Okinawa Island Guide

Everything on Okinawa Island from A to Z | Spring begins early at Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival!

Okinawa Island Guide

Spring begins early at Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival!

Every winter in Okinawa, long before cherry blossoms bloom across Japan, the slopes of Mount Yaedake in Motobu Town burst into vibrant pink. From mid-January to early February, over 7,000 stunning kanhizakura cherry trees create a magical canopy of color at Yaedake Sakura-no-Mori Park, making this one of Japan’s earliest and most unforgettable sakura celebrations.

Stroll up the scenic mountain paths shaded by blossoms, enjoy local food stalls and live performances, and soak in panoramic views of the sea beyond. Whether you’re savoring your first hanami of the year or snapping pictures beneath the blooms, the festival brings friends, families, and travelers together for a uniquely Okinawan spring experience.

Date: Jan. 17 (Sat) – Feb. 1 (Sun), 2026
Place: Yaedake Cherry Blossom Forest Park
Admission: Free

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