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Event Guide · Okinawa

Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival

OctoberNaha2026 (56th): Oct 10 (Sat) – Oct 12 (Mon, holiday); Hatagashira procession and tug-of-war on Oct 11 (Sun)
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Overview

Overview

An event with more than 500 years of history that carries on the tug-of-war of Naha's four towns from the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and one of Naha's three great festivals. The rice-straw rope, about 200 m long and weighing about 40 tons in total, is recognized by Guinness as the "world's largest rope made of rice straw." National Route 58 is closed off, and huge crowds of pullers split into East and West teams to pull against each other. On the days before and after, there are also the Hatagashira banner procession, a traditional performing arts parade and a citizens' festival at Onoyama Park.

When
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
Confirmed dates: 2026 (56th): Oct 10 (Sat) – Oct 12 (Mon, holiday); Hatagashira procession and tug-of-war on Oct 11 (Sun)
Venue
Kumoji Intersection on National Route 58 (tug-of-war), Kokusai-dori (Hatagashira procession), Onoyama Park (related events)
Official website
https://www.naha-otsunahiki.org/
Highlights

Highlights

After the "shitaku," dressed as historical figures, strike dramatic poses atop the rope, the female and male ropes are joined with the "kanuchi-bo," a pin about 40 cm in diameter, and at the signal of the gongs everyone pulls at once. It's an overwhelming moment. Spectators can also join in as pullers, and taking home a piece of the rope afterward is said to bring happiness.

Times

Times

Hatagashira procession (Kokusai-dori)10:25–12:55

Scheduled for October 11, 2026 (Naha Otsunahiki Preservation Society)

Naha Great Tug-of-War (Kumoji Intersection, Route 58)13:30–16:10

Scheduled for October 11, 2026. The tug-of-war follows a ceremony and performances by the "shitaku" (Naha Otsunahiki Preservation Society)

Traditional Performing Arts Night Parade & Citizens' On-StageOctober 10

Scheduled for 2026. Check official announcements for times

Traffic restrictions on Route 5814:30–19:00

2025 example (Matsuyama Intersection to Izumizaki Intersection). In 2025, Kokusai-dori was also restricted from 11:30 to 14:00

