The Cosmos Fields of Kin Town

The Cosmos Fields of Kin (image taken in 2015)

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Cosmos of Kin

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 27.506	E 127 52.792

The Cosmos Fields of Kin Town

Every year around late January to mid-February, farmers of Kin Town plant Cosmos in the rice fields of Igei Village. According to a Kin Town resident, it is believed that Cosmos nurture and rejuvenate the soil just prior to the rice fields being utilized(i). The net result; an entire landscape of  pink, white, and maroon colored flowers lighting up the scene! Hundreds of visitors come every year to get a glimpse of these delightful flowers. Click on the album link above for more images.

Season: Late January to Mid-February just prior to rice planting season.
Public Access: Sunday, February 16, 2020

Note: Cosmos Field will be cordoned off until February 16th. Please to do not enter the fields till the cordon rope has been removed on February 16th. Taking Pictures from the roadside areas are welcome.

Advisory: The Okinawa City Marathon is on February 16th, 2020. Expect Traffic on Highway 329 throughout Okinawa City. Please plan accordingly.

Directions/Parking. Take Highway 329 into Igei of Kin Town. Igei is about 5 minutes south of Camp Hansen and 10 minutes north of Ishikawa by car. The most noticeable landmark in this area will be an ENEOS Gas Station which will be on the east-side of Highway 329. Study the map above. The fields will be on the west-side of Highway 329. Roads will be tight and parking will have to be off to the side where you can find space. Caution. Drive carefully during this time period as buses and school children often take school trips to this venue.

Note. i. No scientific resources could be found on the Cosmos plants soil rejuvenation capabilities. However, such techniques are sometimes referred to as 'cover crops'. For more information on 'cover crops' please refer to this link at Dave's Garden.

"Himawari Matsuri (Sunflower Festival), Kitanakagusuku"

Sunflowers standing strong

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Himawari Matsuri (Sunflower Festival), Kitanakagusuku Village

   GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 17.843	E 127 48.622

Himawari Matsuri (Sunflower Festival), Kitanakagusuku 

The start of the new year marks the beginning of a whole host of flower festivals here on Okinawa. Traditionally, it begins with Cherry Blossoms. But in late January to early February starts another special flower occasion,...the Himawari Matsuri, or Sunflower Festival, in Kitanakagusuku Village (北中城村のひまわり祭り). This is relatively a recent installment of flower festivals here on the main island first starting in 2008. About 22,000 square meters of farmland are dedicated to these yellow beauties. Special events during the festival period will vary from year to year. You will also see booths selling arts and crafts, vegetables, and other gifts for your enjoyment.

Basic Information.
When: Late February/Early March (varies annually) (Dates for 2020 have not been release. Flowers have not yet bloomed. See their Facebook Page for updates)

Time: 1000 - 1600 (this is a non-gated area, you can come and go as you please)
Fee: Admission Free
Website: himawaribatake.net or visit Facebook Page here
Phone Number: 098 935-2233 (Industrial Promotion Division )
YouTube Video: Click this VIDEO to see a past sunflower festival

Amenities/Facilities. Normally, portable toilets are dispersed near the parking lot areas. Be prepared to improvise if need be. Baby Strollers/Wheel Chairs: Around the sunflower fields are paved roads for ease of movement. However, it may be difficult to go inside the flower field itself with any kind of transport. There are areas that are padded down for ease of movement. Expect occasions of rain and muddy areas.

Directions/Parking. The field is in Waniya of Kitanakagusuku Village. Take Highway 329 south into Kitanakagusuku Village. The field is south of the Highway 81/Highway 227/Highway 329 intersection. There will be three (3) landmarks to the west side of Highway 329 to guide you in: Building with "Caleb" written on it, Family Mart, the ESSO Gas Station. At the next traffic light signal south of the ESSO Gas Station turn east (towards the ocean). You will be guided by signs. You will also see a large apartment complex. The sunflower field is walking distance to the west and across from this complex. Parking signs should be posted.

Source of information. 

Okinawa Times (Japanese Only), http://article.okinawatimes.co.jp/article/2013-01-27_44493, 

Official Website: (Japanese Only): https://www.himawaribatake.net/kitanakagusuku.php

Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HimawariInKitanaka

"Tsutsuji Matsuri - The Azalea Festival"

Admiring the Azaleas 

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Tsutsuji Matsuri (The Azalea Festival)

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 38.235	E 128 09.413

Tsutsuji Matsuri (Azalea Festival), Higashi Village

Every March, Higashi Village hosts the Azalea Festival, or better known to the Okinawans as 'Tsutsuji Matsuri'. The Azaleas are part of the genus Rhododendron, with these particular flowers being part of the subgenus 'Tsutsuji' (or 'Tsutsusi'), which are evergreen Azaleas versus their North American counterparts that are deciduous in nature (leaves fall off in the fall). The festival occurs at the Azalea park about 500 meters away from Highway 70. The festival itself last about 3 weeks long with various events and entertainment spread out during this period. However, you can still view the Azaleas for the entire month of March. Please visit the Higashi Village website for more information (Japanese only). They will have a schedule of major events and entertainment during the festival period.

