Southeast Botanical Gardens is a large outdoor botanical garden in Okinawa City where visitors can immerse themselves in a lush tropical landscape. With more than 1,300 species and over 50,000 plants, the gardens offer a fascinating opportunity to discover the diverse plant life of Okinawa and other tropical and subtropical regions.
Walking through the gardens, visitors are surrounded by colorful flowers, tropical foliage, towering palms, and rare subtropical plants. The lush scenery creates the feeling of being in a distant tropical paradise rather than an ordinary botanical garden.
The gardens are home to an impressive variety of tropical and subtropical plants. Colorful flowers add vibrant accents throughout the grounds, while numerous species of palms create a distinctly southern atmosphere.
Among the highlights are valuable tropical and subtropical plants that are not commonly seen in everyday life. The diversity of the collection makes the gardens an enjoyable destination for both plant enthusiasts and travelers simply looking for a relaxing natural setting.
One of the most striking sights is the avenue lined with Yusura palms. The tall trees form an impressive landscape and are one of the garden’s most memorable features.
Walking beneath these towering palms provides a strong sense of Okinawa’s tropical character. Combined with the surrounding greenery and colorful plants, the palm avenue makes for a particularly atmospheric stroll and a popular spot for photographs.
The gardens are not only about plants. At the animal interaction area, visitors can get close to animals such as capybaras and squirrel monkeys.
These encounters add another dimension to the experience, making the gardens enjoyable for families as well as travelers interested in nature. Seeing animals living in surroundings filled with tropical vegetation creates a pleasant connection between the botanical and animal worlds.
Wild creatures also live among the rich vegetation, adding to the feeling that the gardens are a living ecosystem rather than simply a collection of plants. The combination of cultivated gardens and naturally occurring wildlife creates a peaceful environment where visitors can slow down and appreciate Okinawa’s abundant nature.
With its vast collection of plants and welcoming natural atmosphere, Southeast Botanical Gardens truly feels like a tropical sanctuary. It is a refreshing place to escape the bustle of sightseeing and spend time surrounded by greenery.
Southeast Botanical Gardens offers a different way to experience Okinawa. Instead of focusing on beaches and historic sites, visitors can discover the island’s lush tropical character through its plants, wildlife, and beautifully landscaped surroundings.
Whether you are interested in botany, looking for a relaxing walk, traveling with children, or simply want to enjoy a colorful tropical landscape, the gardens offer something for everyone. From the impressive palm avenue to the colorful flowers and friendly animals, a visit provides a refreshing taste of Okinawa’s subtropical natural environment.
Monday - Thursday, Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, and days before national holidays: 9:30-22:00
Illumination period: 9:30-22:00
Open all year round
Daytime: 9:30-17:00
Adults (18 years old and over) 1,540 yen
Adults (13-17 years old) 1,050 yen
Children (4-12 years old) 600 yen
Children under 3 years old: free
Night time: 17:00-22:00
Adults (18 years and older) 1,980 yen
Adults (13-17 years old) 1,200 yen
Children (4-12 years old) 680 yen
Free for children under 3 years old
One-day ticket: 9:30-22:00
Adults (18 years and older) 2,600 yen
Junior high school students (13-17 years old) 1,400 yen
Child (4-12 years old) 800 yen
Free for children under 3 years old