Tounan Shokubutsu Rakuen, or Southeast Botanical Gardens, is home to 1,300 different plants. People go there to see unique plants such as baobab trees, dragon’s blood trees, and Alexandra palms. However, when winter rolls around, shining lights add more reasons to visit the place.

The Okinawa Nangoku Illumination runs well into the year until May 26. The illuminations add special splendor and colors to the garden’s lush green. Four million light bulbs modeled after lotus, waterfall, hibiscus, Emerald creeper and more will create fantastical scenes.

This year, the illuminations also include some of your favorite Pokemon characters like Pikachu and Squirtle. So, you know you “gotta catch ‘em all!”

Ranked second in the International Illumination Award (for the illumination event category dedicated to storytelling), the illuminations at the botanical gardens are now a winter highlight widely acknowledged in the country.

Nangoku Illumination at Southeast Botanical Gardens DATE: Through May 26, 2024. TIME: 5 – 10 p.m. (last admission at 9:30 p.m.) GPS COORDINATES: N 26.375447, E 127.806597 ADMISSION: 2,150 yen for adults (18 and older); 1,250 yen for ages 13-17; 750 yen for ages 4-12; free admission for 3 years old and below. *On Dec. 16, 17, Dec. 26 – Jan. 3, Jan 6 - 8, the above fees will be 2,500 yen (18 and above), 1,400 yen (Ages 13-17), 1,000 yen (Ages 4-12). *From Dec.23 through 25, the above fees will be 2,800 yen, 1,500 yen, and 1,000 yen respectively. Website