Okinawa Day Tours

2025/10/11 - 2025/10/13

Location: Kokusai Street, Highway 58

The Naha Great Tug-of-War is one of Okinawa’s most iconic festivals, originally held to pray for a rich harvest, health, and prosperity. Recognized in the Guinness World Records in 1995 for its massive rice-straw rope, the event brings together tens of thousands of participants in an unforgettable contest.

The 200-meter rope, weighing an astonishing 43 tons, features 280 smaller ropes so everyone can take part. When the tugging ends, festivalgoers often cut pieces of the rope to keep as lucky charms.

Festival Highlights

Epic tug-of-war using a 200-meter, 43-ton rice-straw rope
Guinness World Record holder for the world’s largest tug-of-war rope
Take home a piece of the rope as a good-luck charm

Note

The festival attracts huge crowds each year. Arrive early to secure a good spot and participate safely in the event.

*Events are sourced from visitokinawajapan.com

Okinawa Upcoming Events for September

Cave Adventure in Southern Okinawa

Discover Gyokusendo: Okinawa’s Longest Limestone Cave Okinawa is home to hundreds of...

Location: Okinawa World

Date: 2025/07/19 - 2025/09/30

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Zento Eisa Matsuri

The Zento Eisa Matsuri brings Okinawa City to life each summer, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to Koza Sports...

Location: Goya Intersection Area and Okinawa City Koza Sports Park

Date: 2025/09/12 - 2025/09/14

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Orion Beerfest

Coinciding with the Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri each summer, the Orion Beerfest offers a refreshing way to enjoy the seas...

Location: Koza Sports Park (Small Field), Okinawa City

Date: 2025/09/13 - 2025/09/14

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Itoman Great Tug-of-War

Itoman’s Great Tug-of-War, held during the harvest moon, is one of Okinawa’s most vibrant festivals. A lively parade of flag bearers...

Location: Itoman Roundabout

Date: 2025/10/06 - 2025/10/06

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Chura-Umi Fireworks IN Onna Village

Brilliant fireworks light up the night sky above the sea during the Onna Village Chura-Umi Fireworks Festival, creating...

Location: Onna Village Community Square

Date: 2025/10/11 - 2025/10/12

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Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival

The Naha Great Tug-of-War is one of Okinawa’s most iconic festivals, originally held to pray for a rich harvest, health, and prosper...

Location: Kokusai Street, Highway 58

Date: 2025/10/11 - 2025/10/13

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Eisa Dancers Parade

Each August, the streets of Naha come alive with the thunder of taiko drums as over 10,000 eisa dancers march along Koku...

Location: Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture (Kokusai Street)

Date: 2025/10/19 - 2025/10/19

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Karate Day Event

Perhaps the most famous of all martial arts, karate embodies shurei-no-kokoro—the spirit of courtesy—a guiding tenet of...

Location: TBA

Date: 2025/10/25 - 2025/10/26

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Popular Destinations in Okinawa

Shurijo Castle

Once the proud royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Shurijo Castle stood as the heart of Okinawan politics, diplomacy, and culture for centuries. Its vibrant vermilion gates, intricate wooden carvings, and tiled rooftops reflected both Chinese and Japanese influences, symbolizing the kingdom’s role as a hub of maritime trade.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle complex tells stories of resilience, having been destroyed multiple times and painstakingly restored. Although devastated by fire in 2019, reconstruction efforts are ongoing, making a visit not only a journey into Okinawa’s past but also a chance to witness its revival and enduring spirit.

Kokusai Street

Kokusai Street, known locally as “Kokusai Dori,” is the bustling main artery of Naha and a must-visit for first-time travelers to Okinawa. Stretching for nearly two kilometers, the street offers a vibrant mix of souvenir shops, clothing boutiques, izakayas, and cafés. Visitors can sample local delicacies such as Okinawan soba, sata andagi (fried doughnuts), and awamori (rice liquor).

Street performers and cultural shows frequently energize the area, while nearby markets like Makishi Public Market offer a deeper dive into local flavors. Whether you’re after lively nightlife, traditional crafts, or authentic cuisine, Kokusai Street captures the modern yet distinctly Okinawan vibe in one unforgettable strip.

Nakagusuku Castle Ruins

Perched on a hill overlooking the East China Sea, the Nakagusuku Castle Ruins are among Okinawa’s most impressive examples of Ryukyuan fortifications. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the stone walls and sweeping terraces reveal both the engineering prowess and the strategic importance of the site during the Ryukyu Kingdom.

The castle offers panoramic views of the ocean and the lush countryside, making it as scenic as it is historic. Visitors can walk along the surviving stone corridors and imagine the bustling life that once took place within its walls. Today, Nakagusuku stands as a monument to the cultural and architectural legacy of the Ryukyu era.

Miyako Island

Miyako Island is often described as one of Japan’s most beautiful tropical getaways, famous for its powdery white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. A paradise for water sports enthusiasts, the island is ideal for snorkeling, diving, and paddleboarding, thanks to its vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Beyond its natural beauty, Miyako also offers scenic spots like the Irabu Ohashi Bridge, Japan’s longest toll-free bridge, and cultural highlights including local festivals that celebrate Okinawan traditions. Whether you want to relax under swaying palms, explore hidden coves, or indulge in fresh island cuisine, Miyako Island combines untouched charm with modern comforts.

Shikinaen Garden

Shikinaen Garden, once the royal family’s second residence and formal garden, represents the harmony of nature, art, and diplomacy. The landscape features a circular walking path, arched stone bridges, a pond, and traditional wooden pavilions where Ryukyuan kings once entertained Chinese envoys and foreign dignitaries.

Built in the late 18th century, it reflects a blend of Chinese aesthetics and Japanese garden traditions, while maintaining a uniquely Okinawan identity. Today, as part of Okinawa’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Shikinaen provides a serene escape where visitors can step back into the elegance of Ryukyuan court life.

Okinawa Prefectural Museum

The Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum is a modern facility dedicated to preserving and showcasing the island’s diverse heritage. Its exhibits range from natural history, including coral reefs and subtropical wildlife, to cultural artifacts such as textiles, ceramics, and weapons of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

The adjoining art museum hosts contemporary and traditional works by Okinawan and international artists. Designed with limestone motifs inspired by local architecture, the building itself reflects Okinawan identity. For anyone interested in understanding Okinawa’s unique blend of indigenous traditions, foreign influences, and postwar resilience, the museum offers an enriching journey through time and creativity.

Shurijo Castle

The former royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Shurijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its vibrant red gates and rich history.

Kokusai Street

Okinawa’s bustling shopping and dining street in Naha, perfect for souvenirs, local cuisine, and street performances.

Nakagusuku Castle Ruins

A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering sweeping ocean views, these castle ruins showcase the grandeur of Okinawa’s Ryukyu Kingdom.

Miyako Island

Famous for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, Miyako Island is a paradise for diving, snorkeling, and relaxation.

Shikinaen Garden

Once the royal garden of the Ryukyu kings, Shikinaen blends Chinese and Japanese influences in a serene, UNESCO-protected landscape.

Okinawa Prefectural Museum

A modern museum showcasing Okinawa’s history, art, and natural heritage, offering deep insights into local culture.