Chura Yashi Park Okinawa, Southeast Botanical Gardens

This largest outdoor botanical garden in Japan hosts more than 50,000 plants in nearly 1,300 species. The tropical scenery lasts throughout the year here. The Water Paradise and Botanical Garden on the premises show off precious tropical and subtropical plants. The rare species on the mainland of Japan are a must-see, such as Baobab seen on savannas like in Africa, Lotus in June and July blooming at the sunrise with fragrant scent, and Dragon Blood Tree with long life reaching the height of 10-20m. The Alexander Palms seen along the path grow only in green houses on the mainland. You can see them outdoors only here in Japan.

Besides the botanical gardens, there are the petting zoo with animals such as capybaras and squirrel monkeys and the restaurant serving local ingredients. On the premises, a tour bus goes around for your convenience. A reservation is required. You can look around the gardens with a guide, and it is worth checking it out on the website. Each year in late October, the largest illumination in the prefecture is held here.