2025 Yaese Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

There are many Okinawan products on display, and it's fun just to look around. They sell a variety of items, including fresh sashimi, meat, vegetables, processed foods, fried foods, side dishes, souvenirs, and tofu. I think both locals and tourists will enjoy it. There is also a sweets shop and a coffee shop inside, and the iced coffee was delicious. It's also a good place to stop by on your drive.

578-1, Yoji, Yaese-cho, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa 901-0416 #summerweekendtrip #sightseeing #drivingspots #Okinawadrive

Recently, it seems to be getting attention through word of mouth and the media, and I see a lot of visitors. It's a very interesting waterfall. It's located in Yaese Town in the south, and the sea spreads out just beyond the waterfall. This waterfall is made up of overflowing water from a dam, and it's quite a sight to behold. (It's about 25 meters high.) However, it's a little difficult to find, so I recommend wearing clothes that you don't mind getting wet when going to the basin. (Especially sandals that you don't mind getting soaked in seawater are a good idea for your feet.) Address 901-0514 Yaese Asato, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture #Western Japan #Spectacular views #Waterfalls #Nature

Address: 668-3 Gushiku, Yaese-cho, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa 901-0512 Go through the tracking course that continues for about 600m⁉️ I recommend this as one of the Okinawa driving courses. As you walk through the forest, you can hear the sound of waves from afar. Surrounded by negative ions and birds singing, I was able to track comfortably 😀 On the way, I felt like I was walking in a hidden area, such as walking next to a fallen tree. I think children will be happy if you come with them. You will walk through the forest, but it is a course, so you can feel safe. #tracking #Okinawa #nature #driving

This is a short event that is only held during this time of year. It is located on high ground and has a great view, so it feels great on a nice day. The cherry blossoms end in late January to early February, but Yaese Park is a pleasant walking course even at other times of the year. It is one of the places you should definitely visit when driving in the southern part of the prefecture. #cherryblossoms #drive #Okinawa #Yaese #scenery

This is a roadside station in Yaese Town that you can stop by when driving through the southern part of Okinawa. The big "Gajumaru" at the entrance is a landmark, so it's easy to find. Inside, there are places to eat, a supermarket used by locals, and souvenir shops, so you can spend your time leisurely☆ The "Beni Mochii~" that can only be eaten here is also recommended for its gentle sweetness. #Drive #Nanbu #Yaese #Okinawa

#Spring0yentrip "Yagiya" in Nanjyo City, Okinawa is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Okinawa soba in a traditional house built over 100 years ago. The spacious garden and the tasteful tiled roof of the building create an atmosphere that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time✨ The signature dish, Sanmai-niku Soba, is delicious with its gentle broth and melt-in-your-mouth meat! You can enjoy a leisurely meal while feeling the flow of time that is so typical of Okinawa. It's easy to get there by car, but it's a famous restaurant that's worth the trip. Recommended for dates too!

