The Higashi Village Azalea Festival, a beloved spring event now on its 45th year in northern Okinawa's Yanbaru region, has been on from Mar. 1st.

Due to the colder winter this year, the flowers are blooming later than usual, and only 20% of the azaleas were in bloom at the festival's start. While the mountains and park remain lush and green, visitors can still enjoy the beauty of nature as they explore the expansive park.

As the festival progresses, the azaleas will reach their peak, with approximately 50,000 flowers expected to be in full bloom by the second half of the event.

The adjacent Eco Park has bungalows for overnight stays, making it a perfect place to rest and relax.

Throughout the festival, various events are held in the park on weekends and public holidays. Additionally, azalea and herb seedlings are on sale in the parking lot, a highlight for many local residents. Azalea seedlings with buds start at 500 yen, allowing visitors to bring home a piece of the festival’s beauty.

Date: Mar. 1 (Sat) - Mar. 20 (Thu, public holiday), 2025
Time: 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00)
Place: Villagers' Forest Azalea Garden
Admission: ¥300 for high school students and older, free for junior high school students and younger