🌸 Cherry Blossom Season in Okinawa, Japan 🌸

#Okinawa樱花 Okinawa is the first place in Japan to welcome cherry blossoms. It ushers in the romantic cherry blossom season from late January to mid-February every year! Not only can you see the unique Kanhizakura here, you can also experience a whale watching trip. It is definitely the most special travel option in winter.

🌺 Must-see cherry blossom spots in Okinawa:
1⃣ Nago Castle Ruins

Flowering period: late January - mid-February

Features: The Kanhizakura blossoms are deep pink in color when in full bloom, creating a beautiful contrast with the ancient castle.

Highlights: There is also a light show at night, and the cherry blossoms look even more dreamy under the lights

2⃣ Nakijin Castle Ruins

Flowering period: late January to mid-February

Features: World Cultural Heritage and Cherry Blossoms in One Frame

How to play: It is recommended to go there in the early morning to avoid the crowds and see the cherry blossoms in the morning mist

3⃣ Yaese Park

Flowering period: early February

Features: About 1,000 cherry trees bloom at the same time

Easter egg: There are also traditional Okinawan buildings to visit in the park

🐳 Limited experience during the same period:
Whale watching season: December - April

Recommended location: The sea area around the Kerama Islands

How to experience: Take a whale watching boat to observe humpback whales up close

📅 2025 Flowering Season Forecast:
Expected flowering: around January 20

Full bloom period: around February 5

Recommended itinerary: Best to visit in late January to early February

🚗 Recommended itinerary:
Day 1: Naha City → Shuri Castle Park (early cherry blossoms) → Kokusai-dori
Day 2: Nago Castle Ruins (full-day cherry blossom viewing) → Nago Pineapple Farm
Day 3: Nakijin Castle Ruins → Kouri Island
Day 4: Whale watching experience → American Village night view

💡 Useful tips:
Okinawa's cherry blossoms are of a special variety and darker in color, so it is recommended to wear light-colored clothes when taking photos

The temperature difference between morning and night is large, remember to bring a jacket

You can buy the "Cherry Blossom + Whale Watching" combination ticket for a better deal

Renting a car is the most convenient way to travel

🍴 Must-try food for cherry blossom viewing:
Okinawa limited edition sakura soda

Sakura Shrimp Tempura

Red Taro Sakura Daifuku

This winter, come to Okinawa to experience the earliest cherry blossom season! The warm sunshine of early spring, the pink sea of cherry blossoms, the azure sea, and the chance to encounter a giant humpback whale are all combinations you won’t be able to experience anywhere else in Japan.