Yonabaru Tug of War (Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
Come July 26 and 27, the Yonabaru Ootsunahiki (tug-of-war) festival returns to the coastal town for its 43rd installment.
Considered 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 two-day festival is packed with live music, food and game booths, fireworks, and more. The highlight is the tug-of-war that takes place on Sunday.
Before the tug-of-war kicks off at 5 p.m. on Sunday, 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 muscles 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 Sunday.
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 comfortable shoes.
Come to Yonabaru and pull the rope together!
(Flyer courtesy of Yonabaru Ootsunahiki Matsuri Unei Iinkai )
(Flyer courtesy of Yonabaru Ootsunahiki Matsuri Unei Iinkai )
Yonabaru Tug-of-War Festival
Location for the festival: Yonakohama Koen (26.204370, 127.762748)
Location for tug of war: Udun-yama Seishonen Hiroba (26.203938, 127.755739)
Date: July 26- 27
Time: July 26: 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; July 27, 1 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Tug of war takes place Sun., July 27, starting at 5 p.m.)
Timeline for tug of war on July 27: 4 – 5 p.m. (parade): 5 p.m. – (commence tug of war)
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.
