A 4-Day Journey Through Okinawa's Botanical Delights

Okinawa’s subtropical islands are home to unique flora and fauna, and its botanical gardens and nature parks protect this biodiversity. This four-day journey highlights how Okinawa’s botanical gardens teach ecological conservation, sustainable practices, and cultural heritage through immersive educational experiences reflecting the GREEN×EXPO 2027 subtheme of Co-operation.
 

Day 1: Tropical diversity in Okinawa City

Take a train to Tokyo and fly from Haneda Airport to Naha Airport, then drive about one hour to the Southeast Botanical Gardens in Okinawa City. Explore over 50,000 plants from 1,300 species, including bougainvillea, baobabs, and Socotra dragon blood trees. Visitors can also observe animals like capybaras, armadillos, and native Yonaguni horses. 

The garden’s educational programs and evening LED illumination displays showcase sustainable approaches to energy use and environmental stewardship.
 

Day 2: Immersive nature experiences in Uruma City

Travel 30 minutes by car to Bios no Oka in Uruma City. This experiential nature park combines botanical displays with interactive activities, including guided forest walks, lake tours, and water buffalo cart rides. 

Visitors learn about native ecosystems, traditional Ryukyu culture, and sustainable water use while exploring the park’s trails, ponds, and themed gardens.
 

Day 3: Orchids and mangroves in northern Okinawa

Drive about one hour to the Ocean Expo Park in Motobu, home to several facilities that make it a haven for learning about plant diversity and Okinawan culture: the Tropical & Subtropical Arboretum, Tropical Dream Center, and the Native Okinawa Village and Omoro Botanical Garden. 

Afterward, drive an hour to the Gesashi Mangrove Forest in the Yanbaru region, Okinawa’s largest mangrove forest. Kayak through the mangroves and learn about the ecological importance of these coastal forests.

Day 4: Miyakojima’s tropical plant paradise

Fly from Naha Airport to Miyako Airport and drive ten minutes to the Miyakojima City Tropical Botanical Garden. Wander shaded trails to admire native deigo trees and a diverse collection of subtropical plants. 

Visit the Craft Village to observe local artisans at work and the city museum to learn about the island’s ecology and cultural heritage. Nearby, the Miyakojima City Museum offers insights into the island’s natural environment, cultural traditions, and historical development.

©Expo 2027