What you need to know about cherry blossom in Okinawa vs in mainland Japan
- The cherry trees in Okinawa and mainland Japan belong to different species 🌳.
- In Okinawa, cherry blossoms bloom earlier, with sakura season running from January to mid-February 🗓️. On the mainland, sakura season begins later, from late March to mid-April 🌸.
- Okinawa’s cherry blossoms are bell-shaped and hang gracefully from the branches 🌺. Their petals are a deep pink, unlike the nearly white petals of mainland cherry trees 🌼.
- As the season ends, Okinawa’s sakura petals fall to the ground intact, while mainland sakura petals scatter one by one 🍂.
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Cherry Blossom Sites in Northern Okinawa
Northern Okinawa is home to the native Okinawa sakura species 🌸. Thanks to its high altitude, fertile soil, and ample moisture, cherry blossoms in Okinawa typically begin blooming in the northern region before gradually spreading south across the island 🏝️. Many visitors venture into the mountains to admire the blossoms, with major festivals held to celebrate the season 🎉. It’s the perfect spot to experience cherry blossom season in Okinawa 🌺.
Nakijin Castle Ruins, Nakijin Village
The 2026 Nakijin Castle Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the stunning sakura bloom and Okinawa’s rich history at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nakijin Castle. Visitors can stroll through the illuminated castle pathways, surrounded by cherry blossoms, while immersing themselves in the island’s heritage and culture, including its significance during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. This event beautifully blends the natural charm of sakura with a chance to explore the historical roots of Nakijin Castle, where the Ryukyu Kingdom’s decline began.
📅 Event Dates: January 31 (Sat) to February 8 (Sun)
🎟️ Ticket: Adult ¥1,000 / 12-18 yrs: ¥500 / Elementary School or under: Free
Mt. Yae, Nago City
The Motobu Mt. Yae Cherry Blossom Festival is a must-see spot for nature lovers and sakura enthusiasts in Okinawa. Held at the picturesque Mt. Yae Sakura no Mori Park, the area features a stunning 4 km scenic drive lined with over 7,000 Kanhi cherry trees. As you wind your way up the mountain, the road gradually opens to breathtaking views of soft pink blossoms set against the deep blue sea of Motobu Town below. On busier days, food stalls offering local snacks and sweets add a lively touch, making this a perfect place to slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy one of Okinawa’s most beautiful cherry blossom locations.
📆 Event Dates: January 17 (Sat) – February 1 (Sun)
🎟️ Ticket: Free
Nago Castle Park, Nago City
The Nago Sakura Festival is one of Okinawa’s most celebrated springtime events, spread across several key areas in Nago City. The festival takes place throughout the city, with main activity hubs at Nago Central Park and Sakura Park, creating a lively, walkable atmosphere filled with cherry blossoms and community energy.
One of the most popular viewing spots is Nago Castle Park, where sakura trees bloom across the hillside, offering sweeping views over the city. Sakura Park becomes the entertainment center with live performances and music, while the streets around Nago Crossroads come alive with a colorful parade that brings together locals, performers, and visitors. Down by the coast, the Flower and Garden Festival at Nago Fishing Port adds another layer to the experience, blending floral displays with the relaxed seaside atmosphere. Together, these locations transform the entire city into a vibrant celebration of cherry blossoms and community spirit.
📆 Event Dates: January 17 (Sat) – February 1 (Sun)
🎟️ Ticket: Free
Cherry Blossom Sites South Okinawa
Yaese Park, Yaese Town
The Yaese Cherry Blossom Festival invites visitors to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Yaese Park, a hillside park known for its sweeping views and peaceful atmosphere. One of the park’s highlights is a picturesque 200-step staircase lined with around 500 cherry trees, creating a tunnel of soft pink blossoms that’s perfect for a slow stroll or photos along the way.
From the higher points of the park, visitors can take in breathtaking views of the Kerama Islands and the East China Sea, making this spot especially popular during clear weather. Scenic hiking trails wind through the park, offering quieter paths for those who want to explore beyond the main areas.
As the sun sets, the park transforms with gentle night illuminations featuring around 150 lanterns, adding a calm, almost magical feel to the surroundings. Other attractions include a relaxing foot bath at the observatory, a small petting zoo on selected days, and live streaming that allows people to enjoy the scenery from afar. With its mix of views, walking paths, and family-friendly features, Yaese Park offers a memorable cherry blossom setting for nature lovers, families, and photography enthusiasts alike.
📅 Event Dates: January 29 (Thu) to February 8 (Sun)
🎟️ Ticket: Free
Manko Park, Naha City
Manko Park is a tranquil oasis set within Naha, offering a rare pocket of calm in the heart of Okinawa’s busiest urban area. Beyond its cherry trees, the park supports a rich natural environment filled with native plants, birds, and butterflies, making it an ideal place to observe and learn about Okinawa’s vibrant ecosystem up close.
With around 1,000 Hikan cherry trees (Taiwan cherry), the park becomes a striking landscape of deep pink blossoms, creating a peaceful setting for leisurely walks and slow, reflective strolls. Elevated boardwalks and open green spaces allow visitors to enjoy the scenery while staying connected to the surrounding wetlands, blending nature, education, and relaxation into one quietly beautiful experience.
