48th Annual Motobu Yaedake Sakura Festival 2026
The 48th Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival began on January 17, 2025, in Motobu Town, Okinawa, marking the start of one of the Okinawan northern region’s most anticipated seasonal celebrations. Held in and around the Yaedake area of Motobu Town, this annual Sakura Festival is known for showcasing some of Okinawa’s earliest blooming kanhi-zakura cherry blossoms and for being one of the earliest locations in Japan to welcome the arrival of spring each year.
Conditions on the opening day were calm and comfortable, with temperatures around 20°C / 68°F. The weather was breezy and mostly sunny, making it an ideal day to spend outdoors. The air felt fresh, with gentle end-of-winter sunlight appearing between periods of light cloud cover. While this year’s sakura had only just begun to blossom, the early flowers scattered across the area, combined with food stalls and groups of visitors, created a peaceful and inviting atmosphere throughout the mountain setting.
One of the highlights of the opening day in addition to welcoming the first flower blossoms took place during the pre-opening ceremony performances held at the special stage set up in front of the management building at the Yaedake Sakura no Mori Park.
January 17, 2025 (Saturday)
Yaedake Sakura no Mori Park Special Stage Program Schedule
1:00 to 1:20 p.m.
Uechiryu Karate Federation
Karate and Kobudo Demonstration
2:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Motobu Town Elementary and Junior High School Brass Band Performances
2:40 to 3:30 p.m.
Opening Ceremony
Yaedake Sakura Ondo Dance Performance
3:40 to 4:10 p.m.
2026 Motobu Miss Sakura Announcement
From 1:00 p.m. to 1:20 p.m., members of the Uechiryu Karate Federation presented a powerful demonstration of traditional karate and kobudo, highlighting the discipline, precision, and deep cultural roots of Okinawan martial arts.
Among the performers, Masako Arashiro of the Okinawa Karatedo Association Uechiryu Koza Dojo delivered a particularly memorable performance. While all participants demonstrated a high level of skill, Arashiro stood out for her intensity, control, and refined technique, leaving a strong impression on the audience for the festival’s opening.
48th Annual Motobu Yaedake Sakura Festival – Uechiryu Karate Demonstration – Masako Arashiro
Masako Arashiro has been featured previously in an Okinawa Times online article, highlighting her dedication and mastery within the Okinawan martial arts community. Those interested in learning more about Masako Arashiro and Uechiryu Karate can find additional coverage through Okinawa Times.
Despite the early stage of the cherry blossom season, the festival grounds were already lively, with local residents, families, and visitors enjoying Okinawa’s natural surroundings. The performance stage, food stalls, and casual gatherings of visitors along the mountain roads contributed to the warm, community-focused atmosphere that characterizes the Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival each year.
More information about the Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival and the complimentary shuttle bus service, which helps ease traffic congestion during the festival period, is available on the official Motobu Town festival information web page.
Okinawa Life would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who worked hard to make the 48th Annual Motobu Yaedake Sakura Festival - 2026 possible. Special thanks to all the performers, organizers, and community members who helped create such an enjoyable event.
Okinawa Life, 2025/01/18