The park itself is a nice walk on both high and low ground. Down below are small nature walk areas where you can see the Higashi greenery and some of the streams that flow between the hills. High up on the hills are several areas where you can view down and out toward the Higashi landscape. If you love nature and especially flowers, then this is great place to bring the family.

Time Frame: Entire Month of March (2018 Festival Period March 2-21, Flowering Viewing March 2-25)
Time: 9am-6pm

Entrance Fee. 300 Yen for High School Students and above, free for Middle School and below, and free admission for people with a disability
(For update and current information please visit website below)
Website. http://www.vill.higashi.okinawa.jp
Phone number for festival information.  098 043 2265
Food stands. Hot foods starnds are available during the festival period
Stroller Friendly. For the most part, the park is baby stroller friendly

For related articles on the Tsutsuji Matsuri see, http://www.okinawastory.jp/en/special/festivals_hotels/special/f_festivals.html 
http://www.okinawa-information.com/blog/azela-festivaltsutsuji-matsuri 

For information about Azaleas, please visit, 
http://www.pbase.com/azaleasociety/evergreen
http://www.azaleas.org

Directions. Take Highway 329 into Nago City. Then take Highway 331 going north on the eastern side of Okinawa. From Highway 331 take Highway 70. Look for the road signs off of Highway 70 that point to the Azalea Park. During the festival period you may see numerous banner flags along the road side that lead you to the Park. See map for other landmarks of the area.

Other places of interest nearby: The Sakishima Sappanwood Tree (Higashi), The Higashi Museum, Meoto Waterfall.

"Yuri Matsuri - The Lily Festival, Ie Island"

Easter Lilies sitting in formation

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Yuri Matsuri ( ゆり まつり)

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 44.309	E 127 48.541

Yuri Matsuri (ゆり まつり), Ie Island

From late April to the first week of May, Ie Island (Ie Jima – sometimes written as Ie Shima) host the Yuri Matsuri (ゆり まつり), also known as the Lily Festival. Here you will see arrays and arrays of white trumpets along an entire field in a small section of Ie Jima's northeastern corner. The area couldn't be any more perfect with the open ocean in the immediate background accompanied by the nice ocean breeze. It is one of the more scenic flower festivals you will find here on Okinawa Prefecture. These flowers (Lilium longiflorum) are better known by their common name, the 'Easter Lily', which are actually native to the Ryukyu Islands. If you are looking for a small off-island adventure to another small island then this will be the perfect trip. Ie Jima has many beautiful areas that can be seen during a one-day-stay such as Wajee Viewpoint, Mt. Gusuku, and the Niyathiya Cave.

Festival Information.
Time Period. Late April to 1st Week of May (2017, April 22 to May 7)
Admission Fee. Free
Phone Number (Festival Infomation). 098 049 2906
Official Festival Blog. http://lilyboo2009.ti-da.net/
Download Flyer (Japanese). http://lilyboo2009.ti-da.net/e9423368.html
Parking. Available at the Lily Field
Shuttle Transportation (Festival Period only). Shuttle transportation is available from Ie Port to the Lily Field. Shuttle fee (may vary over time). As of 2013, 12 years to Adults, 250 Yen / Children between 5 and 12, 100 Yen. Kids 5 and under are free. Each price is one way.
Bike Rentals. Generally, 1000 Yen rental fee for the entire day. The bike rental facility is at the port. It is an estimated 25-30 minute bike ride to the Lily field from Ie Port.
Bringing Your Own Bicycle. You can bring your own bicyle on the ferry. A surcharge will be added. See website below under Motobu Port/Ferry Transportation Information for pricing.

Motobu Port/Ferry Transportation Information.  In order to get to Ie Island you can depart from either Naha or Motobu Port. The following information is for Motobu only.
Motobu Port Directions. To get to Motobu Port take Highway 58 going north towards Nago City and then turn onto Highway 449 going towards the Motobu Peninsula. The port will be just before the Sesoko Bridge. Scroll downward on the map above. There will be a balloon icon designating Motobu Port. GPS coordinates for Motobu Port are N26 38.442, E127 52.803
Motobu Port Phone Number. 098 047 3940 (although not fluent in English, staff members are accustom to English speaking travelers)
Ferry Schedule. See website below.
Individual Ticket/Vehicle Prices. See website below.

