Anyone interested in the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom should not miss the festival and parade taking place this weekend in Shurijo Castle and Kokusai Street in Naha. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience the grandeur, history, and romance of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

The “Shurijo Castle Restoration Festival” in the Shurijo Castle Park is held over three days from Saturday through Monday, featuring programs showcasing the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The programs include a variety of events, such as shishimai (lion dance) and hatagashira (banner pole) performances.

Event name: Shurijo Castle Restoration Festival
Date: Nov. 2 (Sat.) - Nov. 4, 2024
Place: Shurijo Castle Park
Admission: Free (required for the park's paid area only)

Ryukyu Dynasty Picture Scroll Procession

The festival begins on Saturday, with the “Ryukyu Dynasty Picture Scroll Procession” on Kokusai Street when the king and queen, followed by Chinese envoys (sapposhi) dressed in colorful Ryukyu Kindom-era costumes, with some 1,000 people in their entourage, proceed the length of the Naha’s main strip.  The entourage includes traditional performing arts troupes.

Date: Sunday, Nov. 2, 2024
Time: 12:30-14:30
Place: Kokusai Street (Naha City) (Street closed for cars 12:00-15:00)

Ryukyu Dynasty Festival in Shuri
Koshiki Gyoretsu (Traditional Procession)

A re-enactment of the “Three Temples’ Pilgrimage Procession,” in which the King pays homage to three temples located under Shurijo Castle to pray for peace and a good harvest. The procession departs from Shurijo Castle Park and parades around the Shurijo Castle town.

Date: Monday, Nov. 4, 2024
Time: 12:50-15:30
Place: From Houshinmon Gate to Shureimon Gate and to Ryutan Street