Story Events in Okinawa by JNTO on 04 January 2018
Depending on when you go, Okinawa celebrates seasonal events across its islands. The beginning of the year is known for its floral blossoms, which coincides with the humpback whale migration.
Cherry Blossom Viewing
Nothing is more symbolic of Japan than a sakura (cherry blossom), and Okinawa is the first prefecture in Japan to experience the blossom each year as it’s the southernmost prefecture. There are hanami (cherry blossom festival) held from mid-January to mid-February at various locations throughout the prefecture. These festivities often involve many food stalls, and even stage events where traditional music and dance are performed.
Some of the best places on the main island of Okinawa for a hanami include Nakijin, Nago, and Yaese – these also happen to be sites of castle ruins. Nakijin is located on Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa, Yaese Park contains 500 cherry trees and is on the southeast coast of Okinawa, while Nago Central Park is located in the middle of Okinawa. There is also a cherry blossom festival in Yogi Park in Naha City.
The sakura in Okinawa is different from those on mainland Japan – the local kanhizakura variety sports a darker pink color, and its petals do not widely open.
Sanshin Day
On Sanshin Day (March 4), the prefecture celebrates its musical heritage by dancing kagiyadefu, a traditional dance, to the melody of the three-stringed sanshin – an instrument unique to Okinawa. The best place to watch this performance is at Yomitan village, when locals perform for the public at the cultural center.
Haarii (dragon boat races)
Haarii festivals have been held in Itoman City and Naha City for hundreds of years to pray for safe voyage and a good catch. Teams of a dozen crewmembers (oarsmen, helmsman, drummer) compete with each other during haarii in small dragon-shaped fishing boats called sabani. Haarii is also celebrated on Amami, Miyako and Yaeyama islands. Most haarii are held between late May and June, depending on the lunar calendar, except for Naha Haarii which is in early May.
