Cherry blossoms in Okinawa
The first sakura
Can't come in the spring to admire the famous cherry blossoms? Then head for the island of Okinawa where you can admire the first blossoms of sakura!
The most common cherry variety in Okinawa, but almost non-existent in the rest of the country, is called kanhizakura, prunus campanulata from their Latin name or "Taiwan cherry". Their bell-shaped petals are a very dark pink, which gracefully stands out against the blue Okinawan sky. Flowering begins in the northern part of Okinawa Island and progresses south.
North of the island
- Mount Yaedake
North of the main island of Okinawa, in the Motobu peninsula, Mount Yaedake (or Mount Yae, 453 m above sea level) is one of the best places to admire the cherry trees but also to have magnificent views of the island and the sea. The road that climbs the mountain is framed by thousands of cherry trees, transforming this path into a veritable tunnel of pink flowers.
Each year, the municipality of Motobu organizes a Festival of sakura (cherry blossoms) from the end of January to the beginning of February. Food and drink stalls are set up for the event.
- The ruins of Nakijin Castle
Listed as a UNESCO heritage site, surrounded by lush vegetation, and offering a splendid view of the South China Sea, the ruins take on a special charm during the cherry blossom season. From the end of January to mid-February (from January 26 to February 11 in 2019), during the sakura festival, the park is illuminated and the place becomes magical. An opening ceremony and various events are organized throughout the festival.
Also discover : Unesco sites in Okinawa
- nago
South of Motobu, Nago is renowned for its beaches and various parks. From the beginning of January, its kanhizakura attracts visitors and the first hanami (custom of going to admire the cherry blossoms) of the Japanese archipelago. A festival, the Nago Sakura Festival, is held at several locations in the city: Sakura Park, Nago Main Junction, the Fishing Port, and Nago Central Park (Nago Chuo Koen ) which is home to around 20,000 Taiwanese cherry trees.
From the top of the observatory, one has breathtaking views of the emerald waters of the sea with the dark pink cherry trees in the foreground. Fanfare, dances, taiko (Japanese drum) concerts, karaoke contests, and other shows are part of the festivities.
To go further: What to see in northern Okinawa
South of the island
- yaese
Yaese is a city in the south of the island of Okinawa. Its Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually at Yaese Park, whose 500 cherry trees create a very romantic ambiance when lit up (6:00-9:00 p.m. until Feb. 11). From the observatory, the town of Yaese comes into view for visitors.
Besides the park, the Yaesu No Shi Chan Square also celebrates the cherry blossoms with traditional Okinawan performances and the sale of local products.
To read: The culinary specialties of Okinawa
- Naha
Naha is the main city of Okinawa. It too has its Sakura Festival, which takes place at Yogi Park, located a 15-minute walk from Kokusai Dori Street. In 2019, from February 20 to 24, more than 400 cherry trees will be in full bloom (mankai).
Every year, the crowd rushes to admire them along the river for a romantic walk. Competitions and dance shows, and food stalls enliven the days and evenings.
To go further: What to see in northern Okinawa
Warning: victims of their success, the sakura see their number rivaling that of visitors! If you don't want to find yourself drowning in the crowd, avoid weekends and public holidays at all costs!
