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, cherry blossoms gradually come into full bloom from the northern to the southern parts of Okinawa’s main island. You can still enjoy the beautiful pink blossoms if you visit through mid-February. Besides the cherry blossoms, Okinawa has recently hosted its first-ever Ryukyu Lantern Festival, which runs from today until February 21 at the “Experience Kingdom” (Murasaki Mura) in Tsuboya Village. The festival site is filled with an ancient ambiance, transporting 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 festival 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 lit up with lanterns, radiating a strong traditional charm. (Image source / Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau Visit Okinawa TW)
The most common variety of cherry blossoms in Okinawa, the “Beni-shidare-zakura” (Yamazakura, or hill cherry). (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 vibrant cherry blossoms. (Image source / Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau Visit Okinawa TW)
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