Delivering travel tips and recommendations for the best areas to visit in Okinawa from @owncolorstravel, an Okinawa-based blogger running a blog focused on travel and lifestyle.
Are you all planning your Christmas or New Year holidays yet?
This year offers up to nine consecutive days off, making it the perfect opportunity to plan something special.
Even if you’re not traveling far, spending time at nearby attractions or romantic date spots can be just as enjoyable.
This time, I’ll introduce facilities in Okinawa where you can enjoy stunning illuminations.
In the blog post, I’ve shared my experience visiting during the daytime, so be sure to check out the nighttime ambiance for yourself!
・Southeast Botanical Gardens
Southeast Botanical Gardens 2146 Chibana, Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture 904-2143
・A botanical garden showcasing Japan’s top-level illuminations.
Southeast Botanical Gardens is a botanical garden located in central Okinawa, in Okinawa City.
The grounds feature around 1,300 types of plants, and currently, an illumination event is being held. The lights shine brightly from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM).
The prices differ from the 1-day pass and daytime admission, so be sure to check the website for details.
Additionally, don’t miss the special Christmas and New Year events, held exclusively from December 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025, and January 11 to 13, 2025!
Winter in Okinawa offers a serene tropical climate and crystal-clear air, creating a magical moment where illuminations, the night sky, and stars come together in perfect harmony.
・Daytime view of the park
The sight of 25-meter-tall palm trees lined up is truly breathtaking. This is Japan’s largest row of Yusla palms, a unique feature of the Southeast Botanical Gardens that can only be seen in tropical Okinawa.
There are also seasonal flowers to enjoy, including the jade vine, which blooms from winter to spring. Its stunning emerald-green and lavender-like hues make it truly captivating.
From early March to May, the Bougainvillea Tower makes its appearance.
Standing about 8 meters tall, it showcases vibrant bougainvillea flowers, offering a spectacular sight.
Within the expansive grounds of the garden, you can also encounter animals such as squirrel monkeys, capybaras, cranes, and ibises. Visitors even have the chance to interact with some of them!
Other nighttime outing spots to enjoy include the NIGHT ZOO at Okinawa Zoo & Museum and the dazzling illuminations at American Village.
In December, Okinawa is still a tropical destination, but on windy days, the perceived temperature can drop, so it’s recommended to dress warmly for evening outings.
How about spending your Christmas and New Year’s moments strolling through colorful lights, admiring beautiful flowers that bloom even in winter, and enjoying encounters with animals? It’s a luxurious way to spend time with someone special.
With plenty of events in Okinawa, you can experience a heartwarming time this season.