Okinawa in winter: whale watching, Japan's first cherry blossoms and rainy-day spots
Okinawa stays mild in winter, with humpback whales off the Kerama Islands, Japan's earliest cherry blossoms on Mt. Yaedake and a tropical garden illumination. Indoor aquariums and museums are listed too for windy or rainy days.
Where to stay
Events by date (1)
Found an event? Book a hotel early — rooms near popular events sell out.
Good to know
- Winter days are mild but the north wind can feel chilly, so bring a light jacket.
- Whale-watching boats can be cancelled in rough seas; keep a spare day and an indoor backup.
- The ocean is generally too cold for swimming in winter, so plan around sightseeing rather than the beach.
Also worth a visit
Okinawa / Motobu
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Okinawa / Naha
Kokusai-dori & Makishi Market Food Crawl
Nature
Okinawa / Zamami
Humpback Whale Watching in Zamami
Nature
Okinawa / Motobu
Yaedake Cherry Blossoms
Entertainment
Okinawa / Tomigusuku
DMM Kariyushi Aquarium
Culture
Okinawa / Naha