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Because of Okinawa’s warm island climate, Japan’s famous cherry blossoms bloom much earlier than the rest of the country. In fact, Okinawa has its own special cherry blossom variant known as Kanhi cherry blossoms, or Kanhi-zakura. These Okinawa sakura bloom on other tropical islands in Asian as well and bloom in a deep, more vibrant pink hue than what you may be used to in Tokyo.
The beautiful beach views and relaxing atmosphere of Okinawa combined with the stunning cherry blossoms creates an experience that can’t be missed. Here is the ultimate map of cherry blossom spots in Okinawa.
Okinawa Cherry Blossom Map①: Yaese Park (八重瀬公園)
Yaese Park in Yaese Town is a favorite cherry blossom viewing spot in Okinawa. The park boasts beautiful views of Southern Okinawa and spectacular lighting that illuminates 500 Okinawa cherry blossoms in the evening. The park is about 60 minutes by car from Naha Airport. Check out these Okinawa sakura trees from the end of January to early-February.
Viewing period: End of January to early February
Access: About 60min by car from Naha Airport
Address: Tomori 1607, Yaese-cho, Shimajiri-gun, 901-0402 Okinawa
Ranking: ★★★★☆
Okinawa Cherry Blossom Map②: Yaedake Sakura-no-mori Park (八重岳桜の森公園)
Yaedake Sakura-no-mori Park in Motobu City receives plenty of visitors, especially in the spring, for its over 7,000 Ryukyu Kanhi cherry blossoms that cover the mountain landscape. In addition to the cherry blossom illuminations in the evening, the scenic views overlooking the area and the from Mount Yaedake are certainly worth a visit. Yaedake Sakura-no-mori Park is about 120 minutes away from Naha Airport by car.
Viewing period: End of January to early February
Access: About 120min by car from Naha Airport
Address: 921 Namizato, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, 905-0222 Okinawa
Ranking: ★★★☆☆
Okinawa Cherry Blossom Map③: Nakijin Castle Ruins (今帰仁城跡)
Nakijin Castle ruins is a historical site in Okinawa that is just 90 minutes away by car from Naha Airport. This popular Okinawa Kanhi cherry blossom spot also offers stunning ocean views.
Viewing period: End of January to early February
Access: About 90min by car from Naha Airport
Address: 5101 Imadomari, Nakijin, Kunigami-gun, 905-0428 Okinawa
Ranking:★★★☆☆
Okinawa Cherry Blossom Map④: Nago Central Park (名護中央公園)
Nago Central Park in Nago City, Okinawa is home to 200,000 blooming cherry blossom trees in the spring. Visitors can enjoy these early blooming sakura on a scenic 2-kilometer walk to the nearby castle. It takes about 90 minutes to get to Nago City from Naha Airport.
Viewing period: End of January to early February
Access: About 90min by car from Naha airport
Address: 5511 Nago, Nago-shi, 905-0012 Okinawa
Ranking: ★★★☆☆
Okinawa Cherry Blossom Map⑤: Yogi Park (与儀公園)
Yogi Park in Naha earns a spot on the ultimate map of cherry blossoms spots in Okinawa for the 400 Hikan cherry blossoms, or Hikan-zakura, along the river. A major advantage is how easily this park can be accessed. It is only about 20 minutes by car from Naga Airport.
Viewing period: End of January to early February
Access: About 20min by car from Naha Airport
Address: 1-1-1 Yorimiya, Naha-shi, 902-0076 Okinawa
Ranking: ★★★★☆
Okinawa Cherry Blossom Map⑥: Darumayama Park (だるま山園地)
This park is on a small island called Kumejima in the waters around Okinawa. It takes about 4 hours by ferry to reach the island from Naha City, however, it is well worth the trip! Here you can enjoy sakura and spring flowers surrounded by the beautiful blue waters of Okinawa.
Viewing period: End of January to early February
Access: About 4 hours by ferry from Naha city
Address: Uezu, Kumejima-cho, Shimajiri-gun, 901-3138 Okinawa
Ranking: ★★★☆☆
Okinawa Cherry Blossom Map⑦: Manko Park (漫湖公園)
Manko Park offers colorful views of a large rows of bright pink cherry blossom trees along the river. This popular cherry blossom viewing destination is also located in Naha City, making it very accessible. Additionally, Manko Park is a Japanese wetland, so there are plenty of interesting wildlife and flowers to find.
Viewing period: End of January to early February
Access: About 10min by car from Naha Airport
Address: 3-23-1 Kohagura, Naha-shi, 900-0024 Okinawa
Ranking: ★★★★☆
Okinawa Cherry Blossom Map⑧: Sueyoshi Park (末吉公園)
Sueyoshi Park in Naha City offers a different kind of cherry blossom viewing experience. Typically, cherry blossoms bloom in early spring, before the Japanese landscape comes to life with lush greenery. Sueyoshi Park, however, is almost like a jungle that you can hike through while finding bits of pink highlights from cherry blossoms.
Viewing period: End of January to early February
Access: About 20min by car from Naha Airport
Address: Shurisueyoshi-cho 1-3-1, Naha-shi, 903-0801 Okinawa
Ranking: ★★★☆☆
Okinawa Cherry Blossom Map⑨: Kunigami Forest Park (国頭村森林公園)
This beautiful park in Kunigami Village offers fantastic view from the top of the hill surrounded by cherry blossoms. The village itself is full of charm and is worth a visit any time of year. In fact, it is also popular in the fall.
Viewing period: End of January to early February
Access: About 120min by car from Naha airport
Address: 1094 Hentona, Kunigami-son, 905-1411 Okinawa
Ranking: ★★★☆☆
