A race of dragon boats (hari boats), said to have come from China about 600 years ago, held to pray for safe voyages and good catches. It is one of Naha's three great festivals, along with the Naha Great Tug-of-War and the Shurijo Castle Festival. It is held every year from May 3 to 5 during Golden Week, with races by junior high school students and general teams, and on the final day the traditional "Ugan Bari" and "Hon Bari" races.
PRKlookYui Rail 1-Day Digital Ticket (Okinawa)A QR ticket for unlimited monorail rides for one day, handy for getting between Naha Airport and the cityView on KlookPRKlookEasy Ryuso (Traditional Okinawan Costume) Experience & Photo Shoot (Naha)Wear ryuso, traditional Okinawan costume, and have photos taken at a shop 8 minutes' walk from Kokusai-doriView on KlookA thrilling race in which brightly colored dragon boats, fitted with dragon heads and tails, paddle off in unison to the sound of gongs and chants. The "Hon Bari" on the final day, in which boats from Naha's traditional districts (Kume, Naha and Tomari) compete, is the climax of the festival.
2026 (52nd) example. Only the first day starts at 9:30 (Naha City)
2026 example. It used to run until 21:00, but in 2026 it was scaled down and changed to close at 19:00
In 2026, held on May 5 together with the General A and B divisions. Check each year's official announcement for times
Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.
PRKlookYui Rail 1-Day Digital Ticket (Okinawa)A QR ticket for unlimited monorail rides for one day, handy for getting between Naha Airport and the cityView on KlookPRKlookEasy Ryuso (Traditional Okinawan Costume) Experience & Photo Shoot (Naha)Wear ryuso, traditional Okinawan costume, and have photos taken at a shop 8 minutes' walk from Kokusai-doriView on KlookAccommodation in Naha fills up and prices rise during Golden Week. Booking early is recommended
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PR9.0
PR8.7Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
AquariumOkinawa ・ Tomigusuku
An aquarium inside the iias Okinawa Toyosaki shopping center, about 20 minutes by car from Naha Airport. Opened in 2020, it combines spatial effects using video and light with hands-on encounters with marine life. It's open until 19:00, making it easy to drop by on your arrival day or before departure.
Theme parkOkinawa ・ Nanjo
A theme park in Nanjo City in the south of Okinawa Island, centered on the Gyokusendo limestone cave. Besides exploring the cave, you can watch Eisa dance and try crafts in the Ryukyu Kingdom castle town lined with old houses, visit the Habu Museum Park, and experience Okinawa's nature and culture all in one place. It's about 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
February–MarchOkinawa ・ Naha
Usually February 1 to late February (the Yomiuri Giants' Naha camp runs from mid-February to early March)
August–SeptemberOkinawa ・ Naha
Usually three days, Friday to Sunday, on the weekend after the lunar Obon (late August to early September)
OctoberOkinawa ・ Naha
Usually the three-day weekend around Sports Day (formerly Health and Sports Day) in October. The tug-of-war is on the Sunday in the middle of the long weekend
2026 (56th): Oct 10 (Sat) – Oct 12 (Mon, holiday); Hatagashira procession and tug-of-war on Oct 11 (Sun)
DecemberOkinawa ・ Naha
Usually the first Sunday of December
2026 (40th anniversary race): Dec 6 (Sun), 9:00 start
Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.
Last checked: 2026-09-30
