Here are some popular events held annually in Okinawa!

"The 10,000 Eisa Dancing Team "is an annual event held on the first Sunday of August.
Dancers gathered from the public, as well as youth groups, eisa classes, children's groups, and other groups from all over the prefecture, dance and walk in a parade-like performance of eisa, a traditional Okinawan dance.
The event started in 1995, and every year many locals and tourists come to enjoy the powerful eisa show.

The event will take place on Kokusai-dori, one of Okinawa's most popular tourist spots.
It is very cool to see the groups dancing in unison and contributing to the long-lasting development of Okinawan traditions.
Since the event began, the cooperation of the stores and many people on Kokusai-dori has made it the largest eisa festival in the prefecture.

Originally, eisa is a dance that began in Okinawa to welcome and send off the spirits of ancestors during the Obon season.
Later, eisa became popular at celebrations and festivals, and many eisa groups were formed outside of Okinawa Prefecture.

Each eisa group has its own personality and characteristics, so you will never get tired of watching them.
The audience is always excited to see the locals blowing their finger whistles as they watch the eisa, or dancing along with them.
This recommended event is worth a visit to enjoy the unique Okinawan eisa up close and personal.

"Upcoming Events "
Event Name: 10,000 Eisa Dancing Team
Location：International Street
Holding period:First Sunday in August every year

"The Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival "is a traditional event held every autumn, in which participants are divided into east and west to pull each other on reins from a long, thick rope, a tradition that dates back to the Ryukyu Dynasty.
The rope is 186 cm long, 1 m58 cm in diameter, with 236 reins and a total weight of 40 tons 220 kg, and was recognized by Guinness World Records in 1995.
The event now attracts attention from overseas tourists, and every year many tourists visit the venue and enjoy participating in the tug-of-war.

Before the tug-of-war begins, the "Ufunasunei (旗頭行列) "is a regular event in which the flags of 14 groups in Naha City are carried along Kokusai-dori (International Street).
The tug-of-war will take place near the Kumoji intersection on Route 58, a major road in Okinawa.
Traffic is very heavy, but on the day of the event, traffic is restricted to prevent cars from passing through.

The rope is made by tying together two ropes, one male and one female, at Naha Military Port.
Many people come to watch the ropes being lowered by crane in the early morning, which can only be seen once a year.
On both sides of the knot, a general dressed as "Beisan Wang Pan Anchi "stands in the east and "Naobashi "in the west, playing an important role in inspiring the pullers.

After the tug-of-war is over, visitors can take the rope home, which is believed to bring blessings of happiness, prosperity, and peace.
Participate in the actual tug of war and bring home the benefits of the great rope.

"Upcoming Events "
Event Name: Naha Tug of War Festival
Location：International Street
Holding period:Late September to early October

"Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival "is an annual event held at the World Heritage Site "Nakijin Castle Ruins "to enjoy the earliest blooming cherry trees in Japan.
The event is held for a short period of about a week when the cherry blossoms bloom, but it is very impressive to see "Ryukyu Kanhizakura "in full bloom with a deep pink color that is different from the cherry blossoms on the mainland.

It is recommended to visit at any time of the day to see the cherry blossoms in vivid bloom and at night to see the fantastic cherry blossoms illuminated by lights, which are beautiful at any time of the day.
The walls of Nakijin Castle Ruins, recognized worldwide for its gentle and beautiful curves, will also be illuminated during the event.

On the first day of the event, local groups will perform live traditional arts.
Please visit on the first day of the festival to enjoy traditional Okinawan dances and songs such as eisa and Ryukyu dances while viewing the cherry blossoms.

"Upcoming Events "
Event Name: Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival
Location：Nakijin Castle
Address: 5101 Imadomari, Nakijin Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 905-0428, Japan
Phone number: 0980-56-4400
Holding period:Late January
Admission: 400yen for adults/300yen for small people

"Ryukyu Lantern Festival "is a popular event held at the popular spot "Experience Kingdom Murasakimura ".
This event is held every year from winter to spring, and offers a fantastic experience of being enveloped by the warm light of lanterns lit throughout the museum.

This event was set up to liven up the winter in Okinawa under the title of "Yomiitan Night Light Project ".
The use of lantern light was invented to bring warmth, joy, healing, and calmness to many people.
The lanterns used include Japanese paper lanterns and Chinese lanterns, as well as a variety of handmade lanterns gathered from the public.

Another highlight is the colorful projection mapping using the red-tiled building as a screen.
Music and light combine to create a powerful space.

The types of lanterns on display vary by area, so it is recommended to take your time while touring the museum.
During the event, "Lantern Café at Night "will be open, so if you are tired, take a break while enjoying a light meal or drink.