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Visitors can join the tug-of-war. It gets extremely crowded around the rope, with lots of pushing, so those with small children or who are less physically strong should watch from a distance for safety
  • ✓Taking home a piece of the rope after the tug-of-war is said to bring happiness, but bringing blades (kitchen knives, knives, scissors, etc.) to the venue is prohibited (2025 guidance). Just take home some straw you can pull out by hand
  • ✓The Hatagashira procession takes place on Kokusai-dori from the morning; the highlights are the skill of hoisting the tall banner poles and the performances
  • ✓Traffic is restricted on Route 58 and Kokusai-dori, and there is no parking near the venue. Travel by public transportation such as the Yui Rail
  • ✓Naha is still hot in October. Protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated. Visitors are asked to avoid drinking too much alcohol
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Kenchomae Station (Yui Rail)About a 3–5 min walkClosest to Kumoji Intersection and the entrance to Kokusai-dori
  • Miebashi Station (Yui Rail)About a 5–10 min walkFor the north side of Route 58 and the middle of Kokusai-dori
  • Onoyama-koen Station (Yui Rail)Right outside the stationFor the citizens' festival venue at Onoyama Park
From major stations
  • Naha Airport: Yui Rail to Kenchomae Station (About 13 min)
  • Naha Bus Terminal (Asahibashi Station): Yui Rail one stop to Kenchomae Station, or walk (About 2 min (about 10 min on foot))
IC cards (Suica etc.)
Yui Rail and route buses accept OKICA as well as nationwide IC cards such as Suica (some route buses may not accept them)
Getting back
  • Kenchomae Station is extremely crowded right after the tug-of-war. It's easier to board if you walk to Miebashi or Asahibashi Station
  • Buses and taxis cannot pass through the area until the traffic restrictions on Route 58 are lifted (until 19:00 in 2025)
  • There is no parking near the venue, so avoid coming by rental car
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Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
The afternoon of the tug-of-war, especially along Route 58 around the start (total attendance is usually around 280,000)
Quieter times
The morning just after the Hatagashira procession starts, and the related events on the day before and the final day
Saving a spot
If you want to watch up close or take part, get to Route 58 1–2 hours before the start. You can enter the road once the restrictions begin
Time needed
About 5–6 hours from the Hatagashira procession through the tug-of-war. 2–3 hours for the tug-of-war only
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
October normals in Naha are lows of about 24°C and highs of about 29°C (reference values based on JMA normals). Some days are as hot as midsummer
What to wear
Short sleeves, clothes that are easy to move in and comfortable shoes (if you join the tug-of-war, clothes you don't mind getting dirty and non-slip sneakers). A hat and sunscreen are a must
Rain, snow & typhoons
It may be postponed or canceled if a typhoon approaches. The criteria have not been published
Where to check for cancellations
Naha Otsunahiki Preservation Society official website (https://www.naha-otsunahiki.org/), Naha City Tourist Association (Naha Navi), Naha Otsunahiki Festival Executive Committee office (Naha City Tourism Division 098-862-3276)
☁ Okinawa weather in October →
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !Bringing blades (kitchen knives, knives, scissors, etc.) is prohibited, and flying drones is prohibited (2025 guidance)
  • !Do not climb onto the rope. Follow staff instructions, and move away from the rope immediately if the pushing feels dangerous
  • !Take your trash home, or sort it and dispose of it in the designated places
  • !Avoid drinking too much alcohol and watch out for heatstroke
  • !Under Naha city ordinance, smoking on the street is restricted in areas such as around Kokusai-dori
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
  • !Smoking while walking is banned in many cities. Use designated smoking areas.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
In addition to temporary toilets, use the toilets in nearby shopping facilities such as Palette Kumoji. They get crowded before and after the tug-of-war
Lockers & luggage
Coin lockers around Kenchomae Station and Kokusai-dori fill up early. It's safest to leave luggage at your hotel before coming
Paying at food stalls
Most street stalls are cash only, so bring cash
ATMs
Many convenience store ATMs (Seven Bank, etc.) around Kenchomae Station and Kokusai-dori
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
The Route 58 venue is flat but extremely crowded, so for wheelchair and stroller users, watching from the less crowded outer edge is realistic
Food

Food

Local favorites
Okinawa sobaTaco riceSata andagi (Okinawan doughnuts)Blue Seal ice creamOrion Beer
Vegetarian & halal
Street stalls rarely have vegetarian or halal labels. Look up suitable restaurants around Kokusai-dori in advance
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
🏨 Where to stay during the event

Because it falls on a three-day weekend, hotels in Naha, especially around Kokusai-dori and Kenchomae, fill up. Booking early is recommended

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Naha Great Tug-of-War FestivalPR

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Attractions

Attractions in Naha

Photo coming soonAquarium

DMM Kariyushi Aquarium

Okinawa ・ 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 park

Okinawa World

Okinawa ・ 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.

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Events

Events & festivals in Okinawa

February–March

Okinawa Pro Baseball Spring Camp

Okinawa ・ Naha

Usually February 1 to late February (the Yomiuri Giants' Naha camp runs from mid-February to early March)

August–September

Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri

Okinawa ・ Naha

Usually three days, Friday to Sunday, on the weekend after the lunar Obon (late August to early September)

December

NAHA Marathon

Okinawa ・ Naha

Usually the first Sunday of December

2026 (40th anniversary race): Dec 6 (Sun), 9:00 start

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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

PRKlookYui Rail 1-Day Digital Ticket (Okinawa)Unlimited monorail rides for one day, handy for getting from Naha Airport to Kenchomae and Onoyama ParkView