Did you know that cherry blossoms in Okinawa are different from those on the main island of Japan? Okinawan cherry blossoms, characterized by their deep pink petals, bloom around mid-January every year. So, we're going to reveal all the information about Okinawa's cherry blossoms, which bring spring a little earlier than anywhere else!
Table of contents
1. Isn't the cherry blossom in Okinawa actually "Somei Yoshino"?
2. Cherry Blossom Festival in Northern Okinawa, 2026
3. Cherry Blossom Festival in Southern Okinawa, 2026
4. Events held in Okinawa at the same time as cherry blossoms
1. Isn't the cherry blossom in Okinawa actually "Somei Yoshino"?
The cherry blossoms you see in Okinawa are not the familiar Somei Yoshino variety with its delicate pink petals fluttering in the wind. Instead, you'll find a variety with deep pink, bell-shaped blossoms called Hikanzakura (or Kanhizakura), which looks stunning against the blue Okinawan sky.
In late January, cherry blossoms begin to bloom as early as the Yanbaru area in northern Okinawa. Since a certain amount of cold is necessary for cherry blossoms to bloom, the cherry blossom front moves south from the north of Okinawa, rather than from the south.
The earliest place to see cherry blossoms in Japan is in northern Okinawa!
2. Cherry Blossom Festival in Northern Okinawa, 2026
Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival
The Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival, touted as having the earliest blooming cherry blossoms in Japan, features approximately 7,000 Taiwanese cherry trees lining the path from the entrance to the mountaintop. On weekends, events such as hero shows are held, attracting many visitors to enjoy the blossoms.
Period: July 2026th (Sat) to August 1th (Sun) 17
Location: Yaedake Cherry Blossom Forest Park
free entrance
Parking: Yes
Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival
The cherry blossom festival held at Nakijin Castle Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a truly magical atmosphere with the cherry blossoms illuminated at night and the castle in a stunning setting.
The lights will be on from 18:00 to 21:00 (last entry at 20:30).
Period: July 2026th (Sat) to August 1th (Sun) 17
Location: Nakijin Castle Ruins
Admission: Adults 600 yen, elementary, junior high, and high school students 450 yen, kindergarten children and younger free.
*Group discounts available (10 or more people)
Parking: Yes
Nago Cherry Blossom Festival
The cherry blossoms in full bloom at the Nago Castle ruins, and the view from the observation deck, offer a magnificent vista. Its vast grounds make it one of Okinawa's premier cherry blossom viewing spots.
Dates: January 31st (Sat) and February 1st (Sun), 2026
Location: Around Nago Castle, Nago Crossroads and Sakura Park, and within Nago Fishing Port
free entrance
Parking: Yes
3. Cherry Blossom Festival in Southern Okinawa, 2026
Yaese Cherry Blossom Festival
The Yaese Cherry Blossom Festival, famous in southern Okinawa, attracts many visitors from both within and outside the town every year. After admiring the approximately 500 cherry trees planted in the park and climbing the stairs, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the southern Okinawa nightscape.
Period: Thursday, September 29th to Sunday, September 8th, 2026
Lighting times: 18:00-20:00
Location: Yaese Park
free entrance
Parking: Yes
Naha Sakura Festival
This cherry blossom festival takes place at Yogi Park, which is easily accessible from Heiwa-dori and Kokusai-dori. A flower and tree market is also held at the same time, featuring sales and giveaways of seedlings.
Period: Typically the weekend in mid-February (February 15th and 16th in 2025)
Location: Yogi Park, Naha City
free entrance
Parking: None
4. Events held in Okinawa at the same time as cherry blossoms
・Kumejima Cherry Blossom Walking Tour
A walking event will be held at two famous cherry blossom viewing spots on Kumejima Island: Aara Forest Road (February 9th) and Daruma Mountain Park (February 8th). Along Aara Forest Road, you can see an arch of cherry trees planted along approximately 3.5 km, and at Daruma Mountain Park, there will be bento box sales and food trucks. Enjoy a relaxing cherry blossom viewing event on Kumejima Island.
Period: Typically early February (February 1st to 9th in 2025)
Location: Various locations on Kumejima Island
Entry fee:Official websitePlease check more
Parking: Access to Kumejima is mainly by boat.
Okinawa Flower and Food Festival
This is Okinawa's biggest spring event, aiming to attract 15 visitors over two days. It will feature a total of 159 participating organizations, including flower and vegetable competitions, industrial exhibitions, and a seafood market.Official websiteThey're putting a lot of effort into this, even counting down to the event day every day!
Period: January 24th and 25th, 2026
Location: Inside Okuyama General Sports Park
free entrance
Parking: Yes
Above, we introduced cherry blossom festivals and events in Okinawa that allow you to enjoy cherry blossoms a little earlier than on the main island of Japan. While it's a yearly tradition to enjoy cherry blossom viewing while watching the petals of Somei Yoshino cherry trees fluttering in the wind, why not try something different this year and enjoy the cherry blossoms in Okinawa?
Rakuten Travel
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