Cherry Blossom (Sakura) in Okinawa 2023

The earliest Cherry Blossom (Sakura) in Japan is in Okinawa. Hanami at Okinawa (Flower Viewing) begins in mid January until mid February. During this period people in other regions enjoy Winter Festival instead. Normally, Hanami in Japan is between March-April. If you don't visit Japan in March or April and would like to experience cherry blossom, Okinawa may be your alternative. Due to COVID-19 situation, some events will not be held, some are held as usual. I gather some useful information about Cherry Blossom Festival in Okinawa as follows:

Photo: Okinawa Story

The 45th Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival

Date: 21 January  - 5 February 2023
Stage event only 21-22 January 2023
Venue: Yaedake Sakura-no-Mori Park - Okinawa

Access
From Naha Airport: Approx. 150 min. by car (via highway) 
From Okinawa Expressway Kyoda I.C: Approx. 40 min. by car (via highway) 
From nearest bus stop Yaedake Iriguchi: Approx. 5 min. on foot 

Website


The 60th Nago Cherry Blossom Festival

Date:  28-29 January 2023
Venue: Nago Central Park, Festival Square Special Stage (Sakura Park), Nago Crossroads Boulevard, Nago Fishing Port Premises
Time: 13:00-20:30

Access
From Naha Airport: Approx. 90 min. by car (via highway) 
Okinawa Expressway: Kyoda I.C: Approx. 20 min. by car (via highway) 
From nearest bus stop Nago Gyo Iriguchi: Approx. 5 min. on foot 

(Stop for line : 20, 21, 65, 66, 70, 76, 77, 78, 120)

Website



The 16th Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival

Date: 21-29 January 2023
Time: 8:00-21:00 * Last entry 20:30

Light up: 18:00-21:00
Venue: Nakijin Castle Ruins, Okinawa
Admission Fee: Adult 600 yen, Student 450 yen, Child Free 

Access
The Yanbaru Express Bus: From Naha Airport one way trip takes about 2.5 hours and costs around 2000 yen. 
Highway Bus number 111 from Naha Bus Center to Nago Bus Terminal takes 90 mins or 105 mins from Naha Airport.

Get off at Nakijin Joseki Iriguchi and 15-20 mins walks.
Website

Yaese Cherry Blossom Festival 

*There are no stage events, only light up at Yaese Park.

Date: 20 January - 5 February 2023
Venue: Yaese Park, Okinawa
Light up period : 18:00 - 20:00

Access
- 25 minutes by car from Okinawa Expressway Naha IC 
- 30 minutes on foot from route bus second Tomori bus stop
Website

Naha Chura Sakura Festival

Date: 18-19 February 2023

Time: 18 February 10:00-18:00 / 19 February 10:00-17:00
Venue: Manko Park Kohagura Naha, Okinawa

Access
10 minutes by car from Naha Airport

Website 


Naha Sakura Festival 

Date: TBA
Venue: Yogi Park, Okinawa
Free Admission

Access
20 mins by car from Naha airport
Monorail Asato Station, 15 minutes walk.
Website