Shurijo Castle Restoration Festival flyer (Photo courtesy of Shurijo Castle Park)
Nearly six years since a devastating fire damaged Okinawa’s iconic Shurijo Castle, a 3-day event festival will commemorate its ongoing restoration.
From Nov. 1-3, the Shuri Castle Restoration Festival will be held on the castle grounds and several other Naha City locations.
To kick off the event, on Nov.1, a king and queen will welcome visitors at Hoshinmon, which leads to the main palace of the castle. Enjoy the festivities with traditional dance and live music performances creating a classic atmosphere.
On Nov. 2, the king will lead a parade on Kokusai Street with a total of 450 followers dressed in traditional attire. That evening, enjoy live music, food and drinks at the castle park’s grassy field.
The last day, Nov. 3, a “Koshiki Gyoretsu” (traditional style parade) will follow as the king visits three temples around the castle to pray for the peace and rich harvest just like the king did during the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429 – 1879).
Throughout the festival days, those interested in Awamori liquor can learn more at Zenikura, a storehouse in the castle park where the valuable liquor was stored during the Ryukyu Kingdom. An awamori ambassador is set to lecture on the topic throughout the event at this location.
In September of 2025, almost six years since the devastating fire in 2019, the castle’s symbolic red roof was uncovered, offering a glimpse into its reconstruction.
Leading up to the festival, more portions of the main palace are scheduled to be revealed to the public.
Come to the Shurijo Castle Park and celebrate the continued success of the reconstruction!
Shurijo Castle Restoration Festival
Appearance of the king and queen
Date: Nov. 1
Time: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon (10 minutes each)
Location: Hoshinmon (26.216985, 127.718847)
Ryukyu Ocho Emaki Gyoretsu (parade)
Date: Nov. 2
Time: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Kokusai Street (26.216674, 127.689416)
Umui no hi lantern yoichi (lantern night event)
Koshiki Gyoretsu (parade)
Date: Nov. 3
Time: 12:50 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: The parade will start at Hoshinmon (26.216985, 127.718847), go through Shureimon (26.218142, 127.716877) before reaching Ryutan-dori (26.220360, 127.717287)
Ryukyu Awamori no Iki in Zenikura (lecture on Awamori)
*A tour of the festival by MCCS Tours+ (https://www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/dining-entertainment/tours/on-island-tours) is available.
AloJapan.com