Yonabaru Tug of War (Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
Come Aug. 3-4, the Yonabaru Ootsunahiki (tug-of-war) festival will be coming back to this town on the southeast coast of Okinawa’s main island for its 42nd installment.
Deemed as one of the three major tugs of war, along with those in Naha and Itoman, Yonabaru Ootsunahiki boasts more than 450 years of tradition. This event made a full-scale comeback in 2023, after being canceled or subject to some limitations for the COVID.
The two-day festival includes live music, food and game booths, fireworks, and more. Fireworks take place on Aug. 4, starting at 8:30 p.m. at Yonakohama Koen (see the coordinates below). The highlight is the tug-of-war that takes place in the afternoon of Aug. 4.
Before the tug of war kicks off at 5 p.m., Aug. 4, there will be a parade called “Michi June” on Routes 331 and 329 where the huge rope for the contest will be carried. Since this is a giant rope that weighs five tons and runs 90 meters in total, it will take a lot of muscle to carry. You can be part of the parade and help carry the rope. To do so, meet at the locations listed below by 3 p.m. on Aug. 4.
Locals dressed as historical figures will ride along on the rope. The sound of drums and trumpets will pump up the mood even more. It’s quite a sight to see!
The parade as well as this tug-of-war can be physically demanding, so be sure to wear shoes, not sandals.
Come to Yonabaru and pull the rope together!
Yonabaru Tug of War (Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
Yonabaru Tug of War (Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
Yonabaru Tug of War (Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
Yonabaru Tug of War (Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
Yonabaru Tug of War (Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
Yonabaru Tug-of-War Festival
Date: Aug. 3-4 (Tug of war takes place Sunday, Aug. 4, starting at 5 p.m.)
Time: Aug. 3: 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Aug. 4: 4 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Timeline for tug of war on Aug. 4: 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. (parade): 5 p.m. – (commence tug of war)
Venue for the festival: Yonakohama Koen GPS Coordinates (26.204370, 127.762748)
Venue for tug of war: Udun-yama Seishonen Hiroba (26.203938, 127.755739)
Meet-up areas for the parade: Achiri Hiroba mae (Team East, 26.201702, 127.757968), Oyakawa Hiroba mae (Team West, 26.202134, 127.756108)
*Parking spaces are available at four locations nearby including Nishihara Marine Park (26.208888, 127.767419), Yonabaru Elementary School at (26.204375, 127.755115), Yonabaru Marina (26.206333, 127.766249, subject to fees), and a separate parking space at (26.207275, 127.764465).
*Public transportation recommended
*Traffic restrictions are scheduled to be in place around the area on both days.
