Naha’s Great Tug of War divides a huge rope between east and west teams. The hatagashira flag procession and tug of war use different streets, so leave time to move between them.
Naha Great Tug of War dates
Usually October; tug-of-war date announced by edition
Usual annual timing
Dates and times use JST. Usual timing is not a confirmed next-edition schedule. Read the organiser’s programme for start times, tickets, postponements and cancellations.
Where to watch
Naha · 那覇
Kumoji intersection on Route 58; flag procession on Kokusai-dori
国道58号・久茂地交差点周辺
The rope event uses Route 58 near Kumoji Junction. The hatagashira flag procession is on Kokusai-dori, so it needs a separate viewing location.
The directions below use one representative location, not every venue entrance or the complete procession route. Use the official venue map for your ticket or programme.
Getting there by train or bus
From Naha Airport, take Yui Rail to Kencho-mae and walk towards Kumoji intersection. The flag procession is on Kokusai-dori, a separate viewing area.
Planning your visit
Decide whether you want the flags, rope event or both before choosing a viewing point. Follow event staff instructions around the rope and crowd routes.
This is an editorial travel suggestion, not a claim of a personal visit or a guarantee of the programme. When travelling from Canada, use your Japan arrival date to select the festival day.
What to look for
- Giant rope
- Hatagashira flags
- Community tug-of-war tradition
History and traditions
The event inherits tug-of-war traditions of Naha's four Ryukyu-era communities, associated with peace and maritime safety.
Photo: Docrings · Public domain. Original or supplied reduced image; no additional edits. See the original file for its date and context.
Nearby places to consider
Fukushuen Garden · 福州園
A Chinese-style garden commemorating Naha's links with Fuzhou.
Walk the garden before the tug, then follow festival pedestrian directions toward Kumoji.
The description and suggested visit refer to the first attraction listed. Other links are separate nearby options; festival traffic and opening hours may affect your plans.
Naha Great Tug of War questions
When is Naha Great Tug of War?
Usually October; tug-of-war date announced by edition. Usual annual timing is not confirmation of the next edition.
How do I reach Naha Great Tug of War by public transport?
From Naha Airport, take Yui Rail to Kencho-mae and walk towards Kumoji intersection. The flag procession is on Kokusai-dori, a separate viewing area.
Are the flags and tug of war both on Kokusai-dori?
No. The flags use Kokusai-dori; the tug of war takes place around Kumoji intersection on Route 58, reached on foot from Kencho-mae.
Official programme and sources
- Official reference · www.naha-otsunahiki.org ↗
- Official reference · www.okinawastory.jp ↗
- Official reference · www.fksn-okinawa.jp ↗
Shared source records reviewed October 3, 2026. Some official pages are in Japanese. JapanLiveNow’s English guide is independently edited; the organiser’s latest announcement takes precedence.