#Okinawa樱花 Why go to Okinawa to see the cherry blossoms in late January and early February? The early cherry blossoms seen in Okinawa are very different from those seen in Honshu, Japan in March and April, with a richer, pinker color! There are not many famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Okinawa, so the destination for viewing cherry blossoms in Okinawa is very clear. Now let me introduce you to the four famous flower viewing spots in Okinawa: Okinawa Cherry Blossoms｜Flower Viewing Spots Yaese Park｜A famous cherry blossom viewing spot in southern Okinawa Widely known as a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in southern Okinawa, standing in the park you can have a panoramic view of the Kerama Islands and enjoy the southern scenery. There are ~500 bright pink Hikanzakura trees planted in the park, and two rows of cherry trees are planted on the trail, so after they bloom it's like walking into a cherry blossom tunnel! The best time to enjoy the flowers is from late January to early February. The Yaese Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from January 20 to February 2, 2025. During this period, the night cherry blossoms will be lit up from 18:00 to 20:00 every day, illuminating the park stairs. At this time, the night view of Yaese Town from the mountaintop observation deck is very beautiful! Motobu Yaedake｜7000 Kanhi Sakura trees Yaedake is located in Motobu Town in the northern part of Okinawa Prefecture. It is 453.4 meters above sea level and is the second highest mountain on the main island of Okinawa. There are more than 7,000 cherry trees on Yaedake. When they are in full bloom, the scenery is spectacular and it is definitely an unforgettable view! The Yaedake Cherry Blossom Forest Park located in the belly of the mountain is not to be missed! The 2025 Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from January 18th to February 2nd, allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms together in a lively atmosphere! Nakijin Castle Ruins｜Charm of Fantasy Night Cherry Blossoms The ancient castle ruins built after the 14th century are one of the World Cultural Heritage Sites and are clearly different from the straight-line Japanese city walls. The large, wave-like curved shape is for defense. The best viewing period in previous years: late January to mid-February. The 2025 Nakijin Castle Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from January 25th to February 2nd. During this period, there will be a night cherry blossom viewing time from 18:00 to 21:00 every day. The dreamy light is reflected on the city wall, and you can enjoy the night cherry blossoms to your heart's content. Nago Castle Park｜Famous Cherry Blossom Festival One of the top 100 cherry blossoms in Japan. There is a 2-kilometer-long pedestrian path and an observation deck, where you can enjoy the view of the 20,000 Ryukyu Kanhizakura trees in full bloom in the park! Follow the trail up to the observation deck on the mountain to appreciate the contrast between the emerald green East China Sea and the bright pink petals, and take in the beautiful views of Nago City and Nago Bay. The night view after sunset is worth seeing. The 2025 Nago Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from January 25th to 26th. The festival will be held near Nago Castle Park, with performances of Okinawan traditional dance エイサー and Ryukyu folk songs.

#OkinawaSakura ✨ Okinawa Sakura Season Timeline Okinawa is the first region in Japan to welcome cherry blossoms. The Kanhizakura are expected to bloom from late January to mid-February. The northern Nago and Kunigami areas will bloom first, and Naha in the south will enter the best viewing period afterwards. Unlike the pale pink cherry blossoms on Honshu, the cherry blossoms on Okinawa are mostly deep red "Kanhi Sakura". The flowers hang down like bells, and against the blue sea and sky, they create a unique tropical atmosphere. 🌺 Must-visit cherry blossom viewing spots 1⃣ Nakijin Castle Ruins Highlights: The collision of world cultural heritage and cherry blossoms! At night, the lights illuminate the stone walls of the ancient city, and the night cherry blossoms and the starry sky interweave into a beautiful picture. Every year during the Cherry Blossom Festival, there are Taigu performances and Ryukyu costume experiences, which make you feel like you have traveled back to the Ryukyu Dynasty. Transportation: Drive from Naha for about 1 hour, or take a bus to the "Nakijin Castle Ruins-mae" stop. Tips: It is recommended to go there in the afternoon, so that you can enjoy the cherry blossoms and sea view during the day, and watch the night cherry blossom light show (18:00-21:00). 2⃣ Yaedake Sakura Forest Park Highlights: 7,000 cherry trees line the mountain path, and from the top of the mountain you can overlook a magnificent panoramic view of the East China Sea and cherry blossoms. There is also the "Yae-dake Cherry Blossom Festival" from mid-February to early March, where you can experience local snacks and handicrafts. Transportation: About 30 minutes by car from Nago City, or take a bus to the "Yae-dake entrance" stop. Photo spot: The observation deck halfway up the mountain, where cherry blossoms and sugarcane fields are framed together, so healing! 3⃣ Manzamo Highlights: An iconic attraction in Okinawa, the cherry blossoms on the cliffs form a sharp contrast with the deep blue sea. The filming location of the Korean drama "It's Okay, That's Love", with a 100% production rate. Transportation: About 40 minutes by car from Naha City, or take a bus to Manzamo Station. Hidden trick: Go early in the morning or evening to avoid the crowds and capture the dreamy moments of cherry blossoms and sunrise/sunset. 🚗 Transportation and practical tips Rent a car and drive: Okinawa has few bus services, so it is recommended to rent a car (with an international driver's license or a translated copy of your driver's license). You can stop at any time along the way to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Transportation card: Suica card is linked to Apple Pay and is accepted at convenience stores and vending machines. Payment: Alipay covers more than 90% of shopping malls and restaurants in Okinawa. It is recommended to carry cash for large purchases. Outfit: Okinawa is warm in winter (15-20℃), so it is recommended to wear a thin coat + floral skirt to make your photos more photogenic! 💡 Recommended niche gameplay Blue Cave Snorkeling: After viewing the cherry blossoms, you can experience the "underwater cherry blossoms". The blue water and the coral reefs complement each other. Even if you can't swim, you can participate. Weather warning: Okinawa occasionally experiences strong winds in January and February. Please check the weather forecast before traveling to avoid affecting your itinerary. 🌟 Itinerary reference 3-Day Tour: Day 1: Naha → Nakijin Castle Ruins (Night Sakura) → American Village (Dinner) Day 2: Yaedake Sakura Forest Park → Manzamo → Blue Cave Snorkeling Day 3: Nago Zoo and Botanical Gardens → Ryukyu Craft Experience → Naha City Shopping The cherry blossom season in Okinawa is an encounter between tropics and romance. Save this guide and enjoy a pink feast in winter! 🌸

