Shuri Castle Festival, Naha Okinawa

Feel the pleasant autumn breeze, and visit Shuri Castle Festival to travel back in time to the Ryukyu Kingdom era! The special 3 day festival will feature Ryukyu dance performances and recreation of Ryukyu King Coronation Ceremony by Chinese envoys.

The historic Shuri Castle, destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 and then rebuilt to its original specifications, hosts this historic festival with events taking place on Friday and Saturday, as well as traditional performing arts on Sunday. The Shuri Castle’s Lower Courtyard becomes a designated performance zone’ for the festival, offering Ryukyu classical dances Friday, and then again Saturday. There is also Ryukyuan musical drama Friday evening and again on Saturday morning

Ceremonial events Saturday morning feature a procession of Chinese Investiture Envoys at. The procession takes place through the various gates around Shuri Castle and is no charge to watch, but there is a charge for those wanting to see the ceremony in the inner courtyard.

The highlight of the festival is a spectacular Ryukyu Dynasty Parade. Over 1,500 participants parade down the Naha’s famous Kokusai Street in colourful and beautiful costumes. The parade in Naha also gives a chance to see the dignified King of Ryukyu, elegant Queen. This part of the Naha festival is more than just a chance for the locals to dress-up, it is a revival of the prosperous Ryukyu Dynasty in all its glory!