The earliest cherry blossoms to bloom in Japan can be found in Motobu, four miles northwest of Nago, Okinawa. For more: tinyurl.com/zfv245a. (Courtesy of Motobu-cho Sightseeing Bureau )
NAHA CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL: Feb. 8-12; 400 trees at Yogi Park; also features potted garden plants on sale; 10-minute walk from Asato Station, Yorimiya 1-1, Naha city; 098-855-2552.
NAKIJIN CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL: Through Feb. 12, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; candles and illumination along with traditional entertainments and more at Nakijin Castle Ruins, 400 yen adults, 300 yen ages 6-17, free ages 5 & younger; 0980-56-2256.