(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
Although cherry blossom season may soon come to an end in Okinawa, it’s just the beginning for some of spring’s other beautiful blossoms.
Starting March 1, the annual azalea festival will return to Higashi Village in the northeast part of Okinawa’s main island.
Petals in white, red, pink, and purple will adore the hill that overlooks the northeast coast of the island.
Just like last year, the 44th installment of the festival takes place at Azalea Park. Every year, this event attracts around 40,000 visitors. In addition to the colorful flowers, the festival will also include live music, dance performances and many food vendors to celebrate the early arrival of spring.
Known for its moniker “a village of flowers, water, and pineapples,” Higashi Village is located about a 40-minute drive from Camp Schwab and 90 minutes from Camp Foster. The festival also welcomes pets, so bring along your four-legged friends to enjoy the festivities with you. Dogs must be kept on a leash and owners must pick up after them.
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
Other Higashi-son spots
The weather is expected to be great, so take advantage of your visit to enjoy other tourist spots near Azalea Park.
Near Fukuchi River, a pair of “looking glass” mangrove trees will dazzle you with an other-worldly look of their “bankon” (board root).
Ten minutes away from the park, visitors can enjoy a stroll along a boardwalk through a forest of Rhizophoraceae mangrove trees at Hirugi Park.
Another great spot for adventure is Matayoshi Coffee Farm, which offers a coffee bean-harvesting experience, an exciting zipline course and exhilarating ATV rides.
Don’t miss the festival and all the activities Higashi-son has to offer to celebrate the spring!
Higashi-son Tsutsuji Matsuri (Higashi Village Azalea Festival)
Location: Higashi-son Min no Mori Tsutsuji en (Azalea Park in Higashi villagers’ Forest)
GPS: 26.637316, 128.156506
Dates: March 1 – 22
Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.)
Admission: 500 yen (approx. $3.27) for high school students and above; free for middle school students and below
*A group of 15 or more can get a discounted price (400 yen)
* Free Parking
*If you’re bringing your pet, pets must remain on a leash, even during photo ops. Leashes must be 1.5m or shorter (approx. 60 inches or less). Stretchable leashes must be locked. Clean up after your pets and bring disposal supplies (water bottles, waste bags, etc.). Be responsible for your pets.
Hirugi Park
Matayoshi Coffee Farm
GPS Coordinates: N 26.60990, E 128.14384
Hours (coffee farm): 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (9:30 a.m. – on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
*Hours for zipline and ATV can be different from the above.
* Free parking
The zipline ride costs 5,500 yen for those 16 years old and above, and 4,500 yen for those 15 years old and under.
ATV ride costs 7,000 to 8,000 yen for 16-year-olds and above, 6,000 to 7,000 yen for ages between 11 and 15, and 500 yen for ages 4 – 10.
For more details and reservations, check out the link below.
Website (for zipline and ATV): https://www.yanbaru-adventure.com/en/
Website (coffee farm): https://www.matayoshicoffee.jp/
Sakishimasuonoki
GPS Coordinates: 26.636944, 128.163250
*Free parking space available.
AloJapan.com