Add to my calendarSave to Google, Apple or Outlook Calendar
The Shuri Castle Revival Festival (首里城復興祭) takes place in Naha from November 1 to 3, 2026. Royal processions, traditional performing arts and programs marking the castle’s restoration bring Ryukyu Kingdom history into the streets and castle grounds.
The main procession changes each day. Choose November 1 for the large parade on Kokusai Street, November 2 for the king and queen’s ceremonial appearance, or November 3 for a procession recreating a royal temple visit. Activities take place at Shuri Castle Park, Kokusai Street and other locations, so check the venue for each program before heading out.
Which day should you visit?
The three headline programs offer different ways to experience royal ceremony. If there is one you particularly want to see, build your visit around its confirmed time and location.
| Date | Main program | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, November 1 | Ryukyu Dynasty Parade (琉球王朝絵巻行列) | Around 700 participants parade along Kokusai Street, including the king and queen, a procession representing Chinese investiture envoys, and traditional performing arts groups. |
| Monday, November 2 | Ceremonial appearance of the king and queen (国王・王妃出御) | The royal pair appear in elaborate ceremonial dress. |
| Tuesday, November 3 — public holiday | Traditional Royal Procession (古式行列／琉球王朝祭り首里) | A recreation of the king’s procession to three temples to pray for peace and an abundant harvest. |
November 1: the large street parade
Kokusai Street is the setting for the opening day’s large procession. Alongside the royal party, the Chinese envoys and traditional performing arts groups evoke different parts of court ceremony. This is the day to choose if the street parade is your main reason for visiting.
November 2: the king and queen’s appearance
The second day features the ceremonial appearance of the king and queen. Check the official program for the precise location and viewing time; the festival does not have one common timetable for all activities.
November 3: a royal temple procession
The final day’s procession recreates the king’s journey to three temples. Its focus is a royal observance associated with prayers for the country’s peace and a good harvest.
Performances and restoration programs
The festival also includes stage programs marking the castle’s restoration, special restoration viewing tours and Ryukyuan performing arts. These give visitors more to consider beyond the headline processions.
General festival information says reservations are not required. For a particular tour or performance, however, check its individual participation instructions before making plans around it.
Use the official program information to confirm which performances and tours fit your chosen day.
Venues, transport and parking
The address below is for Shuri Castle Park, not every festival activity. In particular, the November 1 parade takes place on Kokusai Street. Match your destination to the program you want to see.
| Dates | November 1–3, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Venues | Shuri Castle Park, Naha’s Kokusai Street and other locations |
| Shuri Castle Park address | 1-2 Shurikinjocho, Naha, Okinawa, Japan |
| Access to the park | About a 15-minute walk from Shuri Station on the Yui Rail monorail |
| Hours | Vary by program; check the official timetable |
| Admission | Check the official information for the activities and areas you plan to visit |
| Reservations | Generally not required; check individual program instructions |
Driving to Shuri Castle Park
The listed parking capacity is 100 vehicles, with priority given to bus parking reservations. If the car park is full, use a nearby paid car park.
| Vehicle | Listed parking charges |
|---|---|
| Standard car | ¥500 for the first 60 minutes, then ¥250 per 30 minutes; maximum ¥1,000 |
| Large vehicle | ¥700 per 30 minutes; maximum ¥2,800 |
What to check before leaving
- Exact venue and start time: the festival spans several locations.
- Admission and participation details: confirm these for each activity, especially special tours.
- Weather updates: rain may lead to changes or partial cancellations. Severe weather, including weather warnings, can lead to cancellation.
Check the official festival page for announcements before setting out.
For a day spent using maps and taking photos, our d VALUE PASS and ChargeSPOT guide covers a power-bank rental option to look into separately. It is not a festival service.
Planning other outings in Japan as well? You can also read our Asoview campaign guide and Ghibli Park Exhibition guide. Check the dates and conditions in each before adding an outing to your plans; neither is part of this festival.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the Shuri Castle Revival Festival?
- It runs from November 1 to 3, 2026. Start times vary by program.
- Is admission free?
- The available information does not specify admission prices. Check the official festival page for the activities and areas you want to visit.
- Do I need a reservation?
- General festival information says reservations are not required. Check individual participation instructions for special tours and other programs.
- How do I reach Shuri Castle Park?
- The park is about a 15-minute walk from Shuri Station on the Yui Rail monorail. The November 1 parade takes place on Kokusai Street, so check your program’s venue before travelling.
- What happens if it rains?
- Rain may cause program changes or partial cancellations. Severe weather, including weather warnings, can lead to cancellation. Check official announcements before leaving.
Related Articles
Plan your next day out
See what else is on that day, that month and in the same area on our event calendar.
Add to my calendarSave to Google, Apple or Outlook Calendar
Get new articles by email
We will email you when a new deals article goes up. You can choose the categories, too.