October marks the shift from summer, the peak season for beach activities, to autumn.
There are still plenty of beaches where you can swim, and there are also tons of tourist events planned.

1. Okinawa's main event in October: "Naha Tug-of-War Festival"

The Naha Tug-of-War Festival is Okinawa's largest traditional event, featuring the "Naha Tug-of-War" itself, as well as traditional performing arts with an exotic flair, such as Eisa and Samba, performed by numerous groups.

The main event is the "Great Tug-of-War," which boasts the world's longest straw rope, certified by Guinness World Records.
The sight of Okinawa's main highway, National Route 58, being blocked off, and citizens gathering in large numbers to pull a massive rope together amidst the waving of flags, is truly breathtaking in its magnificent scale.

In addition, the local symbol, the "flag bearer procession," takes place, and the vibrant sight of men lifting the flag bearers is a reflection of their way of life, making it another event not to be missed.

Events

Date	Usually held on the second day of October. *The event was cancelled in 2020.
Venue	Kokusai-dori/National Route 58, Kumoji Intersection

2. Okinawa October Featured Events

1. Shuri Castle Festival

The Shuri Castle Festival is a festival held in Shuri, which flourished as the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom, where you can enjoy the culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom through various events such as the "Ryukyu Kingdom Picture Scroll Procession" and the "Ancient Procession."
In particular, the "Ryukyu Kingdom Picture Scroll Procession," which recreates the splendor of the Ryukyu Kingdom era, is eye-catching with its dazzling costumes, making you feel as if you've traveled back in time to the Ryukyu Kingdom of that era.

Then, at the "Bridge to All Nations Lights" event, where Shuri Castle is illuminated with fantastical lights at night, you can enjoy a special nighttime atmosphere.

*The event will be held again in 2020 with revised content! Please check the official website for details.
→http://oki-park.jp/shurijo/information/detail/5477
Events

Date	2020 / 10 / 31 ~ 11 / 3
Venue	Naha City Kokusai Street and Shuri Castle Park

2-2. Okinawa Industrial Festival

The Okinawa Industrial Festival is one of the largest comprehensive industrial events in Okinawa Prefecture, bringing together Okinawan products such as food, awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor), and Shisa (Okinawan guardian lion) crafts.
Many tourists from outside the prefecture visit in search of their favorite attractions, making the area very lively.

After shopping, you can relax by sampling Okinawan soul food. With a beer garden where you can enjoy Orion beer, this is a must-see event for Okinawa fans.
Events

Date	Typically late October *In 2020, the event was scheduled to be held online via the portal site from October 24th to 25th.
Venue	Okuyama Park / Okinawa Prefectural Martial Arts Hall

2-3. Onna Village Churaumi Fireworks Festival

When you think of fireworks, you probably picture them in the middle of summer, in August, right?
The Onna Village Churaumi Fireworks Festival is held annually as a fireworks display that illuminates the "autumn nights" of the resort village of Onna.

The main event is, of course, the spectacular and colorful giant fireworks launched from the beach. You'll be captivated by the fireworks, which are even more impressive than you could have imagined.

Before the fireworks display, there will also be live performances by an orchestra and hula dancers, as well as Eisa dance performances by the youth association.
Events

Date	Typically held from early to mid-October. *The event was cancelled in 2020.
Venue	Onna Village Community Square

2-4. Urasoe Tedako Festival

The Urasoe Tedako Festival is a popular festival that showcases the history and traditions of Urasoe, featuring guest performances and a spectacular fireworks display at the festival's finale.

"Tedako" is an Okinawan dialect word meaning "child of the sun," combining "teda" (sun) and "ko" (child). It is said to be derived from the theory that the father of the king when Urasoe was the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom was named "Taiyo" (Sun).

The highlight of the festival is the "Urasoe Three Great Royal Dynasties Festival," which depicts the kings who were born in Urasoe. The grand scale of the event is truly breathtaking.
Events

Date	Typically held in mid-October. *The event was cancelled in 2020.
Venue	ANA SPORTS PARK Urasoe

2-5. Itoman Tug-of-War

The Itoman Tug-of-War is a Shinto ritual in which prayers are offered for a bountiful harvest, a good catch of fish, family safety, and good health, and the outcome of the competition is used to predict good or bad fortune.

With a total weight of approximately 10 tons, a maximum diameter of 1.5 meters, and a length of 180 meters, this massive rope is one of the largest in the prefecture. The tactics are unique; when the opponent is pulling the rope, one person will sit on it, resting and putting weight on it to prevent the opponent from pulling.

Also, before the tug-of-war, a parade called "Michizune" is held, featuring local dances and songs, as well as children's Eisa dance performances.
Events

Date	Typically held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar (Mid-Autumn Moon Festival) *The event was cancelled in 2020.
Venue	Between Itoman Rotary (Itoman Elementary School) and Shiroganedo (Prefectural Road 256)

2-6. Halloween Festa in Mihama

Halloween Festa in Mihama is an event where the entire American Village becomes the stage, and people of all nationalities, from Japanese to foreigners, gather in their own unique costumes.

A costume contest where participants post photos of themselves in costume on Instagram, with winners receiving prizes such as cash, a pair of hotel accommodation vouchers, and meal vouchers, is a huge hit every year.

In addition, there are special sales and events held only on that day.
Events

Date	Typically held on October 31st each year. *The event was cancelled in 2020.
Venue	Mihama American Village

2-7. Iheya Moonlight Marathon

The Iheya Moonlight Marathon takes place from dusk to night, making it an accessible event for marathon beginners and women who are concerned about the sun.

In addition to the marathon, the event is also enlivened by traditional village performing arts and live events featuring guest performers.
Events

Date	Typically held from early to late October. *The event was cancelled in 2020.
Venue	Iheya Village (Iheya Island, Nofu Island)

2-8. Kumejima Marathon

The Kumejima Marathon is a race that anyone can easily enter, with four events: full marathon, half marathon, 10km, and 5km.
The course features routes that run along the emerald green coastline and through sugarcane fields, a symbol of Okinawa, allowing you to enjoy the tropical atmosphere unique to Kumejima Island.
Events

Date	Typically held in October. *The event was cancelled in 2020.
Venue	Kumejima