Okinawa is often associated with tropical paradises, but in winter, it too is adorned with dazzling illuminations.
The atmosphere changes dramatically depending on the location, such as beaches and botanical gardens, so we recommend trying out different locations. This time, we'll introduce some of Okinawa's most representative illumination spots that you should definitely see if you're traveling to Okinawa in winter!
*The images in this article are from past events.
1. Mihama American Village
2. Stardust Fantasia
3. Kariyushi Dream Fantasy
4. Okinawa Tropical Illuminations
5. Ryukyu Lantern Festival
6. Banta Cafe Illumination Banta: Night Lights by the Sea
7. Wonder Illumination under the Moonlight
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1. Mihama American Village
Typically from mid-to-late November to mid-March of the following year.
First, let me introduce American Village, located in Mihama, Chatan Town, a 30-minute drive from the airport.
American Village is a highly entertaining complex themed after the American West Coast, offering shopping opportunities to enjoy fashion and gourmet food.
Every year, from mid-November to mid-March, the buildings are decorated with illuminations, and the limited-time Christmas decorations are especially a hit with children. On Saturday nights, there are fireworks displays and, on some days, live music performances, making it a photogenic spot that the whole family can enjoy. The Depot Island area, in particular, is perfect for taking pictures. It's like a theme park.
- Address
- 9-1 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Okinawa Prefecture
- Opening hours
- Illuminations are typically on from mid-to-late November to mid-March, from evening until midnight.
2. Stardust Fantasia
Held from November 1, 2025 to February 14, 2026 (excluding December 31).
Kanucha Bay Resort in Nago City is a vast resort complex with a hotel and private beach. This premier resort in Okinawa is adorned with magnificent illuminations every winter.
A stay surrounded by illuminations is a unique winter experience. Whether you're enjoying the lights from your room's balcony, strolling around the grounds, or having dinner at the restaurant, it promises to be a trip where you look forward to the evenings.
During the event, there will be plenty of activities, including food and drinks served on the beachside terrace, music events, and a stamp rally.
A New Year's Eve countdown event is scheduled for December 31, 2025, making it the perfect place to spend a memorable time.
Tickets are required for Stardust Fantasia and other events. Please check the official website for details.
- Address
- 156-2 Abe, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Opening hours
- イルミネーション2025年11月1日～2026年2月14日 点灯時間 18:00～23:00※入場時間：17：30～20：30（最終受付20：30）
- Remarks
- 3,000 yen per passenger car. Free for guests staying at Kanucha Resort. *However, the countdown event is different.
3. Kariyushi Dream Fantasy
Held from November 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026
"Kariyushi Dream Fantasy" will be held on the grounds of "Okinawa Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa".
As sunset signals the illuminations throughout the hotel to light up simultaneously, the hotel grounds are instantly transformed into a winter wonderland of Okinawa.
It's also fun to spot the Shisa statues peeking out from between the illuminations!
It's easily accessible from Onna Village and Nago. Admission is free, and the lights stay on until midnight, so you can easily stop by after dinner.
- Address
- 2591-1 Nakama Yashihara, Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture
- Opening hours
- Illuminations will be on display from November 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026, from sunset to midnight.
4. Okinawa Tropical Illuminations
Held from November 24, 2025 to February 24, 2026
The Okinawa Tropical Illumination, held at the Southeast Botanical Gardens, is the longest-running illumination event in Okinawa Prefecture. Having won numerous awards in the 2020s, it has become a representative winter tourist attraction in Okinawa.
From the large-scale welcome illuminations near the entrance, to the main tree and the illuminated castle, these are particularly popular photo spots.
The pond and trees in the center of the grounds are also decorated with light bulbs, creating a tropical atmosphere that is well worth seeing.
Starting in fiscal year 2025, a new activity pass will be introduced, making it an even better spot for sightseeing and fun activities.
Additionally, special events such as fireworks displays and night shows are held during the Christmas and New Year period.
- Address
- 2146 Chibana, Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Opening hours
- イルミネーション2025年10月24日～2026年5月24日 17：00～22:00（最終受付21:30）16：30より入場可
- Remarks
- Evening show: Adults (18 years and older) 2,500 yen / Children (4-12 years old) 900 yen / Children under 3 years old free
Prices differ during the event periods from December 20th to January 5th and January 10th to January 10th, so please check our website for details.
5. Ryukyu Lantern Festival
Held from November 1, 2025 to February 31, 2026
The Ryukyu Lantern Festival will be held at "Murasaki Mura" in Yomitan Village, which recreates the streetscape of the Ryukyu Kingdom era.
The grounds are adorned with various lights, including Chinese lanterns, lantern sculptures, Vietnamese lanterns, Nebuta floats, and washi paper lanterns, creating a fantastical atmosphere that evokes Japan, Okinawa, Ryukyu, and Asia.
- Address
- 1020-1 Takashibo, Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture
- Opening hours
- 2025年12月1日～2026年3月31日 17:30～22:00(最終入場21：30)
- Remarks
- Admission fee: Adults 1,500 yen, Junior and Senior High School Students 600 yen, Elementary School Students 500 yen
6. Banta Cafe Illumination Banta: Night Lights by the Sea
Held from November 13, 2025 to February 1, 2026
At "Illumination Banta" held at Banta Cafe in Yomitan Village, the waves and rocks of the cove stretching out before you are illuminated. The sea, illuminated at night, will have a serene and mystical atmosphere, unlike during the day. In 2025, the "Tingara Terrace" will appear on the beach!
During the event, there will be various activities to enjoy by the sea, such as live jazz performances and an evening market.
Spending time outdoors at night is only possible because of Okinawa's mild winter weather. Let's enjoy a leisurely Okinawan night.
- Address
- 560 Gima, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture
- Opening hours
- Illumi-Banta: Night Lights by the Sea December 13, 2025 - March 1, 2026 Sunset - 9:30 PM / Night Cafe opens 6:00 PM, Food last order 8:30 PM, Drinks last order 9:00 PM.
- Remarks
- Free entry with a purchase of Banta Cafe or All Grill. *May be canceled in case of severe weather.
7. Wonder Illumination under the Moonlight
Held from November 14, 2025 to February 28, 2026
The "Moonlit Wonder Illumination" will be held at Ryukyu Hotel & Resort Meijo Beach in Itoman City, in the southern part of Okinawa Island.
The "Ryukyu Castle" in the main area, measuring 34 meters wide and 7 meters high, is truly impressive. Enjoy the regularly held sound and light shows, as well as the photo spots placed throughout the park.
The pool area is decorated with light bulbs depicting sea creatures and other marine life, creating a lively and inviting strolling area.
- Address
- 963 Nashiro, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Opening hours
- Illuminations: November 14, 2025 - February 28, 2026
- Remarks
- Free for hotel guests. For day visitors: 2,000 yen per car.
Final thoughts
Enjoying tropical Okinawa enveloped in illuminations is a privilege only available at this time of year. It's a special treat for those who travel to Okinawa in winter! Each location is large-scale and full of attractions, so be sure to take your time and enjoy a leisurely stroll. If you're traveling to Okinawa for New Year's, why not welcome the new year at an illumination spot hosting a New Year's Eve event?
Please make your hotel reservation here.
Rakuten Travel
Jalan net
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