The Southeast Botanical Gardens, located in Chibana (Okinawa City), is one of the largest tropical gardens in Japan. A true green haven, it is home to more than 1,300 plant species (palms, aquatic plants, tropical trees, rare flowers) and various animal areas (capybaras, squirrel monkeys, exotic birds).
Making for an ideal stop on any travel itinerary, it offers the opportunity to admire nature in all its forms and to enjoy a unique atmosphere. Its beauty, combined with the brilliance of its nighttime illuminations, makes it a remarkable place that undoubtedly deserves to be among the must-see visits during your stay on the island.
The Southeast Botanical Gardens is made up of two parks
A tropical oasis accessible both day and night
From the moment you arrive, whether during the day or in the evening, the immersion is complete. Thousands of tropical plants flourish in a lush setting dotted with ponds, small bridges, and hidden corners. Some paths even give you the feeling of walking through a jungle, yet always in complete safety.
What you will love:
- The exceptional plant diversity
- The calm and relaxing atmosphere
- The vast area
- The shaded spots to rest
Animals to discover… and get close to
Within the Southeast Botanical, you will also come across:
- Adorable capybaras
- Land turtles
- Monkeys
- Goats
- Large ducks and their ducklings
- … As well as some tropical birds, trained and flying freely in the sky, guided from afar by the attentive whistles of their trainer
The park also offers a safe animal zone allowing interactions with small animals such as:
- Armadillos
- Rabbits
- Guinea pigs
- Meerkats
Visitors can even feed the animals with food specially prepared for this purpose.
Spectacular illuminations at nightfall
From late October to late May, the two parks of the Southeast Botanical Gardens are transformed and shine with thousands of lights as night falls. The entire site lights up, highlighting trees and plants in an enchanting setting.
In the main garden, vibrant colored lights create a magical atmosphere. Every step is an invitation to discovery and wonder, as if walking through a fairytale world.
That’s not all! Three times per hour, a musical laser show transforms this main park into a magical stage, blending pop-rock with orchestral music.
Across the street, the second park, “ECO LIGHT,” a pioneer in sustainable illuminations, relies on low-energy LED lights.
ECO LIGHT Park: A unique lighting concept
The Eco Lights event at the Southeast Botanical Gardens stands out for its innovative and responsible approach. Thanks to the use of LEDs and installations designed with sustainability in mind, this nighttime show is a pioneer in the world of eco-friendly illuminations.
A magical and eco-friendly atmosphere
Rather than dazzling with overly strong intensity, the installations rely on soft lighting. This illumination, often compared to the subtle glow of fireflies, gives the garden a poetic and intimate dimension. The experience highlights the beauty of the site while preserving its natural balance, creating a soothing and eco-friendly atmosphere.
International recognition
This original and artistic approach has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the park was awarded 2nd place nationwide at the International Illumination Award in the category “illumination event with a story.” This distinction adds to several other honorary rankings that confirm the event’s growing reputation.
The result of a collective effort
Behind this success is a passionate team that shapes, year after year, a warm and handcrafted result. Far from impersonal productions, the Eco Lights of the second park reflect the dedication and expertise of those involved in this luminous adventure, offering visitors an authentic and memorable experience.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re a couple or newlyweds, a romantic evening awaits you in this exceptional setting. You’ll be enchanted not only by the play of lights but also by the nighttime sounds of Okinawa: pleasant temperatures, the song of cicadas, and the croaking of frogs complete this unforgettable scene.
Children are not left out. Amazed by all these lights, they too will find plenty to enjoy. The Southeast Botanical Gardens offers them a multitude of magical and playful decorations: giant pumpkins and melons, a magical carriage, a glowing whale shark, and many other surprises.
Click on one of the two videos to visit the park during the day or at night.
Guided tour of the botanical garden by electric bus
To explore the park effortlessly, take advantage of the sightseeing bus tour equipped with a multilingual audio guide (Japanese, English, Korean, Chinese). Departures take place twice an hour, only on weekends and holidays, with a duration of 20 minutes (fee: 500 yen). The last departure is at 9:30 p.m.
Gourmet break between explorations
On-site dining:
- Main restaurant: Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine, prepared with local ingredients. In the evening, a balanced buffet is offered (from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.): appetizer, salad buffet, homemade bread and desserts, with two main courses to choose from among eight of the chef’s suggestions.
The dining hall offers a panoramic view of the botanical garden, a peaceful setting to enjoy your meal.
- Café & snack: original ice creams (including the famous Chibana ice cream, without coloring or preservatives), light snacks, yakitori, yakisoba…
Shop, workshops & souvenirs
The park includes a souvenir shop combining:
- Decorative items
- Toys for children
- Gardening products
- A café area
- An insect exhibition, with 30 species of rhinoceros beetles and stag beetles
Creative workshops are also organized according to a monthly schedule: pottery, painting, etc.
Practical information
- 2 parks to visit located across from each other (many are unaware of the second park, “Eco Light”)
- 3 outdoor parking lots available
- Vending machines at the entrance
- Designated smoking area
- Family-friendly accessibility (strollers, young children welcome)
- Daytime hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Evening hours (October to May): 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Estimated visit duration: 2 to 2.5 hours, both day and night
- Non-affiliate official site (in English): https://www.southeast-botanical.jp/en/
My advice for an optimal visit to the Southeast Botanical Gardens
If you visit Okinawa between November and late May, I recommend this plan:
- Arrive around 3:30/4:00 p.m.
- Enjoy a botanical walk during the day
- Have dinner on-site
- End with a magical nighttime exploration under the illuminations
The Southeast Botanical Gardens in Chibana goes far beyond the idea of a simple botanical garden; it is a unique escape that will leave you with precious memories and beautiful photographs. From lush flora to dazzling light shows, from endearing animals to local flavors, everything comes together here for an unforgettable moment in Okinawa.
Don’t hesitate to discover this exceptional place in video before your visit.
Botanical garden to see on YouTube
On my channel, you will find two complementary videos: one filmed during the day and the other at night. Each reveals a unique side of the park without redundancy, and by watching both you will fully enjoy this experience!
Watch the nighttime video dedicated to the magical illuminations.
Watch the daytime visit highlighting the flora and animals.
Texts, images and videos © Japan Okinawa Daily Life
Copying, downloading and reuse prohibited without permission
Do you love large and beautiful parks?
If you enjoyed this park, I also recommend visiting Ocean Expo Park, another must-see in Okinawa.
After your visit to the Southeast Botanical Gardens, be sure to add this grand site to your travel calendar, as it truly deserves 1 to 2 full days of exploration.
Ocean Expo Park offers:
- 70 hectares of greenery
- One of the largest aquariums in the world, famous for its whale sharks
- Crystal-clear beaches perfect for swimming
- Traditional village of the Ryukyu Islands and Japanese influence
- Botanical gardens, orchids, and the “Titan arum”
- Planetarium, and much more