#Okinawa Sakura Good Places to Visit in Okinawa: Yaese Park 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸 A park for cherry blossom viewing in Okinawa. The cherry blossoms in Okinawa bloom from January to February. During the cherry blossom season, the trails are lined with famous cherry trees. The environment is quiet and suitable for flower viewing, which makes you feel relaxed and happy. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms while taking a walk, and it is a good place to take photos. The view from the top of the mountain is breathtaking. 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸 Address: Tomori, Yaese, Shimajiri District, Okinawa901-0345 901-0402 Japan #OkinawaTravel #Okinawa Free Travel #Okinawa good places

📍 Yae Park | Southern Okinawa When I first arrived at Yaese Park, I felt like I was in the Japanese countryside - there were vegetable gardens on the roadside, the nearby houses were somewhat plain, and some were well-organized large houses. There is a little smell of fertilizer in the air, but there is a very simple atmosphere of life. The sunshine was great and the sky was translucent blue, which reminded me of New Zealand for a moment. The park is not big, and there are not many cherry blossom trees. Most of them are very small trees. The flowers are not blooming densely, but there is a quiet beauty. There is also a small light show of paintings painted by nearby elementary school students, which will be lit from 6-8 pm, with a little childlike warmth. The most lush cherry tree is not actually in the park, but in the courtyard of a certain house. The tree is full of pink flowers, which is particularly attractive. While standing under the tree taking pictures, I heard two elementary school students walking by, looking at the cherry blossoms while exclaiming, “Sakura, it’s so good.” There was a little naive satisfaction in the tone, which made people couldn’t help but smile. It was just after 3pm and the nearby elementary and middle schools were out of school. Two middle school boys in black uniforms zipped under the cherry trees on their bikes. I was recording a video and one of the boys lowered his head a little coyly, and the screen was unexpectedly beautiful. I don't know why, but I feel a little moved. Such a simple moment makes people feel so good. #Okinawa Sakura

At Yaese Park (located in southern Okinawa), I encountered the first wave of cherry blossoms in Okinawa! When I first arrived, I thought I had mistakenly entered the countryside. There were residents growing vegetables around, and there were also grand houses with well-kept gardens. The air was filled with the smell of fertilizer. It was exactly what I imagined the Japanese countryside to be like. The sun was warm and the sky was exceptionally blue. At that moment, I almost thought I was back in New Zealand. This park is small, there are not many cherry blossoms, mostly small trees, and the flowers are not dense. Coincidentally, the park was holding a light show, and all the exhibits were paintings drawn by nearby elementary school students. The lights were turned on from 6 to 8 pm, which was super cute! The most gorgeous cherry tree in the park is actually not in the park, but in the yard of an ordinary house🌲. The flowers are blooming wildly and are very beautiful. While taking photos, I met two cute elementary school students, they were dark, chubby and cute. As they walked, they kept saying, "Cherry blossoms are so beautiful." When I went there, it was around three o'clock, and the nearby primary and secondary schools were just finishing school. Two middle school boys in black uniforms were riding their bicycles past the cherry trees. I was recording the video at the time and one of the boys lowered his head shyly. I somehow feel that all this is so good. In this small piece of heaven and earth, you can feel the tenderness of spring brought by cherry blossoms and the little beauty in ordinary life. #Okinawa Sakura Viewing #Yaese Park #Spring Day Happiness #Okinawa Sakura

