Okinawa Event CalendarOkinawa – full of entertainments all year round2012.12.

Countless traditional events and festivals are held in Okinawa throughout the year, many of which are held in line with the old Japanese calendar and are fused with unique Okinawan culture, having started in the Ryukyu Kingdom era. From events making the most of Okinawa's beautiful natural environment through to international sports tournaments, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Traditional and sporting events

Okinawa's traditional events and festivals, which have been kept alive since ancient times, are still closely tied to the lives of the Okinawan people today. Many of these annual events are still held in line with the old Japanese lunar calendar. Festivals held as ceremonies for good harvests, good hauls or to receive the spirits of deceased ancestors are established as yearly customs. Many tourists visit the leading annual events in Okinawa, such as Hari and Eisa.
In recent years, various sporting events have been held on the main island of Okinawa as well on the isolated islands around there, thanks to the area's warm climate, beautiful natural environment and vivid local color. Many participants come from all parts of Japan and around the world to join marathons, triathlons, bicycle races and other sports tournaments held in Okinawa.
 

Okinawa's Eisa festival dance

Okinawa's famous traditional “Eisa” dance was originally performed in order to welcome the spirits of deceased ancestors as part of the Bon festival held in line with the old Japanese lunar calendar. The type of dance and costume worn varies from region to region, ranging from simple traditional style to full-on entertainment designed to wow the audience. The beating of Taiko drums, the playing of the Sanshin and the flurry of dancers form sights and sounds that are quintessential features of the Okinawan summertime. The festival starts with the “Michijune” parade and eventually reaches a finale with the “Kachashi”, where everyone dances together. We hope you will join the dance and experience festival fever for yourself.
 

January

With a 100km course around the whole of Miyakojima, this is the longest marathon in Okinawa Prefecture.
Miyakojima 100km Wide Marathon Tournament
2013/1/12 (Sun)
Ueno German Culture Village/Ueno Gymnasium (Miyakojima City)
About 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Miyakojima 100km Wide Marathon Tournament Executive Committee
0980-73-1046
 


 
Watch the Eisa and other Ryukyuan dances in a setting with more than 10,000 cherry trees.
Nago Sakura Festival
2013/1/26 (Sat) to 27 (Sun)
Nago Central Park, crossroads of Nago Odori, Nago Fishing Harbor grounds, etc. (Nago City)
About 1 hour by car from Naha IC
Nago Sakura Festival Executive Committee
0980-53-7755
 


 

February

A marathon with a strong international flavor, with many foreign runners taking part.
Okinawa Marathon
2013/2/17 (Sun)
Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park (Okinawa City)
About 30 minutes by car from Naha IC
Okinawa Marathon Executive Committee
098-930-0088
 


 
Earthenware products from 30 or more potteries are on sale with discounts of 20-50% in Yomitan Village.
Yomitan-Yatimun Market
2013/2/23 (Sat) to 24 (Sun)
Zanpa Cape Rest Plaza (Yomitan Village)
About 1 hour by car from Naha City
Yomitan-Yatimun Market Executive Committee

Yomitan-Yatimun Market Executive Committee (Japanese)
098-958-1020
 

March

This customary spring festival provides an encounter with around 50,000 azaleas in a rich natural setting.
Higashi Village Azalea Festival
2013/3/1 (Sat) to 20 (Thu)
Higashi Village Villagers' Forest Azalea Park (Higashi Village)
About 90 minutes by car from Naha IC
Higashi Village Azalea Festival Executive Committee
0980-43-2265
 


 
Enjoy movies, music and comics with a theme of “Laugh&Peace”.
Okinawa International Movie Festival
2013/3/23 (Sat) to 30 (Sat)
Okinawa Convention Center and surrounding areas (Ginowan City)
About 20 minutes by car from Naha City
Okinawa International Movie Festival Execution Committee
03-3209-8479
 


 
The earliest summer in Japan
In Japan, the date on which sandy beaches are opened for sea bathing is referred to as that “opening of the beach season”. While this generally falls in July on the mainland, Okinawa's opening of the beach season occurs between the end of March and the beginning of April, with the very earliest opening on the Yaeyama Islands at the southernmost point of Japan. Why not get one step ahead of the mainland and experience Japan's earliest summer?
 

April

This nationally popular race is held in the beautiful scenery of Miyakojima.
All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima
2013/4/21 (Sun)
Shimoji-yonahamaehama (Miyakojima City) to Miyakojima Track and Field Events Ground (Miyakojima City)
About 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Miyakojima Triathlon Committee
0980-73-1046
 


 
Fireworks displays are highlights of summer visits.
There are also live performances, street performances, and more.
Ryukyu-Kaiensai
2013/4/13 (Sat)
Ginowan Seaside Park (Ginowan City)
About 20 minutes by car from Naha City
Ryukyu-Kaiensai Executive Committee
098-897-2764
 


 

May

Large “Haryusen” boats are bravely raced across the seas by 32 oarsmen.
Naha Hari
2013/5/3 (Fri) to 5 (Sun)
Naha Shinko-futo (Naha City)
Take the bus from Naha Bus Terminal and get off at Tomaritakahashi→About 5 minutes by car
Naha Hari Executive Committee
098-862-1442
 


 
Hari festival for fishermen (uminchu)
In Okinawa, fishermen are called “uminchu”. “Hari” is held on May 4th as a festival for the uminchu. This traditional event features a race of hand-rowed boats with a dragon form originating from China as a prayer for safe voyages and a good haul. Enjoy the bravery of the rowers, the enthusiasm of the supporters, and the energy of the sea-loving Okinawan people.
 

