2026 Fall Okinawa Naha Rope Festival

2026 Fall Okinawa Naha Rope Festival

Enjoy your choice of Japan Airlines’ “Economy” or “Premium Economy” class service. Premium Economy class customers will begin their journey with a relaxing visit to JAL’s “Sakura Lounge.”

• 9 Nights / 11 Days
• 17 Meals (9 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 5 Dinners)
• Escorted from Honolulu
• Includes an English Speaking Local Guide

TOUR DATE & MANAGER:

October 04 – 14, 2026
Tour Manager: Lisa McKee

NAHA ROPE FESTIVAL:

Long ago, tugs-of-war were held throughout the island to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and to pray for rain. The tug-of-war was a community ritual in which people of all ages took part, symbolizing Okinawa’s spirit of yuimaaru (cooperation). The Naha Great Tug-of-War is the highlight of the Naha Rope Festival, the largest cultural festival in the prefecture, which lasts for three days over a long weekend in mid-October. Its roots can be traced back to the 17th century, when the two rulers of Naha battled one another. Their battle is represented in the tug-of-war between the two factions from the East and West. In 1997 it was officially recognized in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest tug-of-war with the largest straw rope in the world. About 280,000 people visit the event every year, of which about 15,000 can actually take part in the pulling.

VISIT:

Kansai, Naha, Onna, Manza, Motobu, Nakijin, Kitanakagusuku, Itoman & Nanjo

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Shuri Castle, Ryukyu Mura, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Nakijin Castle, Okashigoten Onna Store, AEON MALL Okinawa Rycom, Naha Rope Festival, Himeyuri Peace Museum, Mabuni Hill, Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, Okinawa World, Gyokusendo Cave, Habu (Snake) Museum & Ryukyu Dance Performance

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES:

Shisa Painting, Ryusou Ryukyu Kimono Dress-Up, Ryuzen Zome (Coral Dyeing) & Okinawan Sweets Making

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES:

Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu