Au cœur de l’Ocean Expo Park à Motobu, dans le nord d’Okinawa, se cache un lieu unique en son genre, le Tropical Dream Center.
Entre serres aux collections rares, bassins de nénuphars, tour d’observation et ambiance tropicale, chaque visite est une expérience sensorielle inoubliable.
Rich and diverse themed greenhouses
The Tropical Dream Center houses several large greenhouses that transport visitors into different botanical worlds:
- The orchid greenhouse showcases prestigious species such as phalaenopsis and vanda, radiant in colors and shapes.
- The fruit tree greenhouse features impressive tropical specimens, including the jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus), known for producing the largest fruit in the world.
- The Victoria greenhouse houses a pond of majestic giant water lilies (Victoria cruziana), true icons of tropical serenity.
Outside, the gardens continue with a lotus pond and basins filled with lively koi carp that can be fed from a small bridge.
Iconic flowers from Okinawa and beyond
The center highlights several iconic flowers, including two of my personal favorites:
- The bougainvillea, displayed in simple, double, or variegated varieties, offering a festival of colors throughout the year.
- The hibiscus, the ultimate tropical symbol, presented in all its diversity: ancient species, Hawaiian hybrids, flamboyant coral, or delicate varieties with fine petals.
The most spectacular event for me remains the blooming of the titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum). This rare plant, of gigantic proportions, bloomed twice this year at the Tropical Dream Center. Its fleeting bloom was captured during the filming of the dedicated video.
Living gardens and biodiversity
At the Tropical Dream Center, the gardens are never static. Gardeners work daily to compose and renew the flowerbeds, offering visitors an ever-changing scenery. Each month brings new harmonies of colors and scents.
An area is also dedicated to the observation of tropical insects: beetles, spiders, and other small creatures, showcasing the richness of both local and exotic biodiversity.
Remarkable trees: the African Baobab
Introduced in 1979 from India, the African baobab (Adansonia digitata) is one of the jewels of the Tropical Dream Center. Nicknamed the “tree of life” or “treasure tree,” it impresses with its massive trunk and millennia-old history.
Its rare flowering, sometimes followed by fruiting, is closely observed by the scientific teams and visitors. These much-anticipated botanical events are regularly reported in Okinawa’s media.
Butterflies and tropical elegance
While strolling through the gardens, one may encounter Idea leuconoe, the largest butterfly in Japan. Nicknamed “the lady of the tropical islands,” this species native to the Nansei Islands fascinates with its slow and graceful flight. Its presence adds a magical touch to the flower beds.
Architecture that enhances nature
The Tropical Dream Center is also an original architectural work. Its sandy-orange earthen brick walls contrast with the lush greenery that partly covers them. At times, it feels as if nature has reclaimed ancient ruins, like a tropical archaeological setting.
On clear days, the spectacle is striking. The azure blue sky, the deep green of the plants, and the sandy-orange of the bricks compose a living tableau of remarkable beauty. It is undoubtedly a very beautiful tropical garden, both natural and artistic.
Observation, relaxation, and services
To admire the view, a spiral observation tower rises 36 meters high, offering a unique panorama of Motobu’s coast and the neighboring islands.
The Café Squall serves light meals and tropical drinks, the Urizun lounge invites relaxation, and the Nangoku shop offers souvenirs, t-shirts, and orchids to extend the experience at home.
Practical tips
- Ideal duration: 1h30 to 2h to fully explore the site.
- Access: Inside Ocean Expo Park (Motobu), about 2 hours by car or bus from Naha.
- Best seasons: All year round thanks to the greenhouses, but watch for announcements of the titan arum blooming to experience an exceptional moment. This year, the last bloom took place in the third week of August.
A must-see together with the Churaumi Aquarium and its majestic whale shark, Emerald Beach, or the reconstructed Okinawan Village for a full day experience.
Video: “Tropical Dream Center” on YouTube
Also check out the walking tour video of the Tropical Dream Center on my channel Japan Okinawa Daily Life. There you will discover the greenhouses, ponds, observation tower, and the unique tropical atmosphere of this magical place. It’s the perfect way to extend your visit or to get a preview before coming in person.
Click to watch the video of the “Tropical Dream Center“
To go further: Ocean Expo Park
The Tropical Dream Center is part of Ocean Expo Park, a vast cultural and natural park in Okinawa. A detailed article is available on this blog to explore the entire site, its main attractions, and practical tips. A video also accompanies the article to help you prepare for your visit.
Click to visit “Ocean Expo Park” in video
Texts, images and videos © Japan Okinawa Daily Life
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