Accommodation in a small port town in the southern part of Okinawa Prefecture [MARINX HARBOR] Although it is an accommodation facility, it is a unique playground with a marine shop, cafe, BBQ terrace, hair salon, and grind pool. There are 8 rooms on the second floor of the building. The showers and toilets are shared. At the marine shop, you can apply for cruising, diving, surfing, and SUP. The cafe also has [New Cinema Parlor HARBOR store], which is popular for its pasta. You can stay overnight, do marine sports, or use the cafe. It is a stylish accommodation facility that you can't find anywhere else. [MARINX HARBOR] Address: 361-1 Minatogawa, Yaese-cho, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa Prefecture Parking: Available #Free hotel stay #Domestic travel #Okinawa #Okinawa trip #Okinawa sightseeing #Okinawa hotel

Located in Itoman City in the southern part of Okinawa's main island, Gizabanta is a hidden scenic spot that only a few people know about! I was also told about it by a local🫣✨ From the cliffs about 40 meters high facing the East China Sea, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the cobalt blue sea and sky that spreads out before you☝🏽 It is not yet very well known as a tourist destination, so it is popular as a place where you can quietly enjoy the great outdoors! 🌟The charm of Gizabanta 1. Spectacular panoramic view From the observation point of Gizabanta, you can see the beautiful sea of ​​Okinawa. On a clear day, you can even see Kumejima and Tonakijima in the distance. Especially at dusk, the setting sun paints the sea orange, creating a fantastic view! 2. Dynamic cliff topography "Banta" means "cliff" in Okinawa dialect ☝🏽 As its name suggests, Keiza Cliff is characterized by its steep cliffs. Below the cliffs, the clear emerald green sea and rocks spread out, making you feel the power of Okinawa's nature! 📍Location: Keiza Cliff (Giza Banta), Kyan, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture It is also recommended to visit "Kyan Cape" and "Peace Memorial Site" together! ⚠️Points to note when visiting Watch your step: There are no fences in the observation area, so be careful not to get too close to the edge of the cliff. Many windy days: Especially in winter and typhoon season, be careful of strong winds. No parking: There are no parking lots in the area, so it is best to park your car nearby and visit on foot. It is a place that is rarely crowded with tourists and where you can quietly feel the magnificent nature. If you visit Itoman City, be sure to stop by! #0yentravelJanuary2025 #Okinawa

Giza Banta (Keiza Cliff), an unknown scenic spot that is not listed in guidebooks, is a cliff over 40 meters above sea level, where you can see a waterfall falling into the sea✨ It is a rare place because it is difficult to see the collaboration of a waterfall and the sea, but at low tide you can go down to the bottom of the cliff! There were many places around the waterfall that looked like natural pools♡ To go down to the bottom of the cliff, there is a well-maintained staircase until halfway, but from there you have to walk on rugged rocks and the footing is poor, so please be careful. And after low tide, the tide will gradually come in and the natural pool will disappear, so be careful! [Address] Yaese Town, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture [Directions] From Peace Memorial Park, head northeast and follow the side road of the Southern Links Golf Club to arrive. About 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport. #DomesticTrip #OkinawaTrip #SouthOkinawa #ScenicSpot #Cliff

