The Earliest Sakura🌸Viewing in Japan! @NakijinCastle Sakura Festival✨ #okinawajapan #vlogjapan
Did you know that cherry blossoms bloom much earlier in Okinawa than in mainland Japan? From mid-January to early February, you can enjoy Kanhizakura (寒緋桜), a vibrant pink cherry blossom that differs from the commonly seen Somei Yoshino in mainland Japan. I recently visited the Nakijin Castle Ruins Sakura Festival, where I experienced Japan’s earliest hanami (flower viewing)!
Okinawa, once the Ryukyu Kingdom, is home to many historic castle ruins. Nakijin Castle Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a breathtaking view with cherry blossoms, sotetsu palm trees, and the ocean in the background—a unique and picturesque scenery.
Adding to the excitement, I watched a juggling performer from Nakijin Village, whose fire performance was absolutely stunning!
While Okinawa is best known as a summer paradise, winter here is much warmer than mainland Japan, sometimes exceeding 20°C (68°F). Plus, you get to enjoy the sakura season! Since Okinawa has a subtropical climate, it never really feels like winter—making it a great escape during colder months!
Would you like to visit Okinawa’s winter cherry blossoms?
#Okinawa #CherryBlossoms #Hanami #NakijinCastle #japantravel