Hello, everyone! I'm a writer of FunNow from Okinawa, Japan! Today's topic is the Okinawa Festival and Events Quick Guide 🎆
Throughout the year, Okinawa hosts a variety of events and festivals, ranging from small-scale to large-scale. In this guide, we have compiled information on ticket sales, transportation, and more, so you don't want to miss out 😍
Table of Contents
１、Okinawa Spring Events
March : Ryukyu Lantern Festival
照片參考：Visit Okinawa japan
The highly popular "Experience Kingdom MURASAKI MURA" attracts tourists from around the world and hosts the annual limited-time event called the "Ryukyu Lantern Festival" ✨MURASAKI MURA is a place that showcases Ryukyuan culture and traditions, where visitors can experience traditional crafts, cultural performances, local cuisine, and more. The "Ryukyu Lantern Festival" held during the winter season showcases Okinawan lantern art and light decorations, allowing you to admire beautiful lantern displays and immerse yourself in the ambiance of Ryukyuan culture 👑
Event Date：2022 / 12 / 02 - 2023 / 03 / 26
Venue：Experience Kingdom MURASAKI MURA
💴：Adults: JPY 600 During the event, entrance from 17:30 to 22:00 is JPY 1,200
High School Students: JPY 500
Elementary School Students: JPY 400
Preschoolers: Free
🚗: Mapcode : 33 851 34957
Approximately 15 minutes on foot from the "Daikou" bus station
🎫：👉Experience Kingdom MURASAKI MURA Official Website👈
April : Ryukyu Firework Festival
Fireworks, music, and the sea breeze will evoke long-lost emotions. The Ryukyu Fire Festival, which celebrates its 20th anniversary, is the earliest fireworks festival in all of Japan. Dressing up in a yukata, purchasing refreshing draft beer and snacks from stalls, having a picnic on the beach, and enjoying the spectacular display of thousands of brilliant fireworks—this experience is simply too chill and delightful 😍
Event Date：2023 / 4 / 15（ Sut ）
Venue：GinowanSeasidePark
💴：Open Seating Area | Sitting on the Beach (no chairs)
Adults (13 years and older): JPY 4,500
Children (4-12 years): JPY 2,000
Toddlers (3 years and below): Free
Reserved Seating Area | Seats provided
Adults (13 years and older): JPY 6,500
Children (4-12 years): JPY 3,000
Toddlers (3 years and below): JPY 2,000
🚗：Mapcode: 33 403 412*11
Approximately 6 minutes on foot from the 「Convention Center-mae」 bus stop
🎫：👉Ryukyu Fire Festival Official Website👈
👇Let’s Book From Here👀👇
May : Naha Dragon Boat Races
©OCVB
The Naha Dragon Boat Races are a traditional Okinawan event and one of the must-see annual spectacles for the people of Okinawa. It attracts a large number of spectators and participants every year🔥 The competition involves teams of multiple people paddling vigorously on beautifully decorated dragon boats, racing on the water👀 For those who love traditional culture and sports, this is an excellent opportunity to experience the charm and vitality of Okinawa💪
Event Date：Every year during Japan's Golden Week, from 5/3 to 5/5
Venue：Naha Shinko Pier
💴：Free
🚗：Mapcode: 33 216 826*63
Approximately 10 minutes on foot from the 「Tomari Takahashi」bus stop
2、Okinawa Summer Events
June : Itoman Dragon Boat Races
©OCVB
The origin of the Itoman Dragon Boat Races can be traced back hundreds of years, making it a culturally significant event with a rich historical background. This event takes place once a year, usually on the first weekend or holiday of May, and attracts dragon boat teams and spectators from all over Okinawa😍 The dragon boat teams, consisting of dozens of people, compete against each other, with each boat showcasing a unique design and decoration. It is a vibrant and enjoyable event that allows for a close experience of Okinawan culture🏝
Event Date：Scheduled for June 21-22, 2023
Venue：Kyan Port
💴：Free
🚗：Mapcode: 232 425 303*37
Approximately 10 minutes on foot from the 「Itoman Shiyakusho Iriguchi」 bus stop
July: Corona Sunset Festival
