EDITOR'S NOTE: This park is now closed. We're leaving this post on the site so that those of you who may be looking for this information will be able to find it. Thanks.
The Southeast Botanical Gardens is a popular place to visit here on the island. Julie contributed a wonderful post about it last March. Things change and evolve - even businesses and fresh perspectives are always appreciated. Katrina recently shared her experience at the gardens with me along with some wonderful pictures. She had so many wonderful thoughts and tips that I had to share them with all of you.
CONTRIBUTED BY KATRINA
My husband and I went this past weekend. It was beautiful! Their official name is Southeast Botanical Gardens. To get there, go out gate 3 of Kadena and stay on the road past Camp Sheilds. Follow it all the way around Camp Sheilds, until you can turn left on the intersection just before 329. Turn left, and follow the signs for Southeast Botanical Gardens. The actual price of admission is 1,000 yen, but you can become a member for free and it is only 800 yen for members. Plus members receive 10 percent off shopping purchases and arts and crafts activities. There is also a Lunch Buffet for members it is 1,365 yen, and 2,365 for non-members. The Buffet is from 11:00-3:00pm. We didn't go to the buffet, but I'm sure it is wonderful because they use the fruit and herbs grown there. The Lunch Buffet price includes admission, so ask for it when you buy your ticket if you want it. They will have a Christmas Light Show and members get that at a discount too. I got my membership at the craft fair at the USO, but I'm sure you can ask about it at admissions. They are open everyday, from 9:00am-5:30pm.
Here are some tips:
-Bring a camera and extra batteries, you'll want to take a ton of pictures.
-If you are warmed-natured, bring a towel, it gets a little warm.
-Bring extra yen for purchases, but they do have an exchange place in the forest adventure part.
-Keep your head up. Look out for giant spiders, they are all over.
-You can ride a train around the park for 300 yen. It was a good idea, until we realized they only speak Japanese during the tour, so everyone else was "oooohhing" and "awwwwing" and we were completely lost. The only words we understood were "shopping" and "pineapple," incidentally they must be the same in English. But it was helpful to sit down and get a feel for the park first. Plus they take your picture on the train and you can purchase the photograph for 1,000 yen as a souvenir.
-Wear comfy shoes, it gets a little hilly and you do not realize it.
It was a great trip! Its very close to those near Kadena/Camp Sheilds. Perfect if you have a few hours and want something to pass the time and get out. It would be a great spot for photographers. They have a little shop you can buy their fruit and herbs also.
Thanks for the info! Especially about the lunch buffet because if I understand that means the buffet works out to being only 500Y extra or so, right? That’s great! And we really liked the Xmas event last year — made the holidays very special and stood in place of the Xmas light cruising I used to do in Ventura each year as a kid…
Is this place stroller friendly? Thanks for the great info!
The light show they do for Christmas is really great. It is a bit pricey though you can get discount tickets at ITT. Lots of fun!
The light show they do for Christmas is really great. It is a bit pricey though you can get discount tickets at ITT. Lots of fun!
We headed here last weekend and it was one of the most relaxing days we have had in Okinawa yet. There was tons of space to run around (for the kids) and gorgeous things to look at. Well worth the short trip to get there and somewhere we will likely visit often (since it is so close).
We did stay for the lunch buffet and it was wonderful. Mostly Okinawan/Japanese food (which we love), but something for everyone. Plenty of room for strollers, play area for the kids, piped in music that makes you feel like you are on vacation and great gift shops.
Take a day (or a 1/2 day) and GO!
Also, a big plus – they are dog friendly! I love places that allow me to take my pooch! Just remember a leash, some water for the dog (especially in hot months) and something to clean up any messes!
My husband and I tried going about a month ago and they are no longer open. I wish they were tho! Looks like it was very lovely! Hopefully they’ll open it back up before we leave.