Vehicle Reservations. Reservations in advance are required in order to bring your vehicle to and back from Ie Island. Make reservations at the phone number above. See website below for fee prices. You will have to provide your name, make of vehicle and vehicle length in meters to the Motobu Port Office.

Vehicle check-in. When you check in at the ticket office in person, they will give you a ticket stub and instruct you which lane you have to line up your car (the lane numbers will be visible. They are near the ferry loading ramp). Please check in at the ticket office about 30 to 40 minutes before the ferry departs.

Vehicle Loading. Only the driver is required to be in the vehicle during loading. All other passengers can walk on the ferry. When ready, a port personnel with a whistle will direct vehicles one by one. Once he directs you, you will have to position your vehicle so as to back it in. Once you have your car in position he will take your ticket stub. Port personnel will direct you all the way in. You are not required to stay in the vehicle during the ferry ride. Just ensure your car is turned off, doors locked, and parking breaks engaged. Just ensure you return back to your car 10 minutes before the ferry arrives at Ie Port. The process is the same on your return trip. Do not lose the other half of your round trip ticket stub. You will need it in order to return to the main island. Caution. Once the ferry ramp drops down there is tremendous amount of loading and off-loading activity at an amazing speed. Please watch your children at all times in this area.

Website.  http://www.iejima.org

Directions to the Lily Field from Ie Port. You will have to navigate to Highway 225 which is relatively close to Ie Port. Once you are on Highway 225, travel initially in an easterly direction (going in a counter-clockwise direction). You will see tourism signs directing you the way, as well as festival banners that guide you in.

Travel Tips. 1) Golden Week. The last week of the festival coincides with Golden Week, A Major Tourism Period for Japanese Citizens. It will be crowded. Consider making vehicle reservations as early as possible. 2) ATM. Bring plenty of Yen to cover your entire stay. The Japanese Post Office on Ie Jima does have an ATM that accepts the Plus© System. You can withdraw Yen there (additional service fees will be applied). 

Easter Lily Information. http://www.the-genus-lilium.com/longiflorum.htm, http://easterlily.org/History.shtm

Sagaribana Garden, Nago City

A Sagaribana Flower at bloom

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Sagaribana Garden

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 37.754	E 128 02.270

NOTE: It's estimated that the 4th of July, 2015 will be the last day the flowers will bloom

The Sagaribana Garden, Nago City

From late June to early July flowers from the tree, Barringtonia racemosa (also referred to as a Powder Puff Tree), bloom long into the night. In Okinawa these flowers (and the tree) are called Sagaribana (サガリバナ) or sometimes, Moukabana (モーカバナ). By the next day, these flowers will be gone as they die off and fall onto the ground in the early morning; these flowers only have a one night lifespan. This particular Sagaribana garden is on private property belonging to a Mr. Kinjo. He opens it up to the public during the season (late June/early July). For more information see below.

When: Late June/ early July. Early July the best (highly recommend to see before the first typhoon makes landfall during the season).
Time. 1900-1100. Flowers begin to open around 730pm. (It is recommended to arrive between 830pm-9pm. This is when they fully bloom).
Entrance fee: 200 ¥ per adults. Middle-school and below: free. Normally, Mr. Kinjo is on site. Please deposit the fee to him.

Recommendations. There will be a lot of mosquitoes during this time of the year. Please plan accordingly.

Parking. There is designated parking about 100 meters away from Mr. Kinjo’s property. You may see a sign in an open field just before you get to his property. You will arrive to the parking lot before you arrive to his property.

Directions. Take Highway 58 north into Nago City to the Highway 110/Highway 58 intersection. There will be a FamilyMart on the corner. Going left takes you to Kouri Island. Do not go left. Instead take a right (going west). You will reach another traffic light. You will have to cross it. (Do not veer left on the main road). Look for signs on each corner that have the words “サガリバナ” as posted here. Continue straight until you reach the designated parking lot (a sign may be posted and you may see other cars there). You will have to continue on foot and walk little further around the corner. You will see the garden lit up at night. Here is a picture taken during daylight.

