November Okinawa Event Roundup

Did you know that November in Okinawa has pleasant weather, making it the perfect time for sightseeing?
This time, we'll introduce a selection of events to enjoy in Okinawa in November.

1. Okinawa's main event in November: "Tsuboya Yachimun Street Festival"

The Tsuboya Yachimun Street Festival is a festival featuring discounted sales of "yachimun" (Okinawan pottery), performances of traditional Okinawan performing arts such as Eisa and hula dancing, as well as various other events such as pony rides and handmade crafts.

"Yachimun" is the Okinawan dialect word for pottery, and the highlight of the festival is undoubtedly strolling through Tsuboya, where countless yachimun pieces made from Okinawan clay are lined up. Yachimun, with its vibrant colors and paintings that evoke the image of the tropics, fully captures the charm of Okinawa.

Events

Date	Typically held on the first Saturday and Sunday of November. *Cancelled in 2020.
Venue	Tsuboya Yachimun Street - Suujigwa

2. Okinawa's Featured Events in November

2-1. Illuminations

Even in Okinawa, where it doesn't snow, November brings a magical winter festival with illuminations held at resort hotels and popular tourist spots throughout the prefecture.

I especially recommend "Stardust Fantasia," the largest illumination event in the prefecture, where one million lights envelop the vast grounds of Kanucha Resort.
The grounds are enveloped in dazzling light, and the colorful illuminations create a fantastical atmosphere, with different areas offering a unique ambiance.

In addition, the illumination of the Southeast Botanical Gardens, which was certified as a Japan Night View Heritage Site 2019 [Illuminated Night View Heritage Site], is another event that is attracting a lot of attention.

Kanucha Resort "Stardust Fantasia" Basic Information

Date	2020 / 11 / 1 ~ 2021 / 2 / 14
Venue	Kanucha Bay Hotel & Villas

Southeast Botanical Gardens Basic Information Basic Information

Date	10/30～5/9　※2019年は11月23日～2020年4月5日
Venue	Southeast Botanical Gardens

2-2. Okinawa International Carnival

The Okinawa International Carnival is a vibrant international event that offers something for everyone, from adults to children, to enjoy, centered around an exotic "carnival parade," along with live music, arm wrestling, and more.

The highlight of the event is definitely the carnival parade.
Various citizen groups, samba carnival teams, and foreign teams participate in a variety of costumes, creating a lively atmosphere from daytime onwards. The unique blend of different cultures creates a pleasant and memorable experience.
Basic Information

Date	Date for 2020 is undecided. *Typically held from November 23rd to 24th.
Venue	Koza Gate Street

2-3. Ishigaki Island Festival

The Ishigaki Island Festival is the largest festival on Ishigaki Island, held over two days.
Stage performances by artists, local schools, and samurai troupes, as well as the grand parade on the second day, are annual events.

The main event, the grand citizens' parade, lasted for about four hours, with many citizens participating in a vibrant procession. The appearance of Okinawan traditional costumes, in particular, attracted attention and highlighted the unique Okinawan atmosphere.

Furthermore, the event reaches its peak in the evenings with music performances featuring famous artists.
Basic Information

Date	2020/11/8 *Typically the first Saturday and Sunday of November
Venue	Shin'ei Park (4 Shin'ei-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture)

2-4. Tsuboya Pottery Festival

The Tsuboya Pottery Festival is an event where Okinawan pottery, known as "yachimun," is exhibited and sold.
I'm excited about the possibility of finding a rare bargain.
Basic Information

Date	Typically held around Labor Thanksgiving Day in November. *Cancelled in 2020.
Venue	Tsuboya Pottery Festival

2-5. Tanedori Festival

The Seed Planting Festival is a festival in which dances are performed as an offering to the gods to pray for the seeds to be planted and to grow successfully.
It is designated as an important intangible folk cultural property of Japan, and many visitors come from outside the prefecture to see it.
Basic Information

Date	Typically held around October or November of the new calendar year. *General public viewing was canceled in 2020.
Venue	Taketomi Island, Yomochi Utaki Square

2-6. Kuicha Festival

Kuicha refers to the folk songs and dances that have been passed down in Miyako Island.
The Kuicha Festival is a celebration of Kuicha dance, where local community groups showcase their unique dances, including traditional and modern forms, and spectators can easily participate.
Basic Information

Date	Typically held on the first Sunday of November. *Cancelled in 2020.
Venue	JTA Dome Miyakojima

sports events

Numerous marathon events are held throughout Okinawa in November. Most require pre-registration, so those interested in participating should start gathering information around springtime.
Even if you're not participating in the marathon, please be aware that it may be difficult to book flights and hotels during this period, and there may be traffic restrictions on the day of the event.

3-1. Tarama Island Marathon

The Tarama Island Marathon features four courses ranging from 5km to 23.75km, offering a fun and engaging environment for both professional runners and amateur runners to interact with each other.
Basic Information

Date	Usually held around late November *The 2020 event was cancelled.
Venue	In front of Tarama Village Office (starting point)

3-2. Sugar Ride Kumejima

Sugar Ride Kumejima is a bicycle race that takes place along the coastline and forest roads.
There are also courses available that are easy to enjoy, so you can fully experience the charm of Kumejima Island.
Basic Information

Date	Usually held around late November *The 2020 event was cancelled.
Venue	Resort Hotel Kume Island (starting point)

3-3. Yonaguni Island Marathon

The Yonaguni Island Marathon is an event where you can enjoy running while experiencing the rich natural beauty of the island, surrounded by the sea and mountains.
The traditional performing arts at the "social gathering" after the marathon are a must-see.
Basic Information

Date	Typically held on the second Saturday of November. *Postponed in 2020.
Venue	25km: Yonaguni Junior High School Ground (Starting Point) 10km: Nishizaki Lighthouse (starting point)

3-4. Sho Hashi Half Marathon

The Sho Hashi Half Marathon is a sporting event where participants can experience the nature, history, and culture of Nanjo City.
From the "Nirai Kanai Bridge," a scenic viewpoint along the course, you can soothe your body and soul with the magnificent view of the ocean.
Basic Information