Okinawa lights up the night sky!

Japan’s fireworks are known worldwide for their artistic qualities – perfect shape, exquisite colors and enormous size, as well as the poetic sense of ephemerality they produce. In many cases, a single firework changes colors two to three times after it is launched.

During the pandemic, the colorful displays were either postponed or put on as a surprise to avoid crowds gathering. This year, however, many cities around the country are bringing back their elaborate fireworks displays.

On Okinawa, COVID-19 is still casting a cloud, but some of the annual fireworks displays are coming back to light up the skies over the island. Catch the pyrotechnics at some of the local Eisa festivals or hosted by resort hotels.

Most events often offer other forms of fun, including food and game booths. While some fireworks events highlight tourist attractions, others go along with traditional local matsuri festivals. This summer, why not get off base and take in some of the local hanabi?

(Left) Photo courtesy of Huis Ten Bosch, (Right) Photo courtesy of Sumida-ku

*Due to the ongoing pandemic, the events listed below are subject to changes and cancellations.

Eisa & Summer Festival

Zento Eisa Matsuri (All Island Eisa Festival)

Date: Postponed until further notice

Time: TBD

Location: Okinawa City KOZA Sports Park (South of Kadena Air Base)

GPS Coordinates: N 26.333288, E 127.788523

*No parking available on site.

Website

Uruma City Eisa Festival

Date: August 27, 28

Time: TBD

Location: Uruma-shi Yonashiro Sogokoen Rikujo Kyogijo

   (near the Kaichudoro Causeway)

GPS Coordinates: N 26.328637, E 127.906171

*No parking available on site

*Fireworks expected to start around 8:30 p.m. on each day.

Kids Festival Adventure World

Date: Through August 14 (Closed on Mondays)

Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (close 9 p.m. on Saturdays)

Venue: Naminoue Umi-sora Park

GPS Coordinates: N 26.221570, E 127.667645

Parking coordinates: N 26.220488, E 127.664592 (maximum fee 500 yen for a day)

Website

Photos courtesy of Atsugi City

Fireworks event at Resort Hotels

Manza Natsuno Uchiage Hanabi

Date: August 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 24, 27, September 3, 10, 17, 24

Time: 9 p.m

Location: Ana Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort

GPS Coordinates: N 26.506035, E 127.859112

*Parking fee costs 3,000 yen per regular car or motorcycle

Natsu no Hanabi

Date:  August 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20

Time: 9 p.m. 

Location: Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort

GPS Coordinates: N 26.461109, E 127.811839

Parking fee: 600 yen per hour

Natsu no Hanabi Taikai

Date:  August 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20

Time: 9 p.m.

Location: Tiger Beach

GPS Coordinates: N 26.454355, E 127.806083

Parking fee: 500 yen