The 44th Yonabaru Great Tug of War Festival

What is the 44th Yonabaru Tug of War Festival?

The 44th Yonabaru Tug-of-War Festival is a traditional event in Yonabaru Town, which boasts a history of about 450 years and is one of the four major tug-of-war festivals in Okinawa along with Naha, Shuri, and Itoman. The spectacular sight of the ropes from the east and west being pulled together in a heroic display of pulling is a sight to behold, and is a prayer for good health and a bountiful harvest.

Event Outline

• Date: Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 2026
  • Tug of war: August 15 (Sat.) and 16 (Sun.), 2026
• Venue: Gotenyama Youth Plaza (Tug of War site), Yonagohama Park (Festival site)
• Admission: Free

Highlights

• Otsunabiki: A traditional ceremony of pulling a 90-meter long, 5-ton rope from the east to the west.
• Hatagashira: A parade of Hatagashira of each character parades through the town.
• Stage events: Live music and Eisa performances
• Fireworks show: Fireworks display that lights up the night sky (held every year)

Access to the venue

• Gotenyama Youth Plaza: 712 Yonabaru, Yonabaru-cho, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa
• Yonagohama Park: 77 Higashihama, Yonabaru-cho, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa
• Approximately 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport

Notes

Detailed program will be announced on the official website as soon as it is decided. Please check the Yonabaru Town website for the latest information.