Ahoy, Okinawa fans! 🐉🌊
If you love a good mix of tradition, intense paddling, and loud cheering, this one’s for you. The 41st Yomitan Village Haarii Festival is hitting the waves again on Sunday, June 1st, and it’s going down at the beautiful Uza Beach in Yomitan.
This isn’t just some friendly splashing-around-in-the-water event. Nope. It’s full-on competitive dragon boat-style racing with students, neighbors, and regular folks going paddle to paddle like their BBQ plans depend on it.
🏝 What’s This All About?
Haarii boat races are a classic Okinawan early summer tradition, meant to pray for safe voyages and big fish hauls. But don’t worry — you don’t need to be a fisherman to enjoy it. Just grab your sunscreen, a hat, and prepare to yell like your cousin is on the boat.
The races are split into three groups:
👨👩👧 General Teams
🏘 Local Neighborhood Teams
🎓 Student Teams
Dragon Boat Season is Here* Shop Okinawa Inspired Arts & Gift
Shop with us online and off line for one of a kind arts & gifts designed in Okinawa by local artists. Ship to Japan and overseas.
Each group takes their turn rowing in sync to the beat of a big ol’ bell. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it’s a great way to spend a Sunday morning without spending a yen.
📅 When’s It Happening?
Sunday, June 1, 2025
Start time: 8:30 AM (but, you know, island time… so let’s just say “around then”)
📍 Where to Go
Uza Beach
Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa
Address: 675 Uza, Yomitan-son
Waze it, Apple Map it, or just follow the sound of people yelling in rhythm near the water.
🚗 Parking Situation
Don’t worry, you won’t have to park three towns over. There’s temporary parking available:
🅿️ Zanpa Beach Parking Lot
🅿️ Grassy field right across from the beach
It’s not valet, but hey — it’s free.
Whether you’re in it for the tradition, the team spirit, or the thrill of watching people almost tip over in boats, the Yomitan Haarii Festival is one of those “only in Okinawa” experiences that makes summer start with a splash.
Just don’t forget your hat. ☀️🧢
Happiness in Okinawa Is…
A heart warming book that illustrates 365 happy moments about living on Okinawa. Now on sale on Amazon and in store.
Disclaimer
⚠️Disclaimer: Our passion for supporting local businesses drives us to share information about events in the Okinawa area. Please note that Oki Social is not responsible for hosting this event. It’s important to be aware that the event’s host reserves the right to make changes or even cancel the event without prior notice. Some photos and videos may come from various sources on the internet, whether official or unofficial. It is possible that some photos and videos may have been taken from the same event in previous occurrences.
Are you navigating the wild world of Social Media?
Fantastic! Glide on over and give us a follow on Facebook and Instagram. It’s like having a little sunshine in your digital life! And for the cherry on top, join our Okinawa Bucket List Facebook group. It’s your go-to spot for all the coolest, must-do activities in Okinawa. It’s like having a front-row seat to the best show in town, all from the comfort of your screen.