Reference. National Taiwan University

"The Yohena Ajisai (Hydrangea) Gardens"

Ajisai or Hydrangea Flowers at the Yohena Ajisai Garden

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Yohena Ajisai Garden, Motobu

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 38.831	E 127 56.707

The Yohena Ajisai (Hydrangea) Gardens, Izumi

You can never fall short of seeing beautiful flowers here on Okinawa. Around mid-May to the end of June marks the season for Ajisai's, or better known in English as Hydrangea Flowers. In Izumi of Motobu Town, and elderly woman named Mrs. Uto Yohena, turned her home landscape into beautiful flora display of Hydrangea Flowers. She first opened her garden to the public in 2001 (Mrs. Yohena turns 96 in 2013). Since then she has greeted visitors from all over the island as they come and gaze over her purple beauties. In October of 2010, Mrs. Yohena was formally recognized for her deeds and received the “Regional Contribution Award” by the Okinawa Times Newspaper. She is one of the friendliest 'Oba-chans' you will ever meet. Though Hydrangea Flowers make up most of the scenery (mainly purple), you will see various other flowers of different colors and species.

Visitor Information.
Time Period. Mid-May to end of June (2015, May 17 - 30 June)
Admission Fee. Adults: 300 Yen, Children Ages 7 – 18: 100 Yen, Children 6 and Under:  Free
Hours. Open Daily during viewing season 9am to 6pm (till June 30)
Parking. Available and Free.
Website (In English). http://www.geocities.jp/tomotakayo/englishM.htm
Website (In Japanese). http://www.geocities.jp/tomotakayo/
Phone Number. 098 047 2183
Restrooms. Available
Baby Strollers. Though there are some areas that will facilitate the use of baby strollers, there are other areas that can only be accessed by the use of stairs. Plan accordingly.

Considerations. Consider visiting the garden before the first Typhoon hits Okinawa. June marks the beginning of Typhoon season.

Related Articles. Other photos visit www.ryukyulife.com

Directions. From Highway 58, take Highway 84 going towards Motobu. You will see signs for Highway 123. Continue on Highway 84 passing the Highway 123/Highway 84 T-intersection. Shortly after, you will pass an ENEOS gas station (on the right). As soon as you pass this Gas Station, you will turn left. Look for this Orange-shape structure on the left-hand side. The turn-off will be before this structure. From here look at the Google Map and follow the Blue and Green Route. The Green Route takes you to the Yohena Ajisai Gardens. Look for this sign off the main road which directs you to the Yohena Garden parking lot. (Note: The entire Blue Route takes you to the Natural Stone Garden).

Source of Information. Interview with Mrs. Yohena's daughter, Yohena Ajisai Garden Website.

Other Places of Interest Nearby. Shizen Sekitei (The Natural Stone) Garden.

"The Purple Iris Fields of Kijoka"

Standing Watch! A purple iris stands tall

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The Purple Iris Fields of Kijoka

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 42.402	E 128 08.944

The Purple Iris Fields of Kijoka

Aside from the Kijoka Falls, the town of Kijoka also hosts a very beautiful green field full of purple irises. The general blooming time for these flowers here in Okinawa is between the late month of March through early to mid-April. Just like the Cherry Blossoms, timing is critical if you want to see these flowers in their best performance. The roughly 1 square km field of lush green iris stems and leaves highlight these purple wonders under the morning sun.

The exact scientific classification of these simple flowers, however, has proven to be somewhat more complex. Conflicting scientific terms have surfaced. They are part of the Iridaceae Family, but the exact specie type is left to question. Research sources, such as The Society for Japanese Irises, The Iris Encyclopedia, and The American Iris Society were reviewed, but an exact classification could not yet be determined with 100% accuracy (This post will be updated upon new findings).

One thing is for certain however, is that the Okinawans refer to this particular iris as 'Okurareruka' (written in Katakana as オクラレルカ). There is a species called 'Iris ochroleuca' with the second half of the name mimicking the pronunciation 'Okurareruka' in Japanese. However, conflicting images have surfaced depicting the flower as all white instead of purple. It is quite possible that these purple irises of Kijoka were initially given the classification of 'Iris ochroleuca' and later found to be of a different kind, while the name, 'Okurareruka', had taken root among the Okinawans.

Kijoka is found in Ogimi Village and they have provided a website link displaying the blooming phases of the Kijoka Iris Fields. Please visit link http://www.vill.ogimi.okinawa.jp (Japanese).

Blooming Season. Late March to early to mid-April. Best time to view is 7-10 days after first bloom. 

Related Articles. For other related images of the Kijoka Purple Iris Field, see Mike's Ryukyu Gallery at: http://blog.mikesryukyugallery.com/2012/03/2012-okinawa-iris-flowers-are-starting.html.

