The World Heritage Nakijin Castle Ruins are a cherry blossom spot in northern Okinawa Island, where curving castle walls and Kanhi-zakura (Taiwan cherry) make a beautiful combination. During the “Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival” from late January, the walls are illuminated and you can enjoy magical night sakura.
The dates of the Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival are announced every year. Check the Nakijin Castle Ruins official website for the latest bloom conditions
Peak times are typical guides. Blooming and full bloom shift with each year’s temperatures.
From late January to early February, an avenue of Kanhi-zakura, said to be the earliest-blooming cherries in Japan, lines the path from the national road up to the castle ruins. The combinations of stone paving and blossoms, and castle walls and blossoms, are the highlights.
An avenue of Kanhi-zakura along the stone-paved approach
Curving stone walls and cherry blossoms, illuminated during the festival
In 2025: Jan 25–Feb 2, illumination 18:00–21:00 (open until 21:00, last entry 20:30)
Last entry 17:30. Extended evening hours during the cherry blossom festival
Hours can change during the cherry blossom season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
¥800 for groups of 10 or more
¥400 for groups of 10 or more
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
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PR9.5Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
AquariumOkinawa ・ Motobu & Churaumi
This aquarium sits in Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa Island. Its exhibits trace the creatures of Okinawa’s waters in sequence, from coral reefs out to the open ocean. It’s about 2 hours by car or about 2.5 hours by express bus from Naha Airport.
Theme parkOkinawa ・ Nakijin / Nago
An immersive, nature-themed park that opened in July 2025 near the Yanbaru forest in northern Okinawa Island. Set on vast grounds that were once a golf course, it offers a dinosaur safari, aerial attractions, a spa with spectacular views, and restaurants serving Okinawan ingredients.
ZooOkinawa ・ Nago
A zoo in Nago City whose official name is Nago Nature Botanical and Zoological Park. It uses what is said to be Japan's largest flying-cage system, and many animals roam freely in the park. Walking through areas themed on Africa, South America, and Oceania, you can experience how close you get to the animals.
MountainOkinawa ・ Motobu & Churaumi
🌸 Typical peak: Mid Jan – Early Feb
ParkPeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Bloom conditions and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-06