The "CORONA SUNSETS FESTIVAL" is a unique music festival with the theme of "sunset" and "relaxation" that has rapidly expanded globally. It has been successfully held multiple times in Okinawa, Japan, from 2015 to 2019, and has gained a large following of fans. 🌄Now, after a 4-year hiatus, this highly anticipated beer and music festival is making a comeback! This year, it will be held in 14 countries around the world. Surrounded by the pristine nature of Okinawa, with its blue ocean and expansive sky, you can enjoy music while experiencing a sense of relaxation that is unparalleled in your daily life 🌊🍺
Event Date：2023 / 7 / 15 （ Sut ）、 7 / 16 （ Sun ）
Venue：Toyosaki Seaside Park (5-1 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture)
💴：1 DAY TICKET JPY 8,800
2 DAYS TICKET JPY 15,000
🚗：Mapcode : 232 542 328*37
Approximately 15 minutes southbound from Naha Airport via the Kohrin Circular Road
🎫：👉CORONA SUNSETS FESTIVAL Official Website👈
👇Let’s Book From Here👀👇
August: 10,000-Person EISA Drum Performance
©OCVB
The 10,000-Person EISA Drum Dance Team is a traditional music and dance performance in Okinawa! EISA is a unique traditional art form in Okinawa, consisting of drumming, dancing, and singing. This event is usually held during the summer and attracts a large audience and visitors who come to witness it. The 10,000-Person EISA Drum Dance Team showcases the distinctive cultural characteristics and vitality of Okinawa, making it a breathtaking and unforgettable cultural celebration in Okinawa.😌
Event Date：2022 / 8 / 7 / *2023 event schedule not yet announced
Venue：Kokusai Street
💴：Free / Participation in "Temporary EISA Drum Dance" JPY 1,500
🚗：Mapcode : 33 157 312*03
Take the monorail to 「Kencho-mae Station」， 「Miebashi Station」， or 「Makishi Station」and it's about a 5-minute walk.
3、Okinawa Autumn Events
September: Okinawa Island-Wide EISA Festival
©OCVB
In the EISA event across Okinawa Island, you can enjoy spectacular performances by various EISA groups. Each group has its unique style and characteristics, and their energetic performances showcase the culture, traditions, and spirit of Okinawa🔥 Additionally, you can indulge in local cuisine, witness dance and music performances, and participate in various traditional crafts and games🫕 The entire event is filled with enthusiasm and joy, allowing you to immerse yourself in the charm of Okinawan culture🌺
Event Date：2023 / 9 / 8 ~ 2023 / 9 / 10
Venue：Surroundings of Koza Junction, Okinawa City KOZA Sports Park Stadium
💴：Free admission / Tickets required for designated seating
*2023 event schedule not yet announced
🚗：Koza Junction surroundings ： Mapcode: 33 591 63785
Okinawa City KOZA Sports Park Stadium ： Mapcode: 33 589 445*30
Take a bus to "Okinawa Minami Koryu-doro Station" and walk about 20 minutes to Koza Junction, 5 minutes to Okinawa City KOZA Sports Park Stadium
🎫：👉Okinawa Island-Wide EISA Festival HP👈
October: Naha Tug-of-War Festival
©OCVB
You read it right! This is a large-scale tug-of-war competition and a traditional event held annually in Naha City! In this event, different teams are divided into two camps, each holding one end of a long rope. Each team has its own emblem and slogan, and they strive and coordinate together to pull the opposing team towards their own territory in an attempt to achieve victory💪 Whether you are a participant or a spectator, Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival will provide you with a lively and enjoyable experience✨
Event Date：2022 / 10 / 9 *2023 event schedule not yet announced
Venue：Kokusai Street
Intersection of National Route 58 and Kumoji (near Monorail Kenchomae Station)
Onoyama Park
💴：Free
🚗：Kokusai Street ： Mapcode: 33 157 34628
Onoyama Park： Mapcode: 33 126 00552
Kokusai Street: Take the monorail to 「Kenchomae Station」 / 「Miebashi Station」 / 「Makishi Station」
Onoyama Park: Take the monorail to 「Onoyama Park Station」
🎫：👉Naha Tug-of-War Festival HP👈
November: Shuri Castle Festival
©OCVB
Shuri Castle Festival is an important traditional event held annually in Naha City during the autumn season. Its purpose is to celebrate and commemorate the historical and cultural significance of Shuri Castle. One of the most distinctive activities is the "Warrior Parade," where warriors dressed in ancient costumes showcase traditional martial arts such as swordsmanship, archery, and horsemanship on the streets, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the rich historical atmosphere 🥷
