Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department
While July and August are the peak months for Japanese festivals, visiting Okinawa in September — though still warm — means gradually cooling temperatures and plenty of events to enjoy, such as the “Okinawa All-Island Eisa Festival” in early September, the “Festival of the Moon” at month’s end, and the “Ginowan HAGOROMO Festival,” making September in Okinawa just as lively.
September in Okinawa is filled with the vibrant atmosphere of traditional cultural festivals.
Okinawa All-Island Eisa Festival
The three-day “Okinawa All-Island Eisa Festival” is preceded by two and a half months of Eisa Night events held every weekend across Okinawa. The “63rd Okinawa All-Island Eisa Festival” will take place from Friday, August 31 to Sunday, September 2 in Okinawa City, located in central Okinawa Prefecture.
Eisa dance groups give spirited performances with vigorous drumming and dynamic dancing. (Photo / Okinawa All-Island Eisa Festival)
One of the Eisa dance groups, the Kubota Youth Association of Okinawa City.
This three-day grand festival features traditional Okinawan music, with taiko drummers, sanshin players, dancers, and flag-bearers from all over the island giving it their all. With a wide variety of styles among the Eisa groups, the performances are truly spectacular. The final night of the festival also includes a fireworks show that brings the excitement to a thrilling climax.
In the two and a half months leading up to the “Okinawa All-Island Eisa Festival,” you can also enjoy Eisa Night events.
The grand Eisa performances attract many visitors, and if you happen to be traveling in Okinawa during the festival period, it’s a great opportunity to experience the local vibrancy.
Okinawa All-Island Eisa Festival
Parade
Time: August 31, 18:30–21:00
Venue: Huya Intersection area
Okinawa City Youth Eisa Festival
Time: September 1, 16:00–21:00
Venue: KOZA Sports Park Athletic Stadium, Okinawa City
Okinawa All-Island Eisa Festival
Time: September 2, 15:00–21:00
Venue: KOZA Sports Park Athletic Stadium, Okinawa City
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