Ryukyu Yokai 2025 (Photo courtesy of Murasaki Mura)
Summer is considered a spooky season in Japan and Okinawa. Locals seek a chill through Kimodameshi (test of guts) in an effort to have a break from the steamy heat.
At Murasaki Mura, an Okinawan history and culture theme park, visitors can enjoy Ryukyu Yokai lantern festival through Aug. 31.
Though you may recognize the venue for its yearly winter lantern festival featuring dance and floral-shaped, in the summer, it’s all about the monsters.
The summer festival promises some ghostly “Majimun (demons of Ryukyu)” lanterns set along the classic Ryukyu landscape replicas.
Stroll along the paths to enjoy the intricate lanterns created by Hiroaki Fukushi, a renowned lantern maker from Aomori Pref. known for the gigantic displays used in the Aomori Nebuta Festival every year.
Among the 26 lanterns, one depicting Kijimunna, a red-haired child demon, believed to live on a gajumaru tree (Chinese banyan), will be on display. You can also have fun collecting stamps by finding each of the demons.
Fukushi’s lively depiction of the lantern demons will give you the chills and take you back to the old days of Okinawa. Head to Murasaki Mura for a chilly, fun time!
Ryukyu Yokai 2025
Location: Murasaki Mura (26.407087, 127.719843)
Dates: July 19 – Aug. 31
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. (last admission at 9:30 p.m.)
Admission fee: 1,800 yen (approx. $12.36) for adults, 700 yen for high school and middle school students, 600 yen for elementary school students, free admission for infants.
