Ishigaki Matsuri, Okinawa Japan

On Ishigaki Island the largest festival of the year is simply known as Ishigaki Matsuri. For two fun filled nights Shinei Park becomes the festival grounds where many exciting cultural and musical events take place. At the park vendors line the paths taunting passers by with their delicious treats and silly but fun games.

The highlight of the festival s a large parade down City Hall Street, the main street of Ishigaki City. In the parade a single Ishigaki man balances a huge wooden pole while members of his festival group help to keep it from falling over with long sticks, its quite an amazing feat to see. Following these pole balancing troops are Yaeyama dancing groups performing traditional island dances and of course the high energy rhythms of Okinawa Eisa can be heard and seen everywhere.

From Ishigaki Airport: approx 15min by car
From Hirara Port: Approx 5min by car

Name of Venue: Shinei Park
Date: beginning of November
Contact: 0980-82-2672