"Upcoming Events "
Event Name: Ryukyu Lantern Festival
Location：Hands-on Kingdom Murasakimura
Address: 1020-1, Takashiho, Yomitan Village, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 904-0323, Japan
Phone number: 098-958-1111
Holding period:December through March
Admission: Adults 1,500 yen / Junior and senior high school students 700 yen / Elementary school students 600 yen / Infants free

"Okinawa Hurley "is one of the largest hurley competitions in Okinawa Prefecture, held every year during GW.
Hurley is a powerful competition in which more than a dozen people board a traditional boat called "Sabani "and use oars to propel the boat for speed.
It is a traditional event that has been held in Okinawa since ancient times to pray for safe voyages and good catches of fish.

The Naha Hurley can be enjoyed throughout the day as events are held on a set up stage and various food stalls are exhibited.
On the second day of the event, there will be a popular event where the public can board the Sabani, so early registration is recommended.

The main event, the hurley competition, takes place on the third day.
The sight of them rowing hard at the same time as the start of the race is sure to impress.
On board are "rowers "who hold the oars, "bell ringers "who strike the bell to signal when the rowers are rowing, "coxswain "who controls the direction of travel, and "flag bearers "who enliven and boost morale.
Please come and watch the harrowing race on the sea up close and personal.

"Upcoming Events "
Event Name: Naha Hurley
Location：Naha Shinko Wharf
Starts: GW hectares

"Ocean Expo Park Summer Festival "is one of the largest fireworks events in Okinawa Prefecture with 10,000 fireworks.
The fireworks have a specific theme each year, and the colors, scattering, and order in which they are shot off are considered according to the theme.
Fireworks shot off one after another to the accompaniment of music is a wonderful spectacle that will leave a lasting memory of summer.

In addition to fireworks, there will also be a stage featuring lively artists and comedians from the prefecture and many food stalls, so you can relax and enjoy yourself.
Popular tourist spots "Churaumi Aquarium "are nearby, so we recommend a course that includes the aquarium at noon and fireworks at night.

"Upcoming Events "
Event Name: Ocean Expo Park Summer Festival
Location: Ocean Expo Park Emerald Beach
Opening Period: Mid-July

"The Shurijo Festival "is a popular four-day event that offers visitors a chance to experience the culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
The King and Queen of the Kingdom of the Ryukyus visit three temples near Shuri Castle to pray for a good harvest ", the Three Temples Pilgrimage ", and the Ryukyu Dynasty Picture Scroll Procession "where the King, Queen, and a total of 350 people walk along Kokusai Street ".

Coloring and paper crafting activities in the main hall are also offered, which are popular with children.
Various traditional performing arts such as Eisa and Ryukyuan dance will be performed on stage in Shurijo Park, so be sure to go and see them.

"Upcoming Events "
Event Name: Shuri Castle Festival
Location: Shurijo Castle and the surrounding areas
Address: 1-2 Shuri Kinjo-cho, Naha City, Okinawa 903-0815, Japan
Phone number: 098-886-2020
Holding period:Around November 3

"Southeast Botanical Garden Illumination "is one of the largest illuminations in Okinawa Prefecture and a popular event that attracts many visitors every year.
The collaboration of light with tropical plants and plants unique to Okinawa is breathtaking and a rare experience that can only be seen in Okinawa.

With countless lotuses made of light bulbs floating in the pond, and popular characters and other characters in the Pokemon area, everyone from children to adults can enjoy the park.
It has a great atmosphere and is recommended for dates.
If you want to enjoy Okinawa in winter, come and visit.

"Upcoming Events "
Event Name: Southeast Botanical Garden Illumination
Location：Churayashi Park Okinawa, Southeast Botanical Garden
Address: 2146 Chihana, Okinawa City, Okinawa 904-2143
Phone number: 098-939-2555
Holding period:Late October to around April
Admission: Adults 1980 yen / Middle aged people 1200 yen / Children 680 yen / Children under 3 years old free

"Iejima Lily Festival "is a lily festival held in Ie Village.
The venue is filled with colorful lilies in white, yellow, pink, and other colors, which are soothing just to look at.
Flower lovers will love the abundance of Okinawa's unique "teppo lily "in bloom.

The venue is lined with various stalls, including a popular gelato store in Ie Village and an Okinawan zenzai (sweet bean soup) store.
You can enjoy delicious gourmet food while viewing beautiful lily blossoms, so be sure to visit.

"Upcoming Events "
Event Name: Iejima Lily Festival
Location：Ie Village Lily Field Park
Holding period:Late April to early May

Okinawa has many popular annual events.
There are a wide variety of festivals, from events to enjoy traditional Okinawan culture to festivals to enjoy fireworks and stalls.
If you are going to visit Okinawa, you should enjoy not only sightseeing and gourmet food, but also events to the fullest.