Cherry blossom season usually means waiting, refreshing bloom forecasts, and convincing yourself it’s still “almost there.” Not in Okinawa. At Yaedake, sakura shows up early, confidently, and with ocean views just to make a point 🌸🌊
The 48th Motobu Yaedake Sakura Festival is famous for being Japan’s earliest cherry blossom festival, with the catchphrase “Blooming one step ahead.” It’s not hype—it’s just how Yaedake operates.
Where and When
The festival runs from January 17 to February 1, 2026, at Yaedake Sakura-no-Mori Park, located in Motobu. Parking is available, and additional updates may be announced by Motobu Town closer to the event dates.
If you like your cherry blossoms early, bold in color, and paired with ocean views instead of crowded riversides, Yaedake quietly delivers—no waiting required.
Why Yaedake Hits Different
The roughly 4 km road winding up Mount Yaedake is lined with over 7,000 Kanhizakura trees. This isn’t a rush-in, rush-out sakura spot. It’s a slow drive, casual walks, and frequent stops because every curve somehow looks better than the last 🚗🌸
Reach the top and the scene flips again. Deep pink blossoms cover the mountains while Motobu’s blue ocean stretches out beyond them. Mountains, sakura, and sea in one frame—very Okinawa, very unfair to winter everywhere else 📸
Special Event Schedule Highlights
Opening weekend brings a full lineup of local performances and community events, adding sound, movement, and a lot of personality to the blossoms.
January 17, 2026 (Saturday)
All events take place at the special stage in front of the Yaedake Sakura-no-Mori Park management building 🎤
13:00 – 13:20 features traditional karate and kobudo demonstrations by the Uechi-ryu Karate Federation 🥋
14:00 – 14:30 showcases performances by local elementary and junior high school brass bands 🎺
14:40 – 15:30 marks the official opening ceremony, followed by the Yaedake Sakura Ondo dance 🌸
15:40 – 16:10 concludes with the announcement of the 2026 Motobu Miss Sakura 🌺
Oki Social Official Gift Shop
Established in 2021 in the heart of Kadena Air Base, Oki Social Store serves the community and all who love Okinawa. Our Okinawa-inspired souvenir shop features art and gifts designed and created by talented local artists right here on the island.
January 18, 2026 (Sunday)
Events are held along the Yaedake road and throughout the park 🚶♀️
09:00 – 10:30 kicks off with the “First Sakura Walk,” a relaxed walk celebrating the season’s earliest blooms 👟
11:00 – 13:30 follows with the Kids Tug-of-War Tournament, bringing plenty of energy and cheering 🪢
Food, Snacks, and Weekend Wandering
On weekends during the festival, food stalls appear throughout the Yaedake area. Expect casual festival snacks and sweets—the kind of food that’s meant to be eaten slowly while staring at cherry trees 🍡
The overall vibe stays relaxed and local. No tight schedules, no pressure to rush—just blossoms, food in hand, and a very Okinawa-style pace.
Getting There Without the Parking Stress
During the festival period, a free shuttle bus runs daily between Motobu Kariyushi Market (in front of the Motobu Tourism Association) and Yaedake Sakura-no-Mori Park, making the climb up the mountain much easier 🚌🌸
The shuttle operates from January 17 to February 1, 2026, with departures roughly every 30–40 minutes. Service begins around 9:20 AM and continues through the late afternoon, with final return trips just before 5:00 PM.
If you’re visiting on a weekend or during peak bloom, the shuttle is the smart choice—less driving, no parking stress, and more time actually enjoying the festival.
While You Are Heading up North
Free Printable One Day Road Trip Map
If you’re planning to discover the breathtaking marvels of northern Okinawa, don’t forget to download and print out the convenient one-day tour map. This handy map will serve as your guide to the hidden gems and natural wonders that await you in this captivating region.
Disclaimer
⚠️Disclaimer: Our passion for supporting local businesses drives us to share information about events in the Okinawa area. Please note that Oki Social is not responsible for hosting this event. It’s important to be aware that the event’s host reserves the right to make changes or even cancel the event without prior notice. Some photos and videos may come from various sources on the internet, whether official or unofficial. It is possible that some photos and videos may have been taken from the same event in previous occurrences.
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