The Shuri Castle Reconstruction Festival will once again light up Naha this autumn, running from November 1st to 3rd at Shuri Castle Park and Kokusai Street. The three-day celebration highlights the culture and pageantry of the Ryukyu Kingdom while also honoring the ongoing efforts to restore Shuri Castle, which remains under reconstruction following the 2019 fire.
The festival opens on November 1st with the appearance of the Ryukyu King and Queen at Hoshinmon Gate, followed by modern interpretations of Kumiodori, Okinawa's traditional performing arts, staged throughout the afternoon. Visitors can also take part in guided restoration tours of the main hall, offering a rare close-up look at the work in progress, and explore a VR experience that previews the completed castle expected in 2026.
On November 2nd, attention shifts to central Naha, where the Ryukyu Dynasty Picture Scroll Procession transforms Kokusai Street into a living stage. More than 450 participants recreate the grandeur of the royal court, including the King and Queen's procession, Chinese envoys, and traditional performance troupes. That evening, the Umui Lantern Night Market brings music, food, and lantern light to the festival grounds.
The final day, November 3rd, features the Ancient Procession through the Shuri Castle area, a reenactment of the historic "Three Temple Pilgrimage." Traditional performances and dedication ceremonies further showcase the enduring spirit of Okinawan culture.
A more detailed breakdown of what's on and where can be found on the official event website here. The site is in Japanese, but using the translate function on a browser like Google Chrome makes it easy to understand.
