The Ryukyu Lantern Festival is a light-up event held at "Experience Kingdom Murasaki Mura".
The vibrant streetscape of the Ryukyu Kingdom era is recreated, and a fantastical space illuminated by over 3,000 lanterns emerges from the darkness.

If you're planning a trip to Okinawa in the winter and wondering where to go, why not try one of Okinawa's classic winter events?
The time spent leisurely gazing at the warm light will surely bring joy to both your mind and body.

This article will introduce the highlights of the Ryukyu Lantern Festival, based on my experience visiting the festival.
*This text reflects the information gathered during a visit in 2022.*

<Table of Contents>
1. Head to Murasaki Mura! The parking lot is large and safe.
2. Highlights of the Ryukyu Lantern Festival
3. Admission fee and opening hours for the Ryukyu Lantern Festival

Show all table of contents

1. Head to Murasaki Mura! The parking lot is large and safe.

Murasaki Mura is located in Yomitan Village, in the central part of Okinawa. There is free parking available for approximately 200 cars.

Near the park entrance, you'll find a ticket office marked by a large green sign, where you can purchase your tickets.

The entrance is full of Ryukyuan charm. The lantern light adds to the atmosphere!
I had the stub of my purchased ticket torn off at the entrance, and then I entered the park...

2. Highlights of the Ryukyu Lantern Festival

Stepping inside the Ryukyu Lantern Festival, a wonderful world of lanterns awaited me. The time spent strolling along the cobblestone paths and gazing up at the lanterns was truly special! From here, I'll introduce some of the highlights of the Ryukyu Lantern Festival and some recommended photo spots.

2-1. Vietnamese Lanterns

The Vietnamese lanterns are a hugely popular spot where you should definitely take photos when you visit the park. You'll be mesmerized by the colorful and fantastical array of Vietnamese lanterns. You'll want to count them, wondering which color is best and how many there are!

As you pass through the gates of the "Kanade Theater," adorned with Vietnamese lanterns, you'll see a multitude of colorful Vietnamese lanterns hanging from the ceiling.

I spent some time watching the lanterns sway in the wind. It felt like I had entered a different world.

The path to the next point was illuminated by bamboo lanterns, which showed us the way.

2-2. Dragons and Chinese lanterns. The Angel Hall, painted entirely in red.

The next point of interest is the Angel Hall, which is strikingly beautiful with its all-red lighting.
　　　
Stepping inside the Angel Hall, a beautiful world of red unfolded before me. This warm red light is sure to soothe your soul.

Also, take a look at the lanterns decorating the banyan tree near this point.

Nearby, there's a lantern cafe that sells light snacks and drinks. Even though it's Okinawa, it can get quite chilly in the winter, so you can enjoy strolling around the park while staying warm.

2-3. Unique and pop lanterns

The Ryukyu Lantern Festival is packed with unique lanterns that will make you involuntarily exclaim, "How cute!"

The park features various lights, including "Yomiton," a character well-known in Yomitan Village, and Okinawan flower hats. One of its attractions is that even small children can enjoy strolling around the park.

There were many people taking pictures around the unique lanterns.

There's a resting area under the banyan tree.
Even familiar objects take on a slightly mystical atmosphere when lit up at night.

2-4. Lantern Object Contest

The "Lantern Object Contest" features handmade lanterns submitted through an open call, and attendees vote for their favorites.
Top finishers will receive luxurious prizes such as hotel vouchers.

The choice of motifs, such as sake bottles and whale sharks, is interesting, and the handmade feel is charmingly relaxed.
There were so many wonderful entries that it was hard to choose, but I cast my vote.
When you visit the Ryukyu Lantern Festival, I encourage you to find your favorite lantern!

3. Admission fee and opening hours for the Ryukyu Lantern Festival

The Ryukyu Lantern Festival is held annually from early December to around the end of March.
The 2024-2025 season will run from December 1, 2024 (Sunday) to March 31, 2025 (Monday).

The lanterns are lit at 18:00 PM every day, and the shop is open until 22:00 PM.
Entry is possible from 17:30, with the last entry at 21:30.

Admission to the Ryukyu Lantern Festival is 1800 yen for adults, 700 yen for junior and senior high school students, 600 yen for elementary school students, and free for infants.
*Please note that this is different from the daytime admission fee for Murasaki Mura (Adults 600 yen, Junior and Senior High School Students 500 yen, Elementary School Students 400 yen, Infants free).

Plus, you can get up to a 300 yen discount if you purchase online in advance!
For details, please see “Notices from the Career Support Office” onRyukyu Lantern Festival Official WebsitePlease verify.

The park is quite large and has stairs and cobblestone paths, so it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
This is an event that everyone can enjoy, whether you're with friends, your partner, or your family.

Ryukyu Lantern Festival (Experience Kingdom Murasaki Mura)

Address

1020-1 Takashibo, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL

098-958-1111

HP

https://lantan.ryukyu/

Business hours

17:30 - 22:00 (Lights turn on at 18:00, last entry at 21:30)

Remarks

Admission fees for 2024: Adults 1800 yen, Junior and Senior High School Students 700 yen, Elementary School Students 600 yen, Infants free.