The park houses one of the largest collections of Alexander palms (Archontophoenix alexandrae) in Japan.
The botanical collection includes over 1,300 species of tropical and subtropical plants.
Some of the banyan trees on the property are estimated to be several decades old, forming natural shaded tunnels.
The facility operates as a habitat for capybaras, which are non-native to the Japanese ecosystem.
The site was originally opened in 1968 and underwent a significant revitalization process in 2013.
Southeast Botanical Gardens is a large-scale tropical park in Okinawa featuring thousands of plant species including a prominent collection of giant palm trees. The site is divided into two primary zones: the Water Garden, which focuses on lotus and koi ponds, and the Botanical Garden, home to banyan trees and seasonal flora. Visitors can interact with capybaras, squirrel monkeys, and goats in dedicated animal encounter zones. The park landscape is shaped by undulating terrain and various walking trails designed to showcase Okinawan and exotic tropical plants. Nighttime events frequently utilize light displays to illuminate the tree-lined paths and water features. The park functions as an educational facility for local flora as well as an outdoor recreational space.
The central bridge overlooking the Water Garden during the lotus blooming season.
Bring insect repellent, as the humid tropical environment attracts mosquitoes throughout most of the year.
Utilize the park's shuttle bus service to navigate between the Water Garden and Botanical Garden zones efficiently.
Wear footwear suitable for walking on gravel and unpaved paths.
Do not visit during heavy rain, as the majority of the walking paths are outdoors with limited overhead shelter.
Open daily throughout the year; some areas may close early or experience partial access restrictions during extreme weather events like typhoons.
Do not touch or feed the animals unless participating in a supervised session; do not pick flowers or foliage.
