http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Lc4l1KuQY Check out my video of the cherry blossom festival!
Best known for its cherry blossoms Nago Okinawa hosts the earliest Sakura (cherry blossoms) and hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in Japan. There is plenty of action, and numerous photo opportunities, at the Nago Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place at several locations. Nago Chuo Park is the festival’s open space, while other activities take place at the special stage in Sakura Park, the Nago Main Crossroad, and at Nago Fishing Port.
Some of the festival highlights include performances by local schools brass bands and cultural performers such as Eisa dancers and taiko drummers. Parades, karaoke competitions, carnival games, and food vendors are also part of the attractions.
Nago central park is filled with 20,000 Taiwan cherry trees that bloom deep rosy-pink flowers causing the celebrations to start. Many festivals goers climb high up the observatory where an amazing view of the emerald green ocean together with the pink cheery blossoms can be taken in.
Other people simply spread out a picnic blanket or tarp under the trees that resemble cotton candy and have a few drinks and some food with friends or family. In most parts of Japan hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is a tradition that goes back hundreds of years, it represents the end of winter and the new life of spring. The cherry blossom only last for one week or sometimes less depending on the weather, this short lived beauty is of great cultural importance to the Japanese and serves as a main reason for the festivities.
Directions: From Naha Airport take the Okinawa Expressway, exit at Kyoda the last exit. Continue north toward Nago. Once in Nago, turn right onto Route 84 under the walkway. On your right you will see Orion Brewery. Turn left at the brewery and take an immediate right. During cherry blossom season and on the days of the festival it is advised to park well away from the park both for cost and to allow for an easy escape when leaving.
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