| January To Top |
Cherry Blossom Festivals
Centered on Nago City, Motobu Town and Nakijin Village, Japan's first cherry blossom
festivals occur with many side attractions and fireworks.
Flower Carnival (from January to May)
Decorations of flowers everywhere and at many locations! This carnival introduces the
bounties of Okinawa's nature with plenty of lateral events.
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| February To Top |
Pro Baseball Training Camps
Japanese pro baseball baseball teams hold their training on Okinawa. Many fans get the
chance to see a close-up view of their favorite players.
Flower Festa 2005
Venues with various flower arrangements and traditional performing arts as main
attractions
Okinawa International Orchid Show
Simultaneously held with the flower carnival, this show exhibits 5,000 orchids at the
Tropical Dream Center in Okinawa Expo Park.
Okinawa Marathon
Starting and ending in Okinawa City, the course unrolls through central Okinawa and
U.S. military facilities with many volunteers assisting the race.
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| March To Top |
Whale Watching (end of January to end of March)
They are here again, visiting the Kerama Islands! Tours are available during this
period.
Higashi Village Azalea Festival
50,000 azaleas and other flowers in full bloom
Okinawa Marine Carnival (end of March to end of August)
This ocean festival offers demonstrations and free courses on water-skiing and wind
surfing among many other marine sports.
Yaeyama Beach Opening
Japan's first beach opening
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| April To Top |
Seimei Ritual (Shimi)
This observance occurs during the third lunar month, families gathering at clan tombs to
pray and feast.
Yaebishi Festival
In the northern part of Miyako Island, enjoy shell gathering and the rare discovery of
coral reefs
ITU World Cup and Ishigaki Island Triathlon
Elite triathletes compete to gain points for the Olympic Games, while amateurs
challenge the same course individually or in teams.
All Japan Strongman Miyako Island Triathlon
A 3-kilometer swim, 155-kilometer bike race and 42.195-kilometer race for strong athletes
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| May To Top |
Naha Dragon Boat Festival (May 3-5)
Three boats of 42 rowers wearing traditional costumes compete in dynamic dragon boat
races
Oku Carp Streamer Festival (May 3-5)
A lineup of 800 carp streamers on the Oku River of Kunigami Village
Spring Island-wide Bullfighting Tournament
A tournament that gathers selected bulls from island-wide
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| June To Top |
Itoman Dragon Boat Race (Lunar calendar May 4)
In this traditional event, fishermen race to pray for safe voyages and good catches.
Dragon-Boat Races
Seasonal dragon-boat races held throughout the whole prefecture
Orion Beer Fest in Ishigaki
Each year, more than 200,000 people gather for a festival full of beer and entertainment!
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| July To Top |
Sanitsu Beach Carnival
A festival held on 700 hectares of Miyako Island's tidal flats with many sports events
Ocean Expo Park Summer Festival
Fireworks, local musicians on stage, dragon-boat and yacht races, windsurfing and many more, all at Ocean Expo Park!
Urasoe Tedako Festival
With local performing arts, a citizens' parade, the announcement of Miss Tedako and
many Eisa performances, this lively festival ends with fireworks
Summer and Beer Festival in Nago City (end of July - beginning of August)
Beer related events, Eisa performances and fireworks for a multicolor entertainment
Orion Beer Fest in Miyako
A festival to enjoy the local Orion Beer fully along with bands and fireworks, among
other attractions
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| August To Top |
Eisa Dance Events
The sounds of drums and whistles flow throughout the islands with Eisa events held
prefecture-wide
The Ten Thousand Eisa Dance Parade
Naha's main avenue, Kokusai Street, turns into the main stage for brilliant Eisa
performances by 10,000 people.
Yonabaru Festival
A major event that attracts a large audience with its festival highlight, the Yonabaru
Tug-of- War.
Youth Eisa Festival
Taking place in Naha City, the festival invites soul-stirring Eisa groups from all over the
prefecture
Angama Festival
A unique event held during the three-day-observance for ancestral spirits in Ishigaki
City. Successors of this festival posing as spiritual mediums wear humorous masks and
visit houses to pray for family well-being and prosperity.
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| September To Top |
Okinawa Island-wide Eisa Festival
Selected Eisa teams come showcase their choreography in this prefecture-wide festival
Shioya Ungami Ritual
Welcoming deities from Nirai Kanai, a world far out in the seas where gods are
believe to exist, this event is a form of prayer for the village's prosperity.
Tarama Village Harvest Festival (Lunar calendar August 8-10)
An event with endless festivities to thank the gods. Designated a National Important
Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Itoman Tug of War (Lunar calendar August 15)
A traditional event held to pray for generous harvests and good health.
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| October To Top |
Naha Festival
Many festivities and fireworks turn downtown Naha into a party place!
The highlight is the Naha Great Tug-of-War, with the 40,000-kilogram rope recorded in
the Guinness Book of Records.
All-Island Lion Dance Festival
A major event introducing lion dances from all around the prefecture.
Orange Picking Tours (October - February)
Pick your own tangerines fresh from the trees.
Okinawa Industry Fair
Prefecture-wide products are exhibited for display and sale, with various attractions held
simultaneously.
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| November To Top |
Shurijo Castle Festival and Shuri Cultural Festival (November 1-3)
The Ryukyu Kingdom-reenactment parade introduces the splendor of the Ryukyu
Dynasty, while the "Shuri Cultural Festival" revives the cultural tradition of the ancient
capital.
Okinawa International Carnival
Bullfighting and fireworks, folk art performances and a 10,000-person parade! The
citizens of Okinawa City unite as one to entertain their audience.
Tour de Okinawa
A cycling tour that runs through northern Okinawa Island, it offers various races and
tours for both worldwide pros and amateurs.
Suntopia Sports & Cultural Festival
An event promoting health and lifelong learning through sports and cultural activities.
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| December To Top |
Naha Marathon (early December)
With the motto "The runners are the stars", this full marathon for elite and amateur runners attracts a
great audience.
The Kingdom Festa in Ryukyu
With many different events scheduled, this festival features the magnificence of the
Ryukyu Islands and allows locals and visitors alike to enjoy Okinawa's unique culture.
Yomitan Pottery Festival
Known as a pottery village, Yomitan displays and sells various pottery at this three- day
pottery festival.
Outlying Islands Product Fair
Outlying islands of the prefecture gather to introduce and promote their specialty
products.
Mabuni Fire & Bell Observance (December 31- January 1)
This yearly observance is to pray for those who lost their lives in the Battle of Okinawa
and to realize the meaning of peace. A torch for peace is lit from New Year's Eve and
welcomes the new year.
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There are many different events happening year-round. Event dates and schedule are subject to change without notice; before planning on attending any of these events, please confirm days and locations.
