The blooming of cherry blossoms signifies the advent of spring to the Japanese. Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture, is the first place in the country to celebrate spring, and the island’s cherry trees are adorned with rich pink blossoms every year starting in early January. Locals follow with interest the progression of the cherry blossoms, such as ichibuzaki and sanbuzaki (10 or 30 percent of blossoms on the tree, respectively), announced daily in various media, for the optimal time to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

One of the earliest cherry blossom displays in Okinawa can be enjoyed at Motobu’s Mount Yae Cherry Blossom Festival, which features about 7,000 cherry trees lining a three-kilometer-long road winding up the mountain, giving Mount Yae a delicate color from base to peak. The Nago Cherry Blossom Festival is famous for its two-kilometer walk lined with over 20,000 cherry trees. Along with the Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival, these are considered to be Okinawa's three biggest and most popular cherry blossom festivals, attracting many visitors from all over the country. The Nakijin festival is held at a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Nakijin Castle Ruins and it's famous for the fantastic sight of cherry blossom and the castle ruins lit up at night.

Having a picnic or taking a stroll while admiring the spectacular view is the ultimate way to experience the Japanese spring. Here we would like to introduce some tips for enjoying cherry blossoms around Okinawa.

Unlike in mainland Japan, where the Somei Yoshino (Prunus yedoensis), is the most commonly planted ornamental cherry species, the typical cherry tree in Okinawa is Kanhizakura (Cerasus cerasoides). Kanhizakura is characterized by its downward-facing flowers in a vibrant bright pink color, which evokes the feeling of a tropical paradise. In addition, Kanhizakura is remarkably tolerant of wind and rain, and once in bloom some flowers last from two weeks up to one month.

Mount Yae
Approximately 7,000 cherry trees lining a three-kilometer mountain road give Mount Yae (453m) a delicate color from base to peak and the pleasant scent of flowers. Located on the mountainside, Sakura-no-Mori Park features playground equipment and a stunning view of Ie Island.

Mount Yae Cherry Blossom Festival

Date: Saturday, Jan. 21-Sunday, Feb. 5, 2024
Place: Mount Yae Sakura-no-Mori Park / 
Admission: Free

Nago Castle Park
The two-kilometer-long walk, which runs through the Nago Castle ruins (Nago Central Park), is lined with 25,000 cherry trees covered with rose-colored petals. Found atop the ruins, approximately 600 steps from the park's gate, is an observation platform from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of Nago City and the East China Sea. (*The observation platform can be reached by car.)

Nago Cherry Blossom Festival

Date: Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 20-28, 2024
Time: 12:00-21:00
Place: Nago Central Park and the city's downtown area
Admission: Free

Nakijin Castle Ruins
The castle is situated 100 meters above sea level on a hill overlooking northern Okinawa as well as Ihei and Izena islands to the northwest. The high stone walls surrounding the ruins are lit up at night, and the path leading to the castle from the gate is lined with candles, adding a touch of romance to this historic site. Traditional Okinawan entertainment is performed on the specially erected stage during the festival.

Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival


Date: Saturday, Jan. 20-Monday, Jan. 28, 2024
Time: 8:00-21:00 (night lighting 18:00-21:00, last entry 20:30)
Place: Nakijin Castle Ruins (219 Nakasone, Nakijin Village)
Admission: Adults 600 yen; elementary school students to high school students 450 yen

Yaese Park
Yaese Park is wrapped in a fantastic atmosphere with about 170 lanterns lighting up the cherry trees that line both sides of its long flight of stairs. Perched on a hill, the park overlooks a spectacular night view of the southern part of Okinawa. This is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in an Okinawan festival.

Yaese Park nighttime lighting

Date: Jan. 22 - Feb. 4, 2024
Time: 18:00-20:00
Place: Yaese Park
Admission: Free

Naha City
Located within walking distance of Kokusai Street, Yogi Park is the place to enjoy cherry blossoms in Naha. Despite the central location, the park features a tranquil, natural setting with about 400 cherry trees lining the walkway and giant banyan and palm trees growing throughout the park. There is a preserved D51-type steam locomotive displayed in the park.

Naha Cherry Blossom Festival

Date: Mid-Jan to Mid-Feb, 2024
Time: 10:00-20:00
Place: Yogi Park (1-1 Yogi, Naha City)
Admission: Free