June

Various boat race events are held in the fishing harbor at Itoman City, a town of fishermen.
Itoman Hari
2013/6/12 (Wed)
Itoman Fishing Harbor (Itoman City)
About 30 minutes by car from Naha City
Itoman Hari Events Committee
098-992-2011
 


 

July

Okinawa's largest rock festival, gathering Okinawan bands in one venue.
31st Peaceful Love Rock Festival 2013
2013/7/6 (Sun) and 7 (Mon)
Okinawa City Koza Sport Park Outdoor Stage (Okinawa City)
About 20 minutes by car from Naha City
Peaceful Love Rock Festival Executive Committee
098-989-5566
 


 
This international cultural exchange event for children introduces plays and various cultural works.
Kijimuna Festa
2012/7/20 (Sun) to 7/28 (Mon)
Okinawa Civic Theater Ashibina, Okinawa Shimin Kaikan, etc. (Okinawa City)
About 20 minutes by car from Naha City
Kijimuna Festa Center
098-921-2102
 


 

August

Eisa organizations gather from all parts of Okinawa.
Ordinary people can also take part in the dances.
Summer Festival in Naha with 10,000 People Gathering for the Eisa Dance
2013/8/3 (Sun)
Kokusai Dori (Naha City)
About 10 minutes on foot from Naha BT
Summer Festival in Naha Executive Committee
098-863-2755
 


 
(C)Coral-foundation A starry sky observation society viewing the Milky Way, etc. with lights turned off around the whole of Ishigakijima.
Southern Star Festival
Scheduled to be held in the middle of August 2013
Ishigaki Port New Port District Southern Gate Plaza (Ishigaki City)
About 10 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Southern Star Festival Executive Committee
0980-82-1535
 


 

September

Hot performances are given in the town of Eisa and Okinawa City, with youth associations from all of the Okinawan islands.
Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri
2013/8/30 (Fri) to 9/1 (Sun)
Okinawa City Koza Sport Park, Track and Field Events Ground (Okinawa City)
About 20 minutes by car from Naha IC
Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri Executive Committee
098-937-3986
 


 
Witness a classical Ryukyuan dance used to entertain envoys from the Chinese emperor.
Shurijo Castle Park “Chushu Party”
Scheduled for middle of September 2013
Shurijo Castle Park (Naha City)
Get off at the monorail Shurijo Castle stop→About 20 minutes on foot
Shurijo Castle Park Management Center
098-886-2020
 


 

October

At 200 meters long, this giant tug of war is even mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records.
Naha Giant Tug of War
2013/10/13 (Sun)
Kokusai Dori, Route 58 Kumoji Intersection (Naha City)
About 10 minutes on foot from Naha BT
Office of Conservation Society of Naha Giant Tug of War
098-862-3276
 


 
The only officially authorized night marathon in Japan.
Iheya Moonlight Marathon
2013/10/19 (Sat)
Around Iheya and Noho (Iheya Village)
About 90 minutes by car from Naha IC to Unten Harbor, and about 80 minutes by ferry from Unten Harbor to Maedomari Harbor
Iheya Moonlight Marathon Executive Committee
0980-46-2867
 


 

November

Potteries, cafes and galleries take part in this ceramics festival.
Tsuboya Yachimun Street Festival
Scheduled to be held at the start of November 2013
Tsuboya Yachimun Street (Naha City)
Get off at Makishi monorail station→About 15 minutes on foot
Tsuboya Pottery Museum
098-862-3761
 


 
This international bicycle road race can be participated in by everyone from professionals through to amateurs.
Tour De Okinawa
2013/11/14 (Sat) and 15 (Sun)
12 municipalities in the northern part of Nago City
About 90 minutes by car from Naha IC
Tour De Okinawa Association
0980-54-3174
 


 

December

Around 25,000 from all over Japan take part in this citizens' marathon.
Naha Marathon
2013/12/1 (Sun)
Onoyama Park (Naha City)
Get off at Monorail Tsubogawa Station
Naha Marathon Association
098-862-9902
 


 
Around 1,000 types of hibiscus can be seen here, and you can even experience cultivation and textile classes.
Iejima Hibiscus Festival
Scheduled to be held in the middle of December 2013
Iejima Hibiscus Garden (Iejima)
About 1 hour 15 minutes by car from Naha IC to Motobu Harbor, and about 30 minutes by ferry from Motobu Harbor to Ie Harbor
Iejima Town Hall Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Division
0980-49‐3161

*Information current as of November 30, 2012.
*Date and time are subject to change.
 


 

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