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🏮 Ryukyu Ocho Matsuri Shuri

琉球王朝祭り首里

Naha, Okinawa (Shuri Castle Main Hall) · Every year on 3 November

Traditional performing artsFloats

50 days to go
Rooms around Naha, Okinawa fill up while the festival is on.

The Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri is held in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, and is one of Naha's three major festivals along with the Naha Otsunahiki and Naha Hari. Operated by the Shuri Promotion Association, it offers a historical spectacle that feels like a trip back to the Ryukyu Dynasty era, and its biggest attraction is the ancient procession. This festival's ancient procession recreates the "Royal Visit to Three Temples" in which the king, on the third day of the New Year, prayed for the peace of the country and a bountiful harvest, and visited Engaku Temple, Tenno Temple, and Tenkai Temple. The procession itself is said to have originated in a more complete form 500 years ago during the reign of King Shoshin, when the Sanshikan official Haku Zaha Ufushu purchased a kago (palanquin) from China. On the day, the regent and the Sanshikan welcome the king and queen from the main hall of Shuri Castle, pass through Shureimon Gate, and board the palanquin. At the signal of the lead crier's announcement, more than 200 citizens dressed as ufushu, pechin, court ladies, Kikoe Ogami, and noro priestesses follow, joined by a musicians' group, and parade through the castle town of Shuri. Centered on a king and queen selected through open recruitment, a grand parade full of exotic atmosphere unfolds.

Getting there

About 30 minutes by route bus from central Naha, get off at the "Shurijo Castle Park Entrance" bus stop and walk immediately. Alternatively, about 15 minutes on foot from Yui Rail "Shuri Station".