Earliest Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan – Enjoy the Photogenic Spring Scenery with Kaenkazura And Kanhizakura!

Okinawa has warm mild weather throughout the year, and spring flower starts to bloom at the end of January, unlike Honshu, the main island. Now, in Japan, Cherry blossoms (琉球寒緋桜, Ryukyukanhi zakura) and Kaenkazura (火炎葛, Pyrostegia venusta) are also in full bloom, which grow only in Okinawa. While swimming in the sea may not be suitable during this season in Okinawa, what about seeking the photogenic scenery of Okinawa? Enjoy the earliest cherry blossom viewing in Japan in Okinawa!

Take your favorite shot In front of the Kaenkazura adorning the urban walls

Kaenkazura is a climbing plant native to Brazil. Its Japanese name ‘火炎葛’ comes from the fact that the orange flowers look like flames when they bloom together. In Okinawa, they are commonly planted on walls to avoid the heat. Originally a garden plant, it’s a flower that grows well in warm regions, making it rare in Honshu. Kaenkasula starts to bloom around February adorning residential areas like flower courtains. They are often seen in the urban areas of Naha City, Nanjo City, and Urasoe City, so we recommend looking for them while walking or shopping. The sight of vibrant orange blossoms against sunlit walls is incredibly photogenic. Don’t miss this flower when visiting Okinawa during this season!!

Address	Not open to the public because it’s located in residential and urban areas
Access	Terminal for express buses connecting to each city ‘Naha Bus Terminal’ An 11 min. walk from Hotel Gracery Naha

The Contrast Between the Castle (Gusuku) Stone Walls and Cherry Blossoms is Captivating – Kanhizakura at the World Heritage Site Nakijin Castle Ruins

Before the establishment of the Ryukyu Kingdom(琉球王国), several small states in Okinawa prospered based on castles. Nakijin Castle Ruins (今帰仁城跡) is one of the largest castle ruins, and the stone walls retain the charm of the past. It’s registered as a World Heritage Site and is one of the tourist spots, but the best highlight this time of year is the Ryukyu Kanhizakura. They start blooming around late January, and you can see the beautiful contrast between the stone wall and the sea. Kanhizakura is different from the Someiyoshino cherry trees seen in Honshu and features a deep pink cherry tree that beautifully falls without scattering its petals. At the main entrance gate, Heiromon(平郎門), the stone walls and Kanhizakura overlap, creating a spectacular view that can only be seen here. There are many other highlights to see at the Nakijin Castle ruins, so take your time and enjoy the walk!

Opening Hours	Normal Period (January – April ) 8:00AM – 6:00PM (Last entry 5:30PM) Summer Extended Period (May – August) 8:00AM – 7:00PM (Last entry 6:30PM)
Address	5101 Imadomari, Nakijin, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Access	About 1 and a half hours by car from Hotel Gracery Naha
URL	https://www.nakijinjoseki-osi.jp/

Enjoy Cityscapes and Ocean Views Alongside Kanhizakura at Nangusuku Park

Nago City is a base in northern Okinawa. Nangusuku Park (名護城公園) is a park surrounded by the sea and mountains, situated at the foot of Mt. Nago. It’s also known as a famous spot for Kanhizakura, and from late January you can see a unique collaboration of tropical plants and Kanhizakura. Particularly recommended is the approximately 2km promenade that leads to the dedication hall within the ruins of Nago Castle. The Kanhizakura trees are in full bloom around the street, and you can take a walk surrounded by the bright pink color. The sky observation deck and visitor center near the top are spectacular spots where you can see the city of Nago, the emerald-blue East China Sea, and Kanhizakura at the same time. It’s also easily accessible from Nakijin Castle, so how about visiting it as a set?

Address	5511 Nago, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access	About 1 hour and 10 minutes by car from Hotel Gracery Naha
URL	https://www.nangusuku-osi.jp/