This park is located in Yorimiya, Naha City, about 14 minutes by car from Naha Airport. The park is located in Yorimiya, Naha City, and in February, deep pink scarlet cherry blossoms bloom, allowing visitors to view the cherry blossoms early. The park also has a D51 on display, making it a must-see attraction.
Point 1: What is the location of “Yogi Park” where scarlet cherry blossoms bloom in February?
Yogi Park” is a park located in Yorimiya, Naha City, adjacent to a library and a civic center.
It is about two-thirds the size of Midorigaoka Park and is of medium size.
During the daytime on weekdays, many elderly people sit on benches and relax, which is a very peaceful scene. There are also grounds and playground equipment, so many mothers come to let their children play.
In February, scarlet cherry trees bloom in the park, especially along the river, delighting locals and tourists alike, and a “cherry blossom festival” is held.
The sight of palm trees and scarlet cherry trees side by side cannot be seen on the mainland, so it can be said to be unique to Okinawa.
From Naha Airport, it is about 15 minutes by car via Route 332.
By bus, take Ryukyu Bus No. 120 or 111 to “Naha Bus Terminal” and transfer to Okinawa Bus No. 35 to “Red Cross Hospital Mae”. It is a one-minute walk to the park.
It is just in front of the hospital, so the bus stop is very close by!
Point 2: “Yogi Park” is unique to the tropics! A park with hibiscus and palm trees!
Yogi Park” is a tropical park with palm trees and hibiscus trees blooming side by side.
A river runs through the park, providing a sense of openness and coolness, especially in the summer.
In fact, like other parks in Naha, this park is home to many cats and pigeons. Perhaps it is because Okinawan cats and pigeons do not immediately run away when they see people but seem to be at ease.
The park is also a place where local elderly people play chess and go, and it is a place for relaxing. In the afternoon and evening, children are playing ball.
As a tourist, it is good to watch them quietly so as not to disturb the locals.
Point 3: Why is there a D51 in “Yogi Park”?
For some reason, a steam locomotive D51 is on display at “Yogi Park.
The reason for this is that, back in 1972, when elementary school students from Okinawa visited Kitakyushu at the invitation of JR Kyushu to commemorate the reversion of Okinawa to Japan, their eyes lit up when they saw the D51.
More than 50 years have passed since then. The elementary school students of that time are now old enough to retire, but I am sure that they will remember this D51 for the rest of their lives.
Visitors to the park may feel a different kind of emotion when they see the D51, knowing that it has such episodes in its history.
Yogi Park, located in Yorimiya, Naha City, has a river running through the park, and in February, scarlet cherry blossoms bloom along the river and a cherry blossom festival is held.
Hibiscus and palm trees are also planted in the park, giving it a tropical and exotic feel. The park is an ordinary place where local elderly people and children usually play ball, and you can catch a glimpse of local people’s lives. Please come and visit.
