SUI TAXI · CENTRAL OKINAWA
Southeast Botanical Gardens A Paradise Welcoming Approximately 1,300 Species of Subtropical Plants.
Okinawa City ｜ Japan's Largest Subtropical Botanical Garden ｜ Approx. 1,300 Species & Evening Hours
Enveloped in Tropical Greenery, Japan's Largest Subtropical Botanical Garden.
Chura Yashi Park Okinawa - Southeast Botanical Gardens is Japan's largest subtropical botanical garden, located in Chibana, Okinawa City. Subtropical and tropical plants from around the world—from Southeast Asia to Central and South America to Africa—are gathered here, with approximately 1,300 species growing in the gardens. Throughout the expansive grounds, towering palm trees line orderly avenues, creating a landscape that truly feels like a tropical resort. It is the only facility on the Okinawa mainland where you can experience the subtropical plant world on this scale.
The gardens are broadly divided into a "Walking Zone" and a "Water Zone," with areas for observing plants on foot and areas for enjoying waterside plants from a boat. In the Water Garden, you can leisurely circle a pond filled with aquatic plants, and the sight of giant water lily pads covering the water's surface is truly spectacular. Lotus, mangroves, papaya, banana, and rare dragon fruit trees—plants unique to Okinawa—can be observed up close.
One of the great attractions of Southeast Botanical Gardens is the evening illumination. After sunset, various areas throughout the gardens are adorned with colorful lights, transforming the atmosphere into something completely different from the daytime. As a popular date spot for couples and families, it enjoys high recognition even among Okinawa locals. In-garden dining such as coconut juice and smoothies made with tropical fruits is another pleasure. Okinawa City is approximately 45 minutes from Naha by car, ideally positioned as a base for central Okinawa sightseeing.
Towering palm tree-lined avenues throughout the gardens. A space to fully breathe in the tropical air.
Highlights of Southeast Botanical Gardens
In the "Super Cosmos" area of the gardens, unique plants from Southeast Asian tropical rainforests are exhibited. When bougainvillea is in full bloom, the entire garden is wrapped in a scene like a colorful painting. The Okinawa-endemic plant corner also features rich displays of native plants long-rooted in Okinawa's nature, such as island mulberry and Ryukyu pine. Whether you are a plant enthusiast or a first-time visitor, discoveries and surprises abound throughout the gardens.
The nighttime illumination is particularly spectacular from October to March each year, with large-scale illumination events during Christmas and New Year's seasons. The contrast of the lush green daytime botanical garden transforming into a gallery of light art at night never fails to surprise visitors. As an outdoor facility, plans arriving in the late afternoon to enjoy both the day and night aspects are especially good value. Admission is ¥2,000 for adults—very reasonable considering the scale.
Nighttime illumination. A fantastical space where the gardens are adorned with light art.
The Water Garden. A waterside paradise where giant water lily pads spread out.
Southeast Botanical Gardens by Taxi
From Naha to Southeast Botanical Gardens takes approximately 45 minutes via the expressway. Okinawa City is centrally located in the heart of the sightseeing area, close to both American Village and AEON Mall Rycom. Plan for 2-3 hours during the day, or 3-4 hours if staying for the evening illumination. With a charter taxi, you can enter in the late afternoon, enjoy both the daytime and nighttime experience, and then be driven directly back to your Naha hotel.
Public transportation to the area is inconvenient, making rental cars or taxis the practical option. With a charter taxi, you can also spend a full day on the "Central Nature Course (6-7 hours)" from ¥42,000 combining Bios Hill and Kaichu-doro and other central nature spots. No hassle of moving around with heavy bags, and the driver can drop you at the garden entrance and wait while you take your time inside.
— Enjoy Two Faces: Day and Night: Southeast Botanical Gardens has evening hours, and entering in the late afternoon lets you enjoy both the lush daytime plants and the nighttime illumination. The illumination is especially impressive in the autumn and winter seasons, so allowing plenty of time is recommended. No additional fee is required after admission.
Southeast Botanical Gardens Tour Fares
| Plan | Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip charter from Naha (4 hours) | ¥28,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥5,600 per person. Expressway tolls, parking and admission charged separately |
| Central nature course (6–7 hours, with Bios Hill and more) | ¥42,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥8,400 per person. Expressway tolls, parking and admission charged separately |
| Naha Airport → hotels in Okinawa City (transfer) | ¥14,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥2,800 per person. Expressway tolls included |
| hotels in Okinawa City → Naha Airport (transfer) | ¥14,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥2,800 per person. Expressway tolls included |
Charter fares are time-based at ¥7,000 per hour (¥3,500 per additional 30 minutes booked in advance). Extensions made after departure are ¥4,200 per 30 minutes. Admission, expressway tolls and parking are charged at cost. For charters of 6 hours or more we take a 30% deposit when you book, and the balance is paid on the day. Minimum booking times depend on where you start: from 3 hours in the south and central area, 4 hours in Onna Village and 6 hours in the north, and 8 hours for trips that cross between the south and the north. Where a long transfer is involved, the transfer fare for that stretch is the floor for the price.
Location
2146 Chibana, Okinawa City
Admission
Adults ¥2,000 / Children ¥800
From Naha
Approx. 45 min via expressway
Evening Hours
Illumination after sunset (seasonal)
Access Information
| Location | 2146 Chibana, Okinawa City |
| Hours | 9:00-22:00 (last admission 21:00) *varies by season |
| Admission | Adults ¥2,000 / Children ¥800 |
| From Naha | Approx. 45 min via expressway |
| Nearby Spots | Bios Hill (20 min by car) · American Village (20 min by car) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a taxi from Naha to Southeast Botanical Gardens cost?
A round-trip charter of 4 hours starts from ¥28,000. That is the price for one Alphard carrying up to five guests, so with five people it works out from ¥5,600 each. Admission (¥2,000 adults, ¥800 children) and expressway tolls are charged separately.
How long do the gardens take?
The water garden and the botanical garden together take about two hours, a little more with the animal feeding.
Can we stay for the illumination?
Yes. The winter illumination starts after dark and last admission is 9pm, so arriving in late afternoon gives you the plants in daylight and the lights afterwards. Book six hours if you want to stay into the evening.
Can we combine it with Bios Hill?
Yes, about 20 minutes apart. Seeing both properly is a 6 to 7 hour central nature course from ¥42,000.
Is it manageable with a pushchair or wheelchair?
The paths are paved and mostly level. Pushchairs travel in the luggage space, so you arrive and leave hands-free.
Ready to book?
