of leaving one with the injured while the other go gets some help. Cell phone reception is very difficult, if not non-existent in these areas. If you are a US Service Member, your nearest US Military Facility will be the Okuma Recreational Facility. It is recommended that everyone should have the number to this location should an emergency arise.

6. Tell someone where you will be river trekking at and leave them the GPS coordinate of the starting point. The starting point is N26 42.259, E128 10.185.

7. Wear something that is long sleeve and light (depending on the weather) for protection against the elements and bugs. Whether you trek on the river or skirt the landscape, you will hit spider web after spider web (summer or winter).

8. Wear a hat or beanie to keep warm and to protect yourself against the elements and bugs. You will run into many spider webs along the way (Do a 'spider check' with your buddy every now and then). A beanie does offer some bit of protection as a cushion in the event of a fall.

9. Bring some light hiking gloves for grip and protection. You may be required to grab roots, tree limbs, trees, rocks, dirt, etc. in order to negotiate terrain.

10. DO NOT WEAR SHORTS. Find something that you don't mind getting wet in and that offers protection against the elements. There 'will' be a few times you will be on your knees or on your rear end as you negotiate some of the terrain. Also you need to protect your legs from critters. You may want to bring some shorts if you want to take a dip in the water pool later. 

11. Apply the '3-Points of Contact Rule' when going over difficult terrain.

12. Maintain a low center of gravity when going over difficult terrain.

13. If something looks unsafe, then don't do it. Find another way to go around it or SIMPLY, DON'T DO IT. Don't try to be brave. 

14. Give yourself plenty of time AND TAKE YOUR TIME. NO NEED TO RUSH. But remember you have add time to get back (before dark!). Recommend you leave early morning time frame.

15. Bring a light backpack for food, water, toilet paper, flash light, survival kit, first aid kit, light rain coat, warming layers, etc.

16. USE THE BATHROOM BEFORE YOU GO! Making natural deposits of certain kind in the wild may not be fun for some.

17. You will get dirty. Bring a towel, extra socks, extra pair of shoes, shirt, pants, warming layers (Can leave in the car). 

18. Tuck in your shoe laces to prevent tripping.

19.Protect & secure items such as your wallet and cell phone from moisture and from getting soaked.

20.Don't try to be brave. Respect your limits and respect nature. 

21. You do not have to go all the way to the Highlight or Turn-around Point. You don't have to go far to enjoy some of the beauty along the Takazato river. Never feel pressured to continue on if you are fatigued or if it becomes too hazardous.

22. The Water Dam. The water dam area at the starting point has some deep areas. Parental supervision is required when small kids are in the area.