Southeast Botanical Gardens

Southeast Botanical Gardens is the definition of floral and fauna. There’s various types of flowers and trees. They also have goats, rabbits, capybara, and other types of animals that you can pet or see up close. You can also pay a small fee to feed them as well! On special occasions, the garden turns into a beautiful light show. Seeing the lily pads is my favorite :) 2146 Chibana, Okinawa, 904-2143, Japan

The Southeast Botanical Gardens is an attraction located in the southeast of Okinawa Prefecture, completed in 2015. The garden is home to a variety of plants, with a wide range of flowers and models of various plants, allowing visitors to gain an in-depth understanding of the world of plants. First, I arrived at the entrance of the botanical garden, where there is a huge flower bed filled with a variety of flowers. I walked around the flower bed and saw a variety of flowers and plants, among which the most surprising to me was that the flowers here actually bloom in various colors, which is amazing. Next to the flower bed, there is a huge garden planted with a variety of plants, such as tulips, lavender, lemongrass, cacti, etc. Here, I saw various plant models, which showed me the vitality and beauty of plants. Then, I came to the center of the botanical garden, where there is a small hill covered with various plants and flowers, such as cacti, wisteria, azaleas, etc. The plant models here are very lifelike, making me feel the magic and beauty of plants, and I couldn't help but marvel at the diversity of these plants. Finally, I reached the end of the garden, where there is a huge pond with many plants and fresh flowers, such as wisteria, tulips, orchids, roses, etc. Around the pond, there are various fountains and waterfalls, which I found very spectacular. Overall, the Southeast Botanical Gardens in Okinawa is a very beautiful attraction, where visitors can feel the vitality and beauty of plants!

📍Detailed Address: The Southeast Botanical Gardens are located in the southeastern area of Chatan Town in the central part of Okinawa's main island. The botanical garden is divided into a northern and a southern section. The content of this travelogue introduces the northern section—the 'Paradise' of plants, which, in addition to plants, also features birds, small animals, and a light show. The southern section is a pure botanical garden area. 🚉Transportation Strategy: It is recommended to charter a car or drive on your own in advance. The location of the botanical garden is relatively remote, and it is easy to take a taxi from the city, but there is a high possibility that you may not find a return ride (i.e., no taxi back to the city after leaving the garden). Chartering a car requires advance reservation. 🗓Itinerary Planning: We arranged a day to charter a car to visit the attractions around Chatan Town. The itinerary was: Ryukyu Village → Zanpa Cape → Lunch → Kadena Air Base → Southeast Botanical Garden. 🕙Business Hours: 9:30 to 22:00 (entry stops at 21:30). 🎫Ticket Price: Adults 70 yuan, Children 28 yuan. ⏳Play Time: 2~3 hours. 🌟Highlights: Light show. From November to April each year, the lights turn on promptly at 17:00 every day. Trees, ponds, and buildings are all equipped with light strips and other facilities. When the lights are on, the park completely transforms into another scene. It's stunningly beautiful, like a fairy-tale world. Free-roaming birds: The botanical garden's environment is one of harmonious coexistence between humans and animals. Cranes, geese, and ducks are all free-roaming, and can be seen everywhere in the park during your visit. 👍Most Recommended: Small Animal Area: In the central area of the park, there are capybaras, land turtles, rabbits, and other small animals. Each type of animal has its own little garden, where visitors can feed and touch them from zero distance. There are vegetable packs for purchase by voluntary donation in the garden, with each bag containing several large leaves. Aviary: This is an area for various rare bird species, also allowing zero-distance contact. Shop: The entrance and exit of the park are at the same location, with a shop near the entrance. The shop sells souvenirs, drinks, and light meals. 📝Note tips: The feeding time allowed in the park is until 16:30 (rabbits, squirrel monkeys), 17:00 (capybaras). If you want to see everything, be sure to plan the order and timing well. 👎Least Recommended: The park's sightseeing car. There is a paid sightseeing car in the park, but it is recommended not to take it, as the area of the park is not super large, and walking is completely OK. ❤Recommended Reason: The Southeast Botanical Garden is Japan's first botanical garden and also one of Okinawa's heavyweight attractions. It can truly be said to be a destination suitable for all ages. Children can learn about the diversity of plants and feed small animals. Traveling together, you can easily take photos that capture the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. It is recommended to enter the park at 16:00, so you can first see the small animals and the daytime scenery, and then enjoy the night scenery and light show as it gets dark after 17:00. In this way, you will experience both the daytime and nighttime views.

#okinawatrip Really great botanical gardens with many interesting animals. I recommend bringing 100 yen coins so you can feed them (ranging from 100-400yen). There is also horse back riding. Visited this place during the daytime and had a really great time. The staff were friendly and helped directed me to the animals. The animals were very cool and the restrictions were very relaxed. I will come back again at night because I was told that was the best time to visit.

#okinawatrip First time visiting the Botanical Gardens in Okinawa and it was really nice. It has separate areas with trees, animals, plants etc. it seems as though it’s been there a long time and needs a little upkeep. The trees and plants have signs attached to them but you can barely read them. There are animals you can feed and pet as well so that was really nice. Bring lots of 100 yen coins because each feeding costs 200 yen. The lily pond is in bad shape, all the lily’s are dead for some reason which was disappointing. The place was still nice, the employees were very friendly but it just need a little upkeep. Great place to take the kids or spend time..I would definitely go back.I recommend bringing 100 yen coins so you can feed them (ranging from 100-400yen). There is also horse back riding. Winter time with light displays (evenings are a little more expensive)

#okinawatrip First time visiting the Botanical Gardens in Okinawa and it was really nice. It has separate areas with trees, animals, plants etc. it seems as though it’s been there a long time and needs a little upkeep. The trees and plants have signs attached to them but you can barely read them. There are animals you can feed and pet as well so that was really nice. Bring lots of 100 yen coins because each feeding costs 200 yen. The place was nice, the employees were very friendly but it just need a little upkeep. Great place to take the kids or spend time..I would definitely go back.

#thingstodo I have been to Southeast Botanical Gardens on multiple and each time it is a different experience. You are able to get a daytime experience without the illuminations and nighttime for the illuminations. You will not be disappointed whichever time you go, but recommend the with the illuminations. If you don’t mind walking and beautiful sights, this is the place for you. There are some hills, small and large. The cost to visit is very inexpensive as well. Amble of parking is available on the top and bottom of the hill. I have not had the opportunity to eat at the restaurant. Ensure to bring change (¥100’s) so you can buy food to feed the fishes, goats, monkeys, etc. this place is like a get away from the city. I guarantee you will enjoy the visit and experience. Suggest some bug spray or long sleeves in the summer time as there can be mosquitoes out. Thank you for reading my review. I hope that you find this review helpful and display your appreciation with a thumbs up.