A Different Kind of Lantern Festival: Cherry Blossoms and Celebrations in Okinawa
By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
Okinawa is the earliest place in Japan where cherry blossoms bloom. Starting from around late January, the blossoms gradually come into full bloom from the northern to the southern parts of Okinawa Main Island. You can still enjoy Okinawa’s stunning pink scenery if you visit through mid-February. In addition to the cherry blossoms, Okinawa has recently hosted its first-ever Ryukyu Lantern Festival, which runs from now until February 21st at the “Experience Kingdom” (Murasaki Mura) in Nakagusuku Village. The festival is filled with an old-world charm that seems to transport visitors back to the 14th and 15th centuries during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Consider planning a short trip to Okinawa—admire the cherry blossoms during the day and explore the lantern displays at night for a unique Lantern Festival experience.
The Ryukyu Lantern Festival coincides perfectly with Okinawa’s cherry blossom season. (Image source / Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau Visit Okinawa TW)
The Experience Kingdom takes on an antique ambiance when illuminated by lanterns. (Image source / Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau Visit Okinawa TW)
The “Beni-shidare-zakura” (early blooming mountain cherry), a common cherry variety in Okinawa Prefecture. (Image source / Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau Visit Okinawa TW)
A lantern festival filled with Ryukyu flavor. (Image source / Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau Visit Okinawa TW)
Delicate and dewy cherry blossoms. (Image source / Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau Visit Okinawa TW)
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