[archived]Chasing Japan’s Earliest Spring: Staff-Recommended Cherry Blossom Road Trip in Okinawa
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Hello from the front desk team at ESTINATE HOTEL NAHA.
Guests staying with us in January and February often ask, “What’s special about Okinawa in winter?”
While the rest of Japan is still swept by cold winds and snow,
Okinawa welcomes the country’s earliest spring—and with it, cherry blossom season.
Whether it’s your first time in Okinawa or you’re a repeat visitor, this early spring road trip will show you a side of the island you’ve never seen before.
Venture just beyond Naha and spend a full day soaking in Okinawa’s early cherry blossoms—from sunrise to sunset.
08:00 | Fuel Up at ESTINATE LOUNGE NAHA
Every great trip starts with a great breakfast.
At ESTINATE LOUNGE NAHA, you can choose from favorites like Huevos Rancheros—a classic Mexican morning dish—or fluffy Dutch pancakes made fresh to order. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s something to satisfy.
Fill up, grab a coffee to go, and hit the road by 9:00!
11:00 | Mt. Yaedake — A Tunnel of Vivid Pink
After about two hours on the expressway from Naha, you’ll arrive at your first cherry blossom spot: Yaedake Sakura Forest Park.
Drive through a mountain road lined with around 7,000 vivid pink Kanhizakura trees at an elevation of 453 meters.
Take your time—spend about an hour strolling, snapping photos, and soaking in the surreal beauty of being wrapped in all that pink.
Staff Tip:
In Okinawa, cherry blossom viewing is all about the drive.
Enjoy the contrast of blue sky and pink blossoms from your car window as you cruise through.
12:30 | A Quiet Lunch Among the Trees at Cafe ichara
After your fill of cherry blossoms, head to Cafe ichara—about a 10-minute drive from Mt. Yaedake.
Tucked quietly into the Yanbaru Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this spot feels like stepping into another world.
The moment you enter, you’re surrounded by deep, soothing greenery.
Our top pick? The terrace seating, where you can feel the forest all around you.
Pets are welcome on the terrace too, so you can enjoy a relaxing meal with your furry family members by your side.
I tried their Original Naan Curry, and it was incredible.
Original Naan Curry
The spices had just the right kick, balanced with a gentle sweetness. The naan—crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and baked fresh in a stone oven—was the perfect match. I couldn’t stop until the last bite. Eating delicious food in a lush green space, with birds singing in the background—it was pure bliss.
＜Shop Info＞
- Name: Cafe ichara
- Address: 2416-1 Izumi, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa
- Hours: 11:30–16:00 (L.O. 15:15)
- ※Walk-ins only (no reservations)
- Closed: Tuesdays & Wednesdays
- Homepage / Instagram
14:30 | Bise Fukugi Tree Tunnel — Sea Breeze and Green Serenity
After lunch, continue north to the Bise Fukugi Tree Tunnel.
Walking through this pathway lined with old stone walls and fukugi trees feels like stepping back in time. Everything moves a little slower here.
When you reach the end of the path, the ocean opens up right in front of you.
Take a walk along the beach, feel the sea breeze, and just be.
17:00 | Night Cherry Blossoms at World Heritage Nakijin Castle Ruins
As the sun starts to set, head to the highlight of the trip: the Nakijin Castle Ruins Cherry Blossom Festival.
Now in its 19th year, this festival takes place at the UNESCO World Heritage Nakijin Castle Ruins from January 31 (Sat) to February 8 (Sun), 2026.
The must-see? The illumination that begins at 18:00. The path from Heiro Gate is lined with deep pink Kanhizakura, glowing against the ancient stone walls in the dark. It’s breathtaking.
Wandering through the illuminated night blossoms is a truly unique experience you can only have in Okinawa at this time of year.
Take your time—spend about two hours walking through this space where history and light come together.
Staff Tip:
The parking lot gets crowded during the festival. Use the restroom beforehand, and bring a small game or something fun to pass the time while you wait for a spot.
2026 Nakijin Castle Ruins Cherry Blossom Festival Details
- Dates:：January 31 (Sat) – February 8 (Sun), 2026
- Location：World Heritage Nakijin Castle Ruins 18:00–21:00 (Last entry 20:30)
- Illumination： 18:00–21:00 (Last entry 20:30)
- Admission:：
- Adults: ¥1,000
- Junior/Senior High: ¥500
- lementary & under: Free
- Details：Nakijin Castle Ruins Cherry Blossom Festival Official Site
- ※Check the official site for the latest bloom updates and event info
19:30 | End the Day at a Hidden Bistro in the Forest — Tutan
Cap off your journey at Tutan, a bistro tucked away in the forests of Nago. This renovated traditional house has a warm, wooden charm that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special the moment you arrive. It’s our top hidden gem.
Inside, the softly dimmed lighting creates a calm, sophisticated atmosphere.
The menu features local Okinawan ingredients, and every dish pairs beautifully with a drink. Each carefully prepared plate is generous and satisfying.
At night, the terrace is lit up, and you can enjoy a quiet, intimate evening surrounded by the stillness of the Yanbaru forest.
Staff Tip：
Tutan is a bistro that focuses on drinks, so if you’re not ordering alcohol, you won’t be able to make a reservation in advance. In that case, just head to the restaurant and they’ll seat you on the day if space is available.
Shop Info
- Name：Tutan
- Address：527 Unten-baru, Nago, Okinawa
- Hours：17:30 – L.O. 22:00
- Closed： Irregular (Check Instagram for updates) Instagram
Once you’re full and content, take a relaxing drive back to Naha along Route 58.
Feel the earliest hints of spring in the air, return to the hotel, and unwind.
How does a full-day road trip from Naha sound—one filled with Okinawa’s cherry blossoms and local charm?
Vivid pink tunnels, ancient castle walls glowing in the night—
Okinawa in late winter is full of sights you can only see at this time of year.
We hope this inspires your springtime travel plans.
We look forward to welcoming you as Okinawa’s early spring begins to bloom.