It’s tulip time in Okinawa! From January 18 to February 2, 2025, the Tropical Dream Center at Ocean Expo Park in Motobu Town is rolling out a colorful carpet of tulips. We’re talking 80,000 tulips, 40 varieties, and enough bright colors to make your camera roll explode. 🌈
If you’re in the mood for a little early spring and a ton of flower power, this event is worth checking out. Let’s break it down so you know what’s up!
What’s Happening? 🧐
The Tulip Fair brings together an epic variety of tulips—red, white, yellow, pink—you name it, they’ve got it. It’s not every day you get to see this many tulips in Okinawa, thanks to some clever tricks involving chilled bulbs. Yep, science made this floral wonderland happen!
Event Details 🗓
When to Go
Dates: January 18 (Sat) – February 2 (Sun), 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM)
Where to Be
Location: Tropical Dream Center, Ocean Expo Park
(Address: Ishikawa 424, Motobu Town, Kunigami District, Okinawa)
How Much Does It Cost?
Adults (high school and up): ¥760
Kids (middle school and below): Free! 🙌
Why Is This a Big Deal? 🤔
Tulips aren’t your usual Okinawan flowers, thanks to our mild winters. Normally, these beauties bloom in April or May in colder places. But thanks to some creative temperature manipulation (think winter boot camp for bulbs), we now get to enjoy them in January. 🌸
The Tropical Dream Center has been busy prepping for this event with community volunteers helping to set up gorgeous potted displays. It’s a team effort to bring you some serious floral eye candy.
While You’re There… 🌊🐬
Ocean Expo Park isn’t just about flowers. Here are a few other spots worth checking out:
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
The “Kuroshio Sea” tank is a showstopper with whale sharks and manta rays cruising around like the stars they are. 🐋
Okichan Theater
Catch a dolphin show with an ocean backdrop. It’s as wholesome as it gets! 🐬
Turtle and Manatee Houses
From graceful sea turtles to American manatees (the OG mermaid inspiration), there’s plenty of aquatic charm here. 🐢
Native Village and Botanical Gardens
Take a stroll through a recreated Ryukyu village, try traditional crafts, or join a cultural experience. Who doesn’t love a bit of old-school Okinawa? 🎶
Walking Trails
Feeling active? Walk or jog one of the park’s trails (3.3 km, 5.0 km, or 7.5 km). Nordic walking poles are available for free, so no excuses! 🥾
Make a Day of It! 🌼
Between the Tulip Fair and everything else Ocean Expo Park has to offer, you could easily spend the whole day here. Grab your friends, family, or just your best walking shoes and head over for some good vibes and great views.
🌷 Tulips, dolphins, and whale sharks, oh my! What more could you want from a January day in Okinawa? 🌞