Okinawa is famous for its beautiful skies and clear oceans. Whether it is the blue sky and white clouds on a sunny day or the brilliant colors at sunset, it is a dream scene in the hearts of photography enthusiasts and tourists. 1. **Blue sky and white clouds** The weather in Okinawa is usually sunny, especially in spring and autumn. This weather is perfect for capturing the contrast between blue sky and white clouds, especially at the beach and during outdoor activities. 2. **Sunset views** The sunsets in Okinawa are spectacular, especially at the seaside. Certain famous beaches, such as Manzamo in Onna Village and Nagojo Bay in Nago City, are ideal places to watch the sunset. At sunset, the sky is dyed with gorgeous colors of orange, red and purple, which is breathtaking. 3. **Stargazing** Since Okinawa is located in the ocean, there is relatively little light pollution and the starry sky at night is very clear. In areas far from city lights, such as small islands (like Kourijima) or mountainous areas, you can enjoy the magnificent starry sky and Milky Way. 4. Water Sports Okinawa's marine activities such as snorkeling, diving, and sailing allow people to look up at the sky from the water and appreciate the blending of the blue sky and the ocean. This perspective is unique. 5. **Photography Tips** - **Best time**: Early morning and dusk are the best times to photograph the sky, with soft light and rich colors. - **Photography Location**: Beaches, hills, lighthouses, etc. are all good choices where you can find a wide view. 6. **Special phenomenon** In Okinawa, natural phenomena such as rainbows and halos can sometimes be seen, especially after rain, which add more color and mystery to the sky. The sky of Okinawa has its unique charm in any season. Remember to bring your camera to capture these beautiful moments!

📍Peace Square, Okinawa Peace Square in the grounds of Yaese Town War Memorial Park On the way to the square, there was a place where you could feel the history of Okinawa! ! It is very beautifully maintained. It is on a hill, so the view is great on a nice day☀️ The park has a peace sign, a symbol of peace, and a heart-shaped stone on top🫶 Parks with peace signs are really rare, aren't they? I prayed for world peace at Peace Square🕊 Near the parking lot There is also a big banyan tree🌳 Love and Peace Add excitement to your daily life:🌙 　📍 Peace Square📮 Aragusuku, Yaese Town, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture🅿️ Parking available #Domestic travel #Summer trip #Okinawa trip #Okinawa trip #Okinawa tourism #Girls trip

#OkinawaAttractions Keiza Cliff (ギーザバンタ), located in Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, is a magnificent natural landscape. This cliff is about 30 meters high and faces the Pacific Ocean, providing unparalleled sea views and sunset views. Due to its steep terrain and spectacular The scenery has become a famous local tourist attraction. From the top of the cliff, you can overlook the clear water and surrounding coral reefs. It is also a good place to see marine life such as turtles and tropical fish. Qingzao Cliff is not only a paradise for nature lovers, but also an ideal place for photographers to capture the magnificent scenery.

I stayed at The Southern Links Resort Hotel on my trip to Okinawa❣️ All rooms have ocean views✨ If you play golf, I highly recommend it as it is attached🙆🏼 📍Address: 697 Hanashiro, Yaese-cho, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa ✈️About 33 minutes from Naha Airport 🏨3-star hotel🌟 #0 yen trip #Okinawa trip #Okinawa sightseeing #Golf course

#Okinawa Attractions IKEA is a shining pearl among Okinawa coffee shops. Its fresh design and delicious food will make you linger. The space design of this cafe is very warm and comfortable, with extensive use of wood materials and natural elements to create a pastoral, simple and elegant atmosphere. Fresh potted plants are displayed on the walls, making the entire space full of natural vitality. In addition, the details such as the arrangement of tables and chairs, and the lighting design in the store are also very attentive, ingeniously creating a fresh space that makes people feel like they are in the spring breeze. IKEA also performed well in terms of coffee and desserts. They insist on using high-quality ingredients, and manually present the rich and mellow coffee flavor and a variety of creative and delicious handmade cakes, which has aroused the admiration of many coffee lovers.

During one of the days in Okinawa, I had originally planned to visit Okinawa World, but I decided to get off the bus a few stops early and take nearly an hour's walk to explore the rural scenery of Okinawa. What truly left a lasting impression on me was Yaese Town. Yaese Town can basically be described as the perfect countryside location, with an abundance of mountains and farmlands, farmers and sheep, motorcyclists, and a lot of sea and countryside environments. It is extremely suitable for those who love the outdoors and want to get away from the urban areas.

