Recommended Okinawa honeymoon trips for December

With Okinawa finally approaching winter in December, it’s the perfect season for those who want to relax and enjoy the scenery. Travel costs and luxury resorts are also more affordable. The sparkling starry sky that stretches across the night sky and the beautiful illuminations are unique to this time of year, so you can enjoy the romantic atmosphere that only this season can offer! Here are 3 ways to enjoy Okinawa in December:

１.Enjoy seasonal fruits

When talking about seasonal fruits in December, the first thing that comes to mind is star fruit. As the name suggests, this fruit has a star-shaped shape. When eaten raw, it is refreshing and sweet and sour; when heated, the sweetness increases, so it is often used in desserts.Jams and smoothiesIt’s also recommended to eat it there. It’s a typical Okinawan dish, so definitely try it!

２.Illumination

What you should be watching out for in Okinawa in December are the illuminations! Every place, from the beautiful Amami American Village to the Southeast Botanical Gardens, which boasts a unique Okinawa atmosphere, to the resort hotels, will be decorated with illuminations, creating a romantic atmosphere. The glittering illuminations are also perfect for those who want to enjoy a Christmas without putting up with the harsh cold weather; it’s the perfect season for anyone who wants to spend a warm Christmas! The temperatures aren’t that low either, so you can fully enjoy the illuminations while taking a night drive or walk with your children.

*South East Botanical Garden / Okinawa City (Held annually from late October to late May)

In 2019, the Southeast Botanical Garden was recognized as the first "Light Up Nightscape Heritage" in the prefecture, making it a Japan Nightscape Heritage. In 2022, the garden received the third place in the Illumination Awards nationwide. The highlights of the garden include the "Lighted Lotus," a botanical spot that recreates lotus blossoms in full bloom in summer, and the "Shining Castle," a glowing castle adorned with light and flowers. The colorful brilliance of the garden spreads throughout the area, creating a tropical atmosphere perfect for enjoying the lights. There is also a program that allows you to enjoy the lights even more by taking a night tour bus and watching the scenery of the lights, or a special dinner just for this time of year. So be sure to check in ahead of time if you want to enjoy more programs with the illumination!

Official website　https://www.southeast-botanical.jp/

* Mihaama American Village / Kitany (held annually from early November to the end of February)

Mihama American Village was built using the remains of an American military base, and it is an exotic city resort that has developed alongside the American culture. When the Christmas season comes around, Christmas ornaments and illuminations are placed everywhere in the city, making the city even more festive and romantic. The beautiful Mihama American Village near the city is known for its famous sunset beach, North Bay Sunset Beach. As the name suggests, this is a town beach famous for its sunsets. Enjoy the sunset while shopping or before dinner, and when the sun goes down, the illuminations will be even more spectacular.Enjoy spending time together. Why not spend that romantic moment together ♥

Official website　https://www.okinawa-americanvillage.com/

*Lantern Festival / Yomitan Village (Held annually from early December to late March)

The "Yotandam Night Light Project – Ryukyu Lantern Festival" held at the Yotandam Experience Kingdom Murasaki in Mt. Ryoru Village is an event where the indoor area recreated the cityscape of the Ryukyu Dynasty becomes lively with stage performances and night lantern cafes. A must-see feature is the projection mapping unique to Okinawa that transforms the red-tile buildings into giant screens for enjoying the world of light and sound under the moonlight! Paper lantern making is also easy for anyone to try. Write your wishes and light lanterns to decorate the garden ♡

Official website　https://murasakimura.com/

3.Enjoying the sea

The sea in Okinawa in December has an average water temperature of around 22.8°C, so you can’t enjoy swimming in the sea in a swimsuit. However, as the temperature drops and the “clearness of the sea” improves, it’s recommended for those who enjoy snorkeling and diving or who want to try it for the first time. The sea is beautiful with its coral reefs and colorful fish year-round, so if you want to enjoy the Okinawa sea even in winter, be sure to try it out!December is a good time to avoid the crowds, so you can enjoy a relaxed experience!

4.Clothing

The highest temperature in Okinawa in December was 21.2°C, and the lowest was 16.3°C. It might seem warm on the surface, but Okinawa is surrounded by the sea, so strong north winds are common, and the actual temperature is low. Some days, people who like to stay warm can spend the day in just a T-shirt, but even on warm days during the day, it suddenly gets cold at night, so you need warm clothing such as a jacket or coat.

5.Recommended honeymoon menu

Snorkeling with colorful fish in the crystal clear sea

Link ▶https://www.tabi-wedding.com/honeymoon/menu/tokashikijima/◀