Okinawa Event Roundup for December

The best thing about Okinawa in December is the incredibly cheap prices!
Did you know that it's a perfect season for travel, with some days even feeling warm?

So, this time, we'll introduce some noteworthy events in Okinawa this December.

<Table of Contents>
1. Okinawa's main event in December: the "NAHA Marathon"
2. Recommended events in Okinawa in January
2-1. Itoman Peaceful Illumination
2-2. Lantern Festival
2-3. Christmas with Flowers
2-4. Camp Courtney Christmas Festival
2-5. Yomitan Village Pottery Market

Show all table of contents

1. Okinawa's main event in December: the "NAHA Marathon"

The NAHA Marathon, which has become one of Japan's leading marathons, is a citizen's marathon that attracts a large number of runners, with applicants pouring in from all over the country.

The goal is to complete a 42.195km full marathon, centered around the Peace Memorial Park, passing through five southern cities and towns: Naha City, Haebaru Town, Yaese Town, Itoman City, and Tomigusuku City.

The greatest appeal of the NAHA Marathon is undoubtedly the passionate support from the spectators along the course!
With performances by Eisa dancers and local bands, the course truly feels like a festival. Furthermore, the provision of local dishes such as Okinawan soba and Jushi (Okinawan mixed rice) further enhances the runners' spirits.

Events

Date	Typically held on the first Sunday of December. *The event was postponed in 2020.
Venue	National Route 58, Meiji Bridge Intersection (starting point)

2. Recommended events in Okinawa in January

Okinawa in December is packed with illuminations and Christmas events!

2-1. Itoman Peaceful Illumination

The Itoman Peaceful Illumination is a light-up event held at Uchina Farm in Itoman City. It began as a way to convey a prayer for peace through light from the site where the Battle of Okinawa ended.

The highlight is the illumination of numerous large main sculptures.
Colorful lights create a fantastical atmosphere, allowing you to feel a prayer for peace firsthand.

The Christmas shows, New Year's Eve countdown fireworks, and spectacular laser live performances are also very appealing.

Events

Date	Typically held from mid-December to around January 3rd. *No announcement has been made regarding the 2020 event.
Venue	Uchina Farm (formerly Itoman City Tourist Farm)

2-2. Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival is an event that warms up winter in Okinawa under the light of lanterns.

The venue is filled with countless lanterns and paper lanterns, recreating the vibrant streetscape of the Ryukyu Kingdom era from the 14th and 15th centuries. Stepping inside will surely amaze everyone as they feel as if they have traveled back in time.

In addition, various events are held, such as nighttime lantern stages featuring performers and lantern-making workshops. If you want to take a break, we recommend the nighttime lantern cafe where you can enjoy the famous jumbo yakitori and warm steamed meat buns.

Events

Date	2020 12 / 4 - 3 / 28
Venue	Murasakimura Experience Kingdom

2-3. Christmas with Flowers

When you think of Christmas, you probably picture a tree adorned with countless dazzling lights, right?
Here at Bios Hill, a Christmas tree made of flowers is displayed throughout the park every year.

Many people gather to take a look at the approximately 3-meter-tall Christmas tree, adorned with orchids and other flowers, with a luxurious purple dendrobium orchid at its center, and there is a constant stream of people with cameras in hand.

Incidentally, its flower meaning is "a perfect match."
Knowing the meaning of the beautiful Dendrobium orchid makes it a perfect choice for couples or married couples who are always getting along well.

Events

Date	April 2020 ~ October 11, 21
Venue	The stingray

2-4. Camp Courtney Christmas Festival

The Camp Courtney Christmas Festival is an annual event held at Camp Courtney, a U.S. Marine Corps base in Uruma City.

The festival features live performances, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, and authentic American food, creating a festive Christmas atmosphere throughout the base.

The main attraction is the opportunity to take photos with a high-quality Santa Claus, which is so popular that long lines form every year.

There are several rules and regulations regarding entry to Camp Courtney, such as the requirement to show identification and the prohibition of bringing in cooler boxes, so be sure to check them in advance before you go!
【Reference】U.S. Marine Corps in Japan - Event

Events

Date	Typically held over two days in early December (Saturday and Sunday) *The event for 2020 is undecided.
Venue	Camp Courtney, a U.S. Marine Corps base (Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture)

2-5. Yomitan Village Pottery Market

The Yomitan Pottery Market is an event where various "yachimun" pottery items, such as sake cups and flower vases, made by artisans, are exhibited and sold directly. It is jointly organized by Yomitanzan Kiln and Yomitanzan Kita Kiln, both located in the village of yachimun pottery.

"Yachimun" is an Okinawan dialect word meaning pottery, and these ceramics, adorned with vibrant, tropical-inspired designs, fully capture the essence of Okinawa.

At pottery fairs, the appeal lies in being able to look at and touch each piece, examine its design and texture, and even ask questions directly to the artisans who created it. The feeling of satisfaction when you find your favorite piece is truly overwhelming.

Events