Practical Information
🌸 Blooming Season: late-January to mid-February
🅿️ Parking: Free
Yogi Park, Naha City
Yogi Park is a small park in the middle of the city. It is not a large place, and finding parking spots here can be difficult. However, for those who live in this city, compared to driving all the way north to Nago or Mt. Yae, Yogi Park is the next best option.
Practical Information
🌸 Blooming Season: late-January to mid-February
🅿️ Parking: Free
Are these all the sakura blooming spots in Okinawa?
Nope—these aren’t all the sakura spots in Okinawa. Not even close.
If they were, your in-laws would already be saying,
“We know a better place.”
The island is full of quiet, low-key cherry blossom spots that show up every year, usually hidden behind neighborhoods and discovered via very confident relatives. They may not be Instagram-famous, but they do have easy parking and actual silence.
Perfect for enjoying sakura without crowds, tour buses, or a running commentary on how blossoms were better in the old days.
🤫
Hidden Sakura Spots on Okinawa, 2026 list
Nuri Creek Sakura Trail, Uruma City
Tucked away in the heart of Uruma City, this hidden gem offers a tranquil setting to admire cherry blossoms up close. Perfect for dog walks, quality family time, or simply enjoying a peaceful escape, it’s a convenient choice for those in central Okinawa looking to avoid the crowds.
Practical Information
🌸 Blooming Season: mid to late-February
🅿️ Parking: Free at the drug store near by
Izumi, Motobu Town
Discover a unique spectacle of cherry blossoms that stand apart from the rest on the island! These blossoms are characterized by their almost white petals, creating a stunning, ethereal display. Adding to their allure, they bloom nearly one month later than other sakura on the island, offering a delightful and unexpected extension to the cherry blossom season.
Practical Information
🌸 Blooming Season: mid-February to late February
🅿️ Parking: Street Parking
21 Century Forest Park, Nago City
There exists a hidden location, not widely mentioned, where many cherry trees are in full bloom. This secret spot boasts some of the tallest cherry trees on Okinawa, set within a massive park that also features a beautiful, long beach. It’s a perfect destination for spending a day surrounded by the beauty of sakura and enjoying a serene getaway.
Practical Information
🌸 Blooming Season: February
🅿️ Parking: Free
Awase Bay Avenue Trail, Okinawa City
This 5 km walking trail runs along Awase Bay Avenue in Okinawa City, offering a different kind of cherry blossom experience that feels more local than scenic-spot-famous. While the area isn’t widely known for sakura viewing due to the lower density of trees, cherry blossoms are planted continuously along the entire route, creating small, pleasant moments of color throughout the walk rather than one concentrated viewing area.
The trail follows the main street and is naturally divided into several sections by intersections. Each intersection leads smoothly into the next stretch, making it easy to enjoy the route as one long, uninterrupted walk. With neighborhood scenery, open skies, and blossoms appearing along the way, this path is ideal for a relaxed stroll—especially for those who prefer a quieter, everyday setting over crowded cherry blossom hotspots.
Practical Information
🌸 Blooming Season: late February
📍Google Pin
▶️ Starting Point: https://g.page/awasebayfamima?share
▶️ End Point: https://goo.gl/maps/jLC2q6NLdZXcatAy5
🅿️ Parking: Street Parking
Kakazutakadai Park, Ginowan City
A hidden park nestled in a local neighborhood, this site, which witnessed the Battle of Okinawa, offers play areas, an observatory, and cherry trees. Visitors are greeted by cherry trees lining the stairs, leading up to a hilltop with spectacular views. It features a large play area for children, making it an ideal destination for family outings.
Pro Tip: Visitors are advised to bring their own drinks and snacks, as access to convenience stores is not readily available at this location.
Practical Information
🌸 Blooming Season: mid February
📍Google Pin: https://goo.gl/maps/7dbqEG1p5MvbzCgy8
🅿️ Parking: Street Parking
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As we step into 2026, the arrival of cherry blossom season in Okinawa promises a stunning celebration of nature’s Beauty is in full bloom as the 2026 sakura season invites you to explore enchanting spots across Okinawa, each with its own charm and story. From lively festivals and quiet neighborhood hideaways to scenic walking trails, the island once again transforms into a soft tapestry of pink and white—perfect for slowing down, wandering, and making new memories.
As you plan your cherry blossom adventures this year, we wish you a Happy New Year filled with joy, curiosity, and safe travels. May your time among Okinawa’s sakura be as uplifting and memorable as the blossoms themselves.
Happy cherry blossom viewing and safe travels! 🌸🌿
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⚠️Disclaimer
The information provided in this website is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness, reliability, or complete accuracy. Travel information, including attractions, accommodations, and transportation, may change over time. Readers are advised to independently verify details, check travel advisories, and make necessary reservations. We do not assume any liability for loss or inconvenience caused by relying on the information. Remember, travel experiences are subjective and vary based on personal preferences. Tailor your travel plans to your individual needs and interests. Happy travels!