Directions. The directions is the same as if you were going to the Kijoka Falls. If you are going north on Highway 58, look for the 'Bashofu Weaving Workshop' sign to know where to turn off (start of the blue route in the map above). After the turn make the first right. Follow this road and continue straight. Instead of turning right at the LandMark Building that takes you to the Kijoka Falls, continue straight. Once you pass this LandMark, you will want to look to your left and look for the lush green fields. It's not difficult to find. Navigate your way through and park in some of the open areas provided. Avoid parking in areas that might disrupt traffic.

Other places of interest nearby. The Kijoka Falls.

The Hydrangea Cafe

The Hydrangea Cafe overlooking the ocean

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Hydrangea Cafe

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 37.824	E 128 02.699

The Hydrangea Cafe, Nago City

A small cafe with a wonderful view, the Hydrangea Cafe sits comfortably overlooking the ocean. The cafe named after the Hydrangea flower, is owned by Mr. Sueyoshi who opened the cafe on 18 May 2013. On the surrounding hillside is his garden. During the months of March and April it's filled with Begonia flowers followed by Hydrangea's in May and June. On or off-season, the Hydrangea Cafe is a great place to relax and enjoy. Please see information below entrance fees and times.

Sueyoshi Hana-en (Garden Only)
Begonia Flower Season: Late March through April (See website below for current dates)
Hydrangea Flower Season: Late May through June (See website below for current dates)
Entrance Fees: 300 Yen for Adults, 100 Yen for Middle School and below (Cash only)
Where to pay: You can pay below at the desk counter located at the large parking lot at the bottom of the hill or inside the Hydrangea Cafe
Hours: 9am to 6pm.
Open: Daily during flower season. Closed Tuesdays during the off-season
Telephone: 098 058 1768
Blog: suehanaen.ti-da.net
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/SueyoshiHanaen
Parking. For garden viewing, please park at the bottom of the hill (see picture with the white car)

The Hydrangea Cafe
Currency: Cash Only (Yen)
Hours: 10am to 8pm. After 6pm, must make reservations (Last order 7pm)
Open: Closed on Tuesdays. Open daily during flower season
Telephone: 098 058 4488
Blog: suehanaen.ti-da.net
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/HydrangeaCafe
Menu: English and Japanese (See menu here)
Parking. There is designated parking under the cafe. Or you can at the bottom of the hill.

Directions/Parking. Take Highway 58 north into Nago City. Please study the map carefully since there are no official street signs directing you the way. The cafe resides in the northwestern part of Nago City. If you pass Highway 14 you have gone too far. There is a graffiti picture on the seawall opposite of the turn-off. Once you make this turn, the cafe parking area is about 500 meters. You can park at the bottom (large lot) or take the road going up to the cafe. There you can park underneath the cafe building.

Recommendations. Flower viewing. June marks the beginning of typhoon season. It is highly recommended that you should visit the garden prior to the first typhoon. Route Recommendations. On weekends the merging traffic from the Okinawa Expressway onto Highway 58 will cause long delays. If you are taking the expressway, it is recommended that you get off on Exit 9 in Ginoza Village, then take Highway 329 north passing Camp Schwab. Then take Highway 331 as if you are going to travel on the east side of the island. Then take Highway 18 taking you to the other side of Nago City. Use the Haneji Dam Route off of Highway 18. This will take you back to Highway 58. Proceed north on the directions above.

Other places to visit nearby. Fukugawa Falls, Minzoku Shiryokan Museum

"The Beautiful Deigo Tree of Ogimi Village"

The large and beautiful Deigo Tree of Ogimi Village

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The Ogimi Deigo Tree

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 39.972	E 128 06.232

The Beautiful Deigo Tree of Ogimi Village

This tree goes largely unnoticed for about 10 months out of the year. In fact, you might have zipped passed it a dozen times and never noticed it. But during blooming season, it's very hard to miss and you probably won't see another tree like this for miles. The flower you see above belongs to a very large and beautiful Deigo Tree (Erythrina Orientalis) in Ogimi Village. The actual Deigo Flower is Okinawa's Prefectural Flower and has been since 1972. Part of the tree is also used to make the traditional Ryukyuan lacquerware. The blooming season here in Okinawa is usually between March and May (the picture you see above was taken in late April). According to a local villager, this particular Deigo Tree is believed to be over 30 years old. It sits across from the quiet and calm Shioya Bay next to Highway 58. 

Little Okinawan Trivia. If you lived on Okinawa long enough, it is likely you heard this now famous song, 'Shima Uta' by the music band called 'The Boom'. The very first lyric mentioned is the flower 'Deigo'. Click the Youtube link to hear the song, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ggJquImms

Source of information. Okinawa Prefecture Website: http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/symbol/index-e.html