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January 11, 2026 at 9:00 am
Event date:
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March 31, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Event end:
History
The Tulip Fair at Okinawa Ocean Expo Park began in the early 2000s as part of the Tropical Dream Center’s mission to showcase flowers from diverse climates. Opened in 1982 within the former Ocean Expo Park site (1975 World’s Fair), the center uses Okinawa’s subtropical warmth to force-bloom cold-climate flowers like tulips months ahead of mainland Japan.
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Contact Jasumo Now →By importing bulbs from the Netherlands and timing refrigeration cycles, the park creates a “winter tulip miracle” that has become one of Okinawa’s signature early-year attractions. The fair now features around 80,000 tulips in 50 varieties, planted in sweeping beds beneath the center’s iconic glass pyramids and alongside tropical palms—a surreal fusion of Dutch fields and Okinawan jungle.
Paired with the world-famous Churaumi Aquarium next door, the Tulip Fair draws families and flower lovers seeking a taste of European spring in the middle of Japanese winter.
Overview
The Tulip Fair 2026 runs from mid-January to late March inside the Tropical Dream Center at Okinawa Ocean Expo Park. Approximately 80,000 tulips in 50 varieties burst into color across indoor and outdoor beds, creating vibrant carpets of red, yellow, pink, and purple under glass pyramids and open sky.
The subtropical setting—palm trees framing classic Dutch tulips—offers a uniquely Okinawan twist on spring hanami. The fair coincides with whale-watching season and pleasant 18–22°C weather, making it perfect for combining with the Churaumi Aquarium, emerald beaches, and tropical fruit orchards nearby.
Highlights
- 80,000 Tulips in 50 Varieties: Classic singles, fringed, parrot, and double blooms in every color.
- Tropical-European Fusion: Tulip fields framed by palms, orchids, and the center’s futuristic glass architecture.
- Indoor & Outdoor Displays: Protected beds under massive pyramids plus open-air plantings.
- Photo Spots Galore: Windmill backdrop, heart-shaped arrangements, and reflection pools.
- Combined Park Access: Easy add-on to Churaumi Aquarium (world’s second-largest tank) and Oceanic Culture Museum.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- 80,000 Tulips in 50 Varieties: Classic singles, fringed, parrot, and double blooms in every color.
- Tropical-European Fusion: Tulip fields framed by palms, orchids, and the center’s futuristic glass architecture.
- Indoor & Outdoor Displays: Protected beds under massive pyramids plus open-air plantings.
- Photo Spots Galore: Windmill backdrop, heart-shaped arrangements, and reflection pools.
- Combined Park Access: Easy add-on to Churaumi Aquarium (world’s second-largest tank) and Oceanic Culture Museum.
If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can help with combo tickets (Aquarium + Tropical Dream Center), private whale-watching + tulip tours, airport transfers, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.
Schedule
Mid-January to late March 2026
- Tropical Dream Center Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)
- Peak Bloom: Late January to late February
Pricing
- Tropical Dream Center (Tulip Fair): Adults (high school & up): ¥760 Children (junior high & below): FREE
- Combo Ticket (Aquarium + Tropical Dream Center): ¥2,900 adults (saves ¥340)
Location
Tropical Dream Center – Ocean Expo Park 424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0206, Japan
How to Get There
- By Car (Recommended): 2 hours from Naha Airport via Okinawa Expressway
- By Bus: Yanbaru Express Bus from Naha Airport/Bus Terminal (~2.5–3 hrs) → “Kinen Koen-mae” stop
- From Churaumi Aquarium: 5-minute walk within the same park
Accommodation Options
Motobu Peninsula resorts (many with aquarium views) range ¥18,000–¥60,000/person. February–March is high season for whale-watching + tulips—book early.
Budget hotels in Nago (30 min drive) start ¥8,000. On-site Emerald Beach camping available for adventurous travelers.
FAQs
When exactly does the 2026 fair start?
Typically mid-January (around Jan 15–20); exact date announced in December 2025.
Is the Tulip Fair worth a special trip?
Yes—especially if visiting Okinawa in winter. Combine with whale-watching (Jan–Mar) and Churaumi Aquarium for a perfect northern Okinawa day.
Are tulips indoors or outdoors?
Both—main displays under glass pyramids (weather-proof) plus outdoor beds for natural light photos.
Can I see whales and tulips on the same trip?
Absolutely—peak whale-watching (humpbacks) is January–March, overlapping perfectly with tulip season.
When is the least crowded time?
Weekdays in late January or early March—fewer families than February school holidays.
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