Discover Tropical Blooms at Okinawa Ocean Expo Park Tropical Dream Center

Located within Okinawa Ocean Expo Park, the orchid greenhouse at the Tropical Dream Center was renovated and reopened in February 2020. In addition to the orchid greenhouse, the center features two more greenhouses showcasing tropical fruits and aquatic plants from the Amazon region. Combined with its exotic outdoor plantings that thrive in Okinawa’s subtropical climate, the Tropical Dream Center offers visitors a unique botanical experience well worth exploring.

A Paradise Filled with Flowers
A Place to Relax and Reconnect with Nature

Opened in 1986 within Okinawa Commemorative National Government Park (Ocean Expo Park), the Tropical Dream Center was created as the park’s symbol of “flowers,” reflecting its theme of “Sun, Flowers, and Sea.” Covering approximately 6 hectares (14.8 acres) , the garden takes about an hour to explore at a leisurely pace.

The overall design evokes a sense of discovery and wonder: hidden among tropical forests are ancient ruins and crumbling structures, and stepping inside reveals an extraordinary world filled with tropical and subtropical flowers in bloom.

The center consists of five greenhouses—three dedicated to orchids (Phalaenopsis, Vanda, and Cattleya), a tropical fruit greenhouse, and the Victoria greenhouse—along with two courtyards and a corridor featuring plants from Africa.

To ensure beautiful displays throughout the year, flowering times are carefully managed, and more than 2,000 orchids are on display at any given time. No matter when you visit, the garden is always vibrant and colorful.

Because the Tropical Dream Center is located along the coast, it is exposed to strong seasonal winds in winter. The ruin-inspired outer walls not only create a distinctive atmosphere but also serve as windbreaks, protecting the gardens from sea winds blowing in from the north. The photo shows a observation tower that serves as a landmark of the “Tropical Dream Center”. Rising 36 meters high—roughly equivalent to a seven- or eight-story building—it offers panoramic views of much of the garden as well as the surrounding islands of Sesoko, Minna, Ie, and Izena-Iheya.

The Tropical Dream Center is home to around 1,500 orchid species, 120 tree species, and 120 species of shrubs and smaller plants, offering visitors the chance to discover a wide variety of rare plants that thrive in Okinawa’s subtropical climate.

The above photo shows the corridor featuring five African baobab trees. Transplanted in 1983, they made history by producing flowers in 1998—the first recorded flowering of baobabs in Japan—and bearing fruit the following year, another national first. Throughout the garden, visitors will also find many scenic photo spots perfect for capturing memorable images.

In addition to its existing displays, the center plans to introduce new ways of showcasing plants, including creative displays of staghorn ferns mounted on wooden frames. Seasonal events are held throughout the year, including the Bougainvillea & Hibiscus Fair (October–December), the Tulip Fair (December–January), and the Okinawa International Orchid Show in February, which features nearly 20,000 orchids. Gardening workshops and planting experiences are also offered.

Before leaving, be sure to stop by the flower shop Nangoku, which sells potted orchids and flower-themed gifts. There is also a café called Squall, where visitors can relax with a drink after exploring the garden.

Welcoming around 140,000 visitors each year, the Tropical Dream Center is one of Okinawa’s most popular garden attractions and well worth a visit.

A Spectacular Display of Tropical Blooms
Brightening the Greenhouses with Color

The photo shows the Cattleya Greenhouse, home to the beautiful Cattleya orchids, often known as the “Queen of Orchids.” Near the entrance, visitors are welcomed by a stunning display of colorful blooms and their delightful fragrance.

Further inside, an arch covered with climbing plants and Spanish moss leads to an open, airy space. In May, the arch is decorated with Oncidium orchids, whose clusters of small yellow flowers create the effect of a cascading floral shower.

The Victoria Greenhouse showcases aquatic and wetland plants from the Amazon region. Its name comes from the giant water lily, formerly known by the scientific name Victoria regia.

On the ground floor, visitors can view a large aquarium where freshwater fish from the Amazon swim gracefully.

