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| Sunflowers standing strong |
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| Himawari Matsuri (Sunflower Festival), Kitanakagusuku Village |
GPS
| Latitude | Longitude |
| N 26 17.843 | E 127 48.622 |
Himawari Matsuri (Sunflower Festival), Kitanakagusuku
The start of the new year marks the beginning of a whole host of flower festivals here on Okinawa. Traditionally, it begins with Cherry Blossoms. But in late January to early February starts another special flower occasion,...the Himawari Matsuri, or Sunflower Festival, in Kitanakagusuku Village (北中城村のひまわり祭り). This is relatively a recent installment of flower festivals here on the main island first starting in 2008. About 22,000 square meters of farmland are dedicated to these yellow beauties. Special events during the festival period will vary from year to year. You will also see booths selling arts and crafts, vegetables, and other gifts for your enjoyment.
When: Late February/Early March (varies annually) (Dates for 2020 have not been release. Flowers have not yet bloomed. See their Facebook Page for updates)
Time: 1000 - 1600 (this is a non-gated area, you can come and go as you please)
Fee: Admission Free
Website: himawaribatake.net or visit Facebook Page here
Phone Number: 098 935-2233 (Industrial Promotion Division )
YouTube Video: Click this VIDEO to see a past sunflower festival
Amenities/Facilities. Normally, portable toilets are dispersed near the parking lot areas. Be prepared to improvise if need be. Baby Strollers/Wheel Chairs: Around the sunflower fields are paved roads for ease of movement. However, it may be difficult to go inside the flower field itself with any kind of transport. There are areas that are padded down for ease of movement. Expect occasions of rain and muddy areas.
Directions/Parking. The field is in Waniya of Kitanakagusuku Village. Take Highway 329 south into Kitanakagusuku Village. The field is south of the Highway 81/Highway 227/Highway 329 intersection. There will be three (3) landmarks to the west side of Highway 329 to guide you in: Building with "Caleb" written on it, Family Mart, the ESSO Gas Station. At the next traffic light signal south of the ESSO Gas Station turn east (towards the ocean). You will be guided by signs. You will also see a large apartment complex. The sunflower field is walking distance to the west and across from this complex. Parking signs should be posted.
Source of information.
Okinawa Times (Japanese Only), http://article.okinawatimes.co.jp/article/2013-01-27_44493,
Official Website: (Japanese Only): https://www.himawaribatake.net/kitanakagusuku.php
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HimawariInKitanaka
