Mention “Okinawa” and the first thought that’s likely to pop into your head is “sandy beaches” and then “tropical climate”. For most, cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, is not something they would associate with the southernmost prefecture of Japan. Yet at Okinawa, every spring heralds the beautiful blossoming of the Sakura trees which are the first to bloom in Japan around mid January. Because of the warm climate, they are also different than those in the other Japanese main islands. Okinawa’s cherry blossoms - Kanhizakura - are darker pink and downward facing, very much like a cluster of bells. Visit Okinawa to catch the first wave of Sakura blossoms in Japan.
Yogi Park
Enjoy the convenience of the city and the beauty of cherry blossoms, all in one place at Yogi Park. Situated only 15 minutes away on foot from Naha City’s busy Kokusai Street, Yogi Park has 400 cherry trees that burst into bloom every spring, providing visitors a marvellous sight. The park also boasts of a children’s playground and palm trees are planted alongside the sakura trees here.
Festival: Naha Cherry Blossom Festival
When: Late January to Early February
Nakijin Castle
Could hanami in the midst of castle ruins get anymore picturesque? Sakura trees dot the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nakijin Castle ruins, making it an ideal place for a date. Bring your partner to the Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival to enjoy a day of cherry blossom viewing, where vendors sell food and souvenirs at the festival’s main entrance. As dusk falls, the castle and lanterns lining the paths light up and dial up the romantic atmosphere, allowing visitors a stroll through the beautiful sakura down the ancient stone paths.
Festival: Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival
When: Late January to Early February
Yaedake Sakura-no-Mori
Imagine a spectacular sight of a mountain range being blanketed in the vivid pink of cherry trees. Visit Mount Yaedake and that is the view you’ll be greeted with. The magnificent combination of mountain views with the sakura makes it hard to find a better cherry blossom viewing spot. Trek up Mount Yaedake and be rewarded by the sakura trees flanking both sides of the road. On the mountain there is a park where you can find food stalls, stage events and games during the Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival.
Festival: Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival
When: Mid-January to Early February
Nago Central Park
Head down to the Nago Cherry Blossom Festival at Nago Central Park for a great time with your family and friends. Each year, the 2km stretch lined with sakura trees is transformed into a market offering seasonal food, trinkets and games. The jovial mood awashes the entire city as spring brings about festivities like the Eisa dance and Taiko drum performances. While the main area of the festival is Nago Central Park, fringe activities happen in Sakura Park, Nago Fishing Port and on the Nago Main Crossroad.
If you missed the Nago Cherry Blossom Festival, but you’re still in time for sakura season, simply go to Nago Central Park and spread out your picnic mat under the pink blossoms to hanami and wine and dine with your loved ones. The park also houses a huge playground which children will love.
Festival: Nago Cherry Blossom Festival
When: Mid to Late January
Yaese Park
Yaese Park, perched on elevated land, has 500 cherry trees whose sight you can enjoy during the hanami season. The park has an observatory deck which offers stunning expansive vistas of Yaese Town and also far out to places as distant as the Kerama Islands over the clear blue waters of the East China Sea.
During the Yaese Cherry Blossom Festival, the stairs up the park are lined with lanterns which light up as it gets dark, lending an intimate and romantic air to the park at night as compared to day.
Festival: Yaese Cherry Blossom Festival
When: Late January to Early February