📍Giza Banta, Okinawa main island This spot where you can see the ocean and the waterfall together, the water from the waterfall flows directly into the ocean, so you can go right in front of the waterfall🤍💛 Isn't it unusual for a waterfall to be so close to the ocean? To get to the waterfall, you have to go over a steep promenade and rocky areas, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and light clothing 👟 (I ended up leaving my tripod and camera along the way 🤣 lol) You can enter the pool of the waterfall, so if you bring a swimsuit, you can swim ♡ Actually, this place is about 30 minutes south of Naha Airport 🚗 It's on the main island, but it's a spectacular spot that makes you feel like you're on a remote island ☺️🏝️🩵🤍 Add some excitement to your daily life :🌙 📍 Keiza Peak (Giza Banta) 📮 Yaese Town, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture 🅿️ Parking available, no showers or toilets #tourism #Okinawa #Okinawa trip #Okinawa tourism #spectacular view #spectacular spot #girls trip

#okinawatrip This is a great park. There is a lot to do... the large playground, an open area to play ball, picnic area, walking/biking path around it, etc. The parking can be tricky as well if the park is busy. It has a walking trail and plenty of parking around it. The slide is a nice, long one and fun for all ages. The playground is quite large and can keep kids busy for a long time. Also large grassy fields for soccer or flying a kite. Conveniently located off 329 👍🏻

This is a Brazilian restaurant called "Gostoso" in Yaese Town. I've been curious about it for a while, so I'm glad I was able to go. (Gostoco apparently means delicious in Portuguese) I recommend this place. It's delicious, reasonably priced, and the atmosphere of the restaurant was good. The owners are a Brazilian-Japanese couple, and they're very friendly and I'd love to go back again☆ There are two parking spaces on the restaurant side, but there seems to be another parking lot further away, so you don't have to worry. Brazilian food is hard to find in Okinawa, so if you like Brazilian food, this is a must-go!! The food was said to be a reproduction of the local flavors of Brazil, so it was authentic☆☆ Address 190-1 Yatohara, Yaese Town, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture #Lunch #Brazilian food

If you want to eat Japanese food in Okinawa, I recommend the casual Wafutei. Wafutei can be found wherever there is a San-A. It's casual, has a wide menu, is reasonably priced, and is delicious. It gets crowded with locals at lunchtime, so you may have to wait depending on the time of day. The restaurant is spacious, so you can enjoy your meal at your own pace, and there is a parking lot, so it's easy to go. This time I ordered a katsudon and tempura, which were crispy and delicious. Address: 99-1 Yagihara, Yaese-cho, Shimajiri-gun, 901-0406 (Inside San-A Yaese City) #Gourmet Trip #Gourmet #Lunch #Japanese Food

First thing in the morning, play golf at Southern Links, then enjoy a nice shot over the ocean at night and enjoy some boiled dumplings from Ichiban Gyoza at the deep Sakaemachi Market in Asato (^^) #Breathtaking views #Gourmet #Southern Links #Ichiban Gyoza Sakaemachi

Agro Coffee is a coffee shop that serves special coffee. The coffee here is very delicious and highly recommended. In addition to coffee, they also serve waffles, which are also delicious and highly recommended. They only serve takeaway, and their opening hours are short, from 1pm to 6pm, but it's a wonderful shop that's worth visiting⭐️ Address 837 Kochidaira, Yaese-cho, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa #Coffee specialty shop #Special coffee #Waffle

Autumn trip to Okinawa~✨🍁✨4 nights and 5 days trip in October~✨✨ The 600m nature trail leading to Gushikuhama is affectionately known as the Holo Holo Forest🍁 by the locals😊🍁✨"Holo Holo" means Japanese cinnamon✨It is a forest of life surrounded by over 100 species of creatures, including the Greater Congo butterfly and the Japanese Newt✨🍁✨ The mysterious root shapes of the plants make this a wonderful place😍✨ The leaves of the trees occasionally fall with the wind, perhaps because they are dead leaves of autumn~✨✨ #Breathtaking views #Autumn trip