The Shuri Castle Restoration Festival, a quintessential autumn event in Okinawa, will be held at Shuri Castle Park and Kokusai Street.
Typically held around Culture Day (November 3rd), in 2025 it will take place over three days, from November 1st to 3rd.
The event, long known as the "Shuri Castle Festival," saw a fire caused by an electrical short circuit in 2019 that destroyed part of Shuri Castle. To commemorate this event and express prayers for its reconstruction, the word "Reconstruction" was added to the name. The main hall of Shuri Castle, which has been undergoing extensive restoration, is finally scheduled for completion in the autumn of 2026.
Various events, including traditional processions and dances, are held, allowing visitors to enjoy and experience the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom. This article will introduce you to all the ways to enjoy the Shuri Castle Restoration Festival.

Ryukyu Kingdom Picture Scroll Procession

The "Ryukyu Kingdom Picture Scroll Procession" will be held on Kokusai Street in Naha City.
A total of 450 people, including the King and Queen of Ryukyu, the Chinese "envoys," and traditional performing arts groups, marched down Kokusai Street in a grand procession, recreating a magnificent picture scroll.
The costumes worn by the King and Queen of Ryukyu, as well as the carriages called "Uchu," are so dazzling and beautiful that you can't help but admire them.

The Ryukyu King rides in the palanquin adorned with a dragon, while the Queen rides in the palanquin adorned with a phoenix.
It might be interesting to compare the differences between them.

Date: Sunday, October 2th
Location: Kokusai Street
Time: 12: 30 to 14: 30

Traditional Procession [Ryukyu Kingdom Festival Shuri]

The ancient procession, "Ryukyu Kingdom Festival Shuri," is a recreation of the "Three Temple Pilgrimage," in which the King of Ryukyu visited three temples in the Shuri castle town to pray for the peace and prosperity of the country and for a bountiful harvest.
We will visit Engaku-ji, Tenkai-ji, and Tenno-ji temples, which are the ancestral temples of the royal family.
A man named Utenakajo, who is at the front of the procession, guides the group.
Behind them are the regent (Sissi), the highest-ranking official in the royal court who assists the king, and the three chief ministers (Sansikwan), who hold positions second only to the regent.
Then, the procession, including the King and Queen of Ryukyu, parades through the streets of Shuri Castle.
You'll feel a sense of nobility as you watch the procession of musical ensembles called "Lujigak" playing their instruments.

Date: Monday, November 3rd
Location: Shuri Castle Park, Hoshinmon Gate to Shureimon Gate to Ryutan Street
Time: 12: 50 to 15: 30

The King and Queen make an appearance.

The King and Queen of Ryukyu will appear at the Hoshinmon Gate, dressed in beautiful attire.
The name Hoshinmon means "gate to worship the gods," and it is the entrance to the Unaa (courtyard) where the main hall of Shuri Castle is located.
It is also known as "Kimihokori Ujō" (君高御門).
Of the three entrances, the central one was only accessible to high-ranking individuals such as the King of Ryukyu and envoys from China.

The sight of the Ryukyu King and Queen emerging from in front of such a gate, a symbol of power, is truly awe-inspiring.
Be sure to capture photos of the Ryukyu King and Queen in their beautiful attire, along with the impressive Hoshinmon Gate.

Date: Saturday, December 11th
Location: Hoshinmon
Time: 10:00~, 11:00~, 12:00~ (about 10 minutes each)

Ryukyu performing arts performance

At Shichanuunaa, a performance of "New Traditional Performing Arts," a modern adaptation of the traditional performing art "Kumiodori," will be presented under the supervision of Daiichi Hirata.
Kumiodori is a type of musical drama that combines chanting, music, and dance.
It was founded by Tamagusuku Chōkun and was performed to entertain the envoys from China who came to appoint the new King of Ryukyu.
It was designated as a National Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1972.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how this "modern version of Kumiodori," a contemporary adaptation of traditional Kumiodori, will be presented.

Date: Saturday, December 11th
Location: Shichanuunaa
Time: 13:00~, 14:00~, 15:00~, 16:00~ (about 30 minutes each)

The Association to Protect Shuri Castle from Ruin Commemorative Performance ~Connecting Hearts~

The "Association to Protect the Revived Shuri Castle," formed with the hope of restoring Shuri Castle, will showcase the traditions and powerful performing arts that have been passed down through generations.

Date: Monday, November 3rd
Location: Shichanuunaa
Time: Performance connecting feelings 11:00-12:00
　　　Dedicatory performing arts performance: 14:00 - 16:00

Shuri Castle Restoration Commemorative Stage

We will perform with the hope of restoring Shuri Castle.
This is a wonderful stage where you can feel each person's feelings about the restoration of Shuri Castle.

Dates: November 1st (Sat), 3rd (Mon)
Location: Shuri Morikan Lawn Plaza
時間：11:00〜11:30、12:30〜13:00、14:00〜14:30、15:30〜16:00

Date: Sunday, October 2th
Location: Shuri Morikan Lawn Plaza
時間：11:00〜11:30、12:30〜13:00、14:00〜14:30

Umuino Lantern Night Market

The theme is "light," and we hope to revitalize Okinawa while wishing for the reconstruction of Shuri Castle.
Lanterns were hung from the banyan trees in the lawn area of ​​Shuri Morikan, creating a magical atmosphere.
Stage entertainment will also be featured, which you can enjoy along with food trucks and draft beer.

Date: Sunday, October 2th
Time: 17: 00 to 21: 00
Location: Grass Square

Shuri Castle VR Experience

You can experience the completed Shuri Castle main hall through VR video.
Since you'll be able to see areas that are usually off-limits, it will be a very educational experience.
Since Shuri Castle's main hall is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2026, this may be your last VR experience.

Dates: November 1st (Sat), 3rd (Mon)
時間：10:00～12:00 、14:00～16:00（受付終了 15:30）
Participation fee: 500 yen
Location: Reconstruction exhibition room (paid area)

The essence of Ryukyu Awamori

This presentation introduces the charm of Ryukyu awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit) in a storehouse where the Ryukyu Kingdom government used to store awamori.
A mini-talk by the 39th Awamori Queen, Tomomi Miyashita, will also be held.

Dates: November 1st (Sat), 2nd (Sun), 3rd (Mon)　
Time: 10: 00 to 16: 00
Location: Zenizō

【talk show】
Date: Monday, November 3rd
Time: 13:30, 14:30 (approximately 30 minutes each)

Access to Shuri Castle Park

Cars and rental cars

By car, it takes about 25 minutes from Naha Airport and about 18 minutes from Kokusai Street (Makishi Station on the Yui Rail).
There are several paid parking lots around Shuri Castle Park.
Rates: Small cars: 400 yen for the first 60 minutes, 200 yen for every 30 minutes thereafter, maximum charge 800 yen.

Please be aware that traffic restrictions will be in place on Kokusai Street on November 2nd, and from Yamakawa Intersection to Toribori Intersection on November 3rd.

monorail

If you're taking the monorail, the nearest station is Shuri Station.
It takes about 15 minutes to walk from Shuri Station to Shuri Castle Park.

Transit Bus

If you use the local bus, it's about a 5-minute walk from the nearest bus stop, Shuri Castle Park Entrance bus stop.
You can access Shuri Castle Park from Shuri Station and the area around Kokusai Street via the Shuri Castle Town Line (routes 7 and 8), City Line (routes 1 and 14), and Intercity Line (route 346).

Use this article as a guide to fully enjoy the Shuri Castle Restoration Festival, and learn about the history of Ryukyu.