Step back in time this November and walk with kings and queens! The Shurijo Castle Reconstruction Festival returns from November 1 to 3, 2025, bringing the glory of the Ryukyu Kingdom right into the streets of Naha. 👑✨
What Is This All About?
It’s been years since the fire that took Shurijo Castle, and Okinawa is still rebuilding—with style. This festival isn’t just about history—it’s about pride, hope, and showing off some seriously fabulous robes that make modern fashion look lazy.
The festival features royal parades, live performances, and even a Lantern Walk that lights the path from Kokusai Street up to the castle. You’ll also find events for kids, Awamori tastings for adults, and traditional performances that could make your TikTok look like amateur hour.
The Ryukyu Dynasty Parade 👘
The main event! Watch the king, queen, Chinese envoys, and dancers dressed in dazzling costumes march down Kokusai Street. It’s like watching Okinawa’s version of a royal Netflix drama—except it’s real, live, and has better drumming.
🗓 When: Nov 2 (Sun)
🕛 Time: 12:30–14:30
📍 Where: Kokusai Street
The Classical Procession 🎎
On the final day, the festival recreates the king’s old ritual pilgrimage to nearby temples to pray for peace and good harvests. Expect elegance, tradition, and probably more hats than you’ve ever seen in your life.
🗓 When: Nov 3 (Mon, Holiday)
🕐 Time: 12:50–15:30
📍 Route: From Shurijo’s Hōshinmon Gate through Shureimon Gate to Ryutan Street
Other Cool Stuff 🌟
🥃 Awamori Event: Learn about Okinawa’s iconic spirit inside the old storage house, Zengura.
🏮 Lantern Walk: Join a glowing parade of lights from Kokusai Street to the castle.
🎭 Ryukyuan Performing Arts: Music, dance, and theater performances all weekend long.
🧒 Kid’s Gate Ceremony: Elementary and middle schoolers can help open the castle gates in the morning (reservation needed!).
🎮 VR Castle Tour: Time travel without breaking a sweat—just bring 500 yen.
Where and When 📍
Dates: November 1 (Sat) – November 3 (Mon, Holiday), 2025
Locations:
Shurijo Castle Park (1-2 Shurikinjo-cho, Naha)
Kokusai Street
Admission (Okinawa residents):
Adults ¥320 / High school ¥240 / Kids ¥120
(Free for residents 70 and above!)
If you ever wanted to feel like you’re walking through Okinawa’s royal history—minus the homework—this is the weekend to do it. Come for the parades, stay for the Awamori, and leave with at least 200 photos you’ll never delete. 📸
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.
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