This is the Vanda Greenhouse, which displays orchids such as Vanda, native to tropical regions of Asia, and Grammatophyllum, the world’s largest orchid genus.

Many of the plants are suspended, creating the feeling of walking through a tropical jungle and offering visitors a truly immersive experience.

The Tropical Fruit Greenhouse features around 20 species of tropical fruit trees, including jackfruit and durian, known as the “king of fruits.”

With a ceiling height of 15 meters and a spacious design supported by as few pillars as possible, the greenhouse offers an impressive sense of scale. Tropical vines climb the structures throughout the space, and elevated walkways allow visitors to view the flowers and fruits of the trees up close.

Beyond the Greenhouses
A World of Exotic Plants Awaits

Beyond the greenhouses, the grounds are divided into two courtyards: a northern courtyard measuring approximately 100 × 50 meters and a southern courtyard measuring 8 × 50 meters.

The northern area is themed around Asia and Australia, while the southern area showcases plants from North, Central, and South America. The adjoining colonnade features species native to Africa. Trees and plants from each region are carefully planted to reflect their natural origins.

Seasonal flower beds throughout the garden are replanted several times a year, ensuring colorful displays and fresh blooms in every season.

The photo shows the Lotus Pond, a scenic waterside area where vibrant tropical water lilies bloom throughout the summer.

The pond is carefully maintained through regular cleaning and algae removal, creating a healthy balance of aquatic plants. It is also home to the Paraguay giant water lily, whose leaves can grow up to 1.5 meters in diameter.

During summer, the garden even hosts special events where children can experience standing or sitting on the giant floating leaves, making it one of the park’s most popular seasonal attractions.

Enjoy Tropical Flavors 
with a Garden View

The park is also home to Squall, a tropical fruit café that is perfect for a relaxing break.

The menu features light meals such as taco rice, tropical fruit curry, and pineapple pork bowls, along with desserts including shell ginger jelly, Okinawan chewy doughnuts, pancakes, ice cream, and smoothies. A drink bar is also available.

The café offers halal, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly options. Halal menu items contain no meat-derived ingredients or alcohol.

Opening Hours: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
(Last food order: 4:00 p.m.; last drink bar order: 4:30 p.m.)
Closed: Wednesdays

Information

Tropical Dream Center, 
Okinawa Commemorative National Government Park (Ocean Expo Park)

Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa/ Japan
 
Call: +81-980-48-2741
Domestic (Japan): 0980-48-2741
 
Official Website:
https://oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/en/inst/38
 
Access: 
【By Bus】 (From Naha Airport)
・Express Bus: approx. 3 hours
・Local Bus: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes
・Yanbaru Express Bus: approx. 2 hours 20 minutes
・Okinawa Bus Airport Limousine: approx. 2 hours 15 minutes
・Okinawa Airport Shuttle: approx. 2–3 hours
【By Car】
・Approx. 2 hours 50 minutes via Route 58 from Naha Airport
・Approx. 2 hours via the Okinawa Expressway to Kyoda IC
For detailed access information, please visit the official website.
 
Opening Seasons:
Year-round
 
Closed: 
The first Wednesday in December and the following day (annual facility inspection)
 
Opening Hours:
・October–February: 8:30 a.m.–17:30 p.m. (last admission 17:00 p.m.)
・March–September: 8:30 a.m.–19:00 p.m. (last admission 18:30 p.m.)
※Please Note: Trial Opening Hours (July 1–September 30, 2026):
8:30 a.m.–17:30 p.m. (as part of a trial adjustment to park operating hours)
 
Admission:
・Entry to Ocean Expo Park: Free
・Tropical Dream Center:
Adults: ¥760
Junior high school age and younger: Free
・Visitors presenting an Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium admission ticket or annual pass receive 50% off adult admission (¥380).
 
Parking:
・Approximately 2,053 free parking spaces are available throughout Ocean Expo Park, including parking for motorcycles, large buses, and visitors with disabilities.
・The closest parking area to the Tropical Dream Center is Parking Lot P8, which has 62 spaces, including 2 accessible parking spaces.
 
※For detailed parking information, please visit the page below.
https://oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/en/acc/88