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Okinawa
Spring season in Okinawa arrives early in comparison to the Honshu (main island) of Japan where cherry blossoms usually bloom from late March into April. Okinawa experiences long summers and short spring, autumn and winter seasons as a result of the relatively small year-around temperature differences caused by its subtropical climate. As a result, the cherry blossoms bloom early.
Nago Central Park located around the area of Nangusuku Castle—a ruin situated on a hill 100m above sea level on the east side of downtown Nago City—is a famous site for the vivid pink Formosan cherry (or Hikan-zakura), unlike the pale pink Yoshino cherry seen predominantly on the main islands of Japan.
At Nago Cherry Blossom Festival, viewers are able to enjoy Nangusuku Castle's cherry blossoms in full bloom, along the 2km long path as well as from the observation deck on the top of the hill. A variety of performances are held on the specially erected stage inside the Sakura park downtown, while costume parades and marches are held on the main street.
It is a festival celebrated by the entire community in order to enjoy the arrival of spring.
Vivid pink blossoms of Formosan cherry (or Hikan-zakura) bloom beautifully under clear blue January skies.
Experience the earliest arrival of spring in Japan as you stroll along the pink paths of Nago Central Park, while eating food bought from one of the outdoor vendors.
A wide variety of performances—such as Eisa (equivalent of the mainland Japanese Bon-odori dance)(https://ohmatsuri.com/en/articles/okinawa-zento-eisa-matsuri）
, Ryukyu-buyo dance among other performances—are held over the course of two days at the festival stage.
On the main street in downtown Nago city, costume parades and marches are held and participated by local citizens.
Furthermore, a potted plant market (in addition to other shops and attractions) is held at Nago fishing port. The entire town enjoys the festive moods.
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Access to Nago City
[nearest station]
None
Festival location
Address: Gusuku 2-4, Nago City, Okinawa
Bus: 5 min walk from Nangusuku Iriguchi bus stop on Nago-nishi (west) line.
*Please be aware that the bus stop is moved from its regular location during the festival due to traffic regulations.