Event Date：Late October to Early November *2023 event schedule not yet announced
Venue：Kokusai Street
💴：Free
🚗：Mapcode : 33 157 346*28
Take the monorail to 「Kencho-mae Station」/「Miebashi Station"/"Makishi Station」
4、Okinawa Winter Events
December 1: Ryukyu Fire Festival (Winter Edition)
Have you heard of Christmas fireworks? Unlike the sweaty summer or bone-chilling winters in the northern regions, even winter in the southern Okinawa is perfect for enjoying fireworks! The renowned Ryukyu Kaien Festival also presents a fireworks spectacle in winter. Along with various creative fireworks illuminating the Okinawan night sky, the festival offers rich content featuring traditional Okinawan culture and artistic performances. It brings warmth and emotional moments during the winter season🥺💓🎆
Event Date：2022 / 12 / 25 ( Sun ) *2023 event schedule not yet announced
Venue：Kanucha Resort in Nago City *Event location for 2023 has not been announced yet
💴：Reserved Seating JPY 2,200
Ticket prices for 2023 have not been announced yet.
Table + Reserved Seating JPY 6,500
🚗：Mapcode : 485 159 290*64
🎫：👉Ryukyu Fire Festival Official Website👈
👇Let’s Book From Here👀👇
December 2: Okinawa Children's Kingdom Christmas Carnival
During the Christmas season, Okinawa Children's Kingdom has specially designed a series of fun activities for children and families🎅 This includes a variety of colorful amusement facilities and games such as carousels, roller coasters, climbing frames, and mazes, allowing children to have a great time. While children have a blast, adults can also enjoy the fantastic and dazzling Southern Lights Show, creating happy moments together🌟
Event Date：2022 / 12 / 10 ( Sut ) ～ 2023 / 1 / 9 ( Mun )
Venue：Okinawa Children's Kingdom
💴：Adults (high school students and above): JPY 2,400
Children (4 years old to middle school students): JPY 1,400
※ Children under 3 years old are admitted free of charge
🚗：Mapcode : 33 561 799*02
🎫：👉Okinawa Children's Kingdom Christmas Carnival HP👈
January: Nago Cherry Blossom Festival
©OCVB
Cherry blossoms are not limited to April. We get to enjoy cherry blossoms as early as January! The Nago Cherry Blossom Festival takes place annually in Nago City, located in the northern part of Okinawa. During the festival, parks and roadsides in Nago City are filled with pink cherry blossoms, creating a captivating floral landscape😍 In addition to cherry blossom viewing, the Nago Cherry Blossom Festival offers various entertainment and cultural activities, including dance performances, music shows, traditional arts and crafts exhibitions, folk games, and food stalls🍡 It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in a variety of experiences under the cherry blossom trees🤤
Event Date：2023 / 1 / 28 ～ 2023 / 1 / 29
Venue：Nago Castle Park
💴：Free
🚗：Mapcode : 206 629 226*58
Take a bus to "Nago Castle Entrance" and walk for about 30 minutes
February: Naha Cherry Blossom Festival
©OCVB
In Okinawa, the cherry blossom season falls in January to February, thanks to its warm climate. Among the various cherry blossom festivals, the Naha Cherry Blossom Festival is a must-visit event for nature lovers and enthusiasts of traditional culture👀👍 Easily accessible after arriving at Naha Airport, the festival offers not only the opportunity to admire cherry blossoms but also to experience the cultural ambiance and traditional temple fair atmosphere, along with delicious Japanese cuisine, creating delightful moments and cherished memories
Event Date：*2023 event schedule not yet announced
Cherry blossom viewing period extends until late February, depending on the weather conditions
Venue：Manko Wetland Park
💴：Free
🚗：Mapcode : 33 097 283*60
Take the monorail to "Okinawa Koen Station" or "Tsubogawa Station" and walk for about 10 minutes
🎫：👉Naha Cherry Blossom Festival HP👈