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.
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| Photo: Okinawa Story |
The 48th Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: 17 January - 1 February 2026
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 63rd Nago Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: 31 January - 1 February 2026
Venue: Nago Central Park, Festival Square Special Stage (Sakura Park), Nago Crossroads Boulevard, Nago Fishing Port Premises
Time: 11:00-20:30
Venue: Nago Central Park, Festival Square Special Stage (Sakura Park), Nago Crossroads Boulevard, Nago Fishing Port Premises
Time: 11:00-20:30
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 19th Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: 31 January - 8 February 2026
Venue: Nakijin Castle Ruins, Okinawa
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.
The 19th Yaese Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: 29 January - 8 February 2026
Venue: Yaese Park, Okinawa
Time: 8:30-21:00
Light Up: 18:00-21:00
Access
- 25 minutes by car from Okinawa Expressway Naha IC
- 30 minutes on foot from route bus second Tomori bus stop
Access
- 25 minutes by car from Okinawa Expressway Naha IC
- 30 minutes on foot from route bus second Tomori bus stop
The 21st Naha Chura Sakura Festival
Date: 21-22 February 2026
Venue: Manko Lake Park Central Fountain Square (on Kohagura side)
Access
15 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Access
15 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Take Yui Monorail from Naha Airport to Makishi Station, take bus no. 30 to Yogi Jujiro Bus stop and walk 250 m.
Website
Website
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