Romantic Japanese-style hibiscus blossoms, Okinawa’s Flower Carnival kicks off in January

While most of Japan is still under snow and low temperatures, only southern Okinawa maintains a joyful tropical island vibe, with flowers successively blooming, quietly ushering in spring. Okinawa marks the beginning of Japan’s spring flower viewing season. The “2010 Okinawa Flower Carnival” kicks off in January, featuring grand flower expos and marine activities that will let visitors experience a different side of Japan’s charm.

The Okinawa Flower Carnival runs from January 6 to May 5. Okinawa Prefecture welcomes visitors with a dazzling array of vibrant tropical blooms. This four-month-long event not only showcases the region’s rich variety of colorful flowers but also hosts festivals such as the “Beautiful Okinawa Sea & Flower Festival,” “Okinawa International Orchid Exposition,” and “Shuri Castle Flower Festival.” Visitors can enjoy the successive blooms of cherry blossoms, orchids, azaleas, and hibiscus.

The “Beautiful Okinawa Sea & Flower Festival” takes place from late January to late February at the Central Entrance and Fountain Plaza within Ocean Expo Park. Ocean Expo Park is Japan’s only tropical and subtropical park, displaying over 2,000 varieties of flowers throughout the year. Especially during the annual flower festival, the park staff create large floral models of local wildlife such as whale sharks, manta rays, and Yanbaru rails using fresh flowers and greenery, placing them around the park to welcome guests. The park bursts into a riot of color and lively energy. From February 6 to February 14, the “Okinawa International Orchid Exposition” is held in the Tropical Dream Center of Ocean Expo Park. It’s one of Okinawa’s major winter events and the largest orchid exhibition in Japan. Visitors can enjoy half-price admission by presenting a ticket stub from the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.

The “Shuri Castle Flower Festival” is held from late January to late February within Shuri Castle Park, showcasing a variety of colorful and beautiful flowers that embellish the grand architecture of Shuri Castle with vibrant splashes of color. In addition, more than 40 other events will take place in succession, including the “Okinawa Kaguya Rose Festival,” “Flower Festival and Butterfly Dance,” “Southeast Botanical Garden Flower Festival 2010,” “Ryukyu Glass Village Flower Festival,” “Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival,” “Ryukyu Village Floral Performance,” “Naha Cherry Blossom Festival 2010,” “Nago Chrysanthemum Doll Exhibition,” and “Kunigami Cosmos and Sunflower Fields.” Visitors are encouraged to head to Japan’s southernmost island, Okinawa, to soak in the romantic vibes of early spring.

Read more: Japan’s Largest Flower Park (provided by Tripass Attractions)