anonymous, Hanami, Cropped, CC BY 1.0

The Naha Chura Cherry Blossom festival is held in Manko Park which is a natural wetland area located in Naha City. Throughout the year Manko Park is known for its many bird species, mangroves and walking trails but in the first half of February the place becomes magically transformed as its 1,000 sakura trees go into full bloom.

A weekend festival is held on the first or sometimes second weekend of February. Regardless of whether or not you attend the festival, its still an incredible experience to walk along petal covered trails underneath sakura trees.

Fantasy Leigh, Cherry Blossoms on Eboshiyama, Nanyo Japan, Cropped, CC BY-SA 3.0

In late January the entire Mount Yaedake becomes vibrantly pink as more than 7,000 sakura trees go into full bloom. This is the very first Japanese cherry blossom festival of the year and is celebrated with a number of fun events: The Miss Sakura beauty pageant, a musical performance by the Motobu Junior High School brass band, traditional taiko drumming, various kids shows, a game of tug-of-war and lots of dancing.

People can enjoy picnics in beautiful bright pink settings during the day while the evenings are ideal for taking romantic walks along the breathtaking sakura lined illuminated streets.

Cpl. Natalie Rostran, Nago celebrates 52nd annual Cherry Blossom Festival 140125-M-ZH183-042, Cropped, CC0 1.0

The Nago Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in the Central Park each year on the last weekend of January. People can enjoy surreal sceneries provided by 25,000 sakura trees while doing forest walks, exploring the castle ruins and the Nago shrine. Also, the festivities extends beyond the park all the way to the downtown area so there’s space for everyone.

Besides the sakura, the Nago Central Park is a highly popular destination in its own right. Other attractions include: Food stalls, an observatory overlooking Nago City with the East China sea, a kids play area and a suspension bridge.

Uberlemur, Yoshino Sakura Tidal Basin DC, Cropped, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Nakijin Castle Ruins is a popular tourist destination and for good reason but during the cherry blossom season it becomes so much better. At the festival visitors can enjoy food stalls along with a variety of other activities but it’s the evening illuminations which truly makes the place look surreal.

anonymous, USMC-06239, Cropped, CC0 1.0

Yaese Park sits on an elevated piece of land and is part of the Yaese Castle grounds. From here you will see a spectacular view of southern Naha city and the Kerama Islands, however it’s the walkway lined with 500 cherry blossom trees which really stands out. For a truly surreal experience walk the pathway between 6 and 9pm when the sakura trees are beautifully lit up.

663highland, Yogi Park Naha Okinawa Japan03bs, Cropped, CC BY-SA 3.0

Each year from February to March the 400 sakura trees lined along the Yogi river banks are in full bloom. The actual park is located within Naha City and during cherry blossom season you will see families / couples having picnics along the pink petal covered riverbanks. During the festival you can enjoy a number of cultural presentations and food stalls while kids can be entertained at the petting zoo and large outdoor play area.