One million lilies representing 100 species from around the world bloom in a 21-acre field on Ie Island off the Motobu peninsula in northern Okinawa. The field is the site of the annual Lily Festival that runs for the 27th time this year.

Often called the “Flower Island,” Ie lies only a 30-minute ferry ride from Motobu Port in northern Okinawa. With an increase in the frequency of ferry runs during the festival, the island welcomes a large crowd of visitors every year who come to enjoy the fragrance and beauty of the flowers. And when visitors’ stomachs send a message that it’s the time for some fill-up, there are stalls on the premises selling a variety of foods during the festival. Also, fun shows entertain in the afternoons.

The Ie Island Lily Festival takes place from April 27 through May 5.

A shuttle bus will take visitors from Ie Port to Lily Field Park, the event venue, during the festival. Its route runs by Shiroyama, a famous landmark on the Island, and the Hibiscus Garden, another well-known venue, so stopping by at both locations as much as time permits is highly recommended.

The garden sells hibiscus seedlings at a special price during the festival, among them rare varieties usually not found in hardware stores' gardening sections.

Access: Ferry service will be increased during the event. The last ferry from Iejima is significantly crowded every year during the Golden Week, a major holiday in Japan. It is recommended to start in the morning and take the shuttle bus from the port to the festival grounds.

Ferry service during the festival:

Date: 4/27~5/5 (4/30, 5/1, 5/2: four round trips only as usual, marked with *)

Fare: Adults ¥1,390 / Children ¥710 (round trip)

From Ie Island           From Motobu Port

１st*　　 8:00                        9:00

2nd         9:00                       10:00

3rd *       10:00                      11:00

4th         11:00                      13:00

5th *       13:00                      14:00

6th         14:00                      15:00

7th         15:00                      16:00

8th *       16:00                      17:00