Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival 2027: World's Largest Rope, Okinawa

Naha Otsunahiki (那覇大綱挽) uses the Guinness-recognized world's largest rice-straw rope — 200 metres long, 1.58 metres thick at centre, 40 tonnes in weight — pulled across Kumoji Intersection on Naha's National Route 58 by 15,000 participants. The rope dates to the Ryukyu Kingdom era, when east-west city teams decided the following year's harvest fortunes. The main tug is a 30-minute time-limited battle; audience members can grab the rope's branch-ropes and join in. 2027 falls on Oct 9-11, with the main tug on Sunday Oct 10.

Quick facts: Naha Otsunahiki 2027

History + what makes Naha Otsunahiki special

The tug of war dates to the 17th-century Ryukyu Kingdom, when Naha was divided into east (Agari) and west (Iri) districts whose annual tug settled disputes and prophesied the next year's rice yield. The modern revived version — 1971 onward after a 20-year WWII hiatus — uses a specially woven rope made from 28 tonnes of fresh rice straw harvested each August in Yomitan Village. Both halves are joined in the ceremony with a 'kanuchi-bo' iron pin before pulling begins. The 30-minute battle ends in a measured victory (metres gained) or a draw. Participants are welcomed to join — foreigners especially encouraged — just show up by 2 PM Sunday.

• ●Rope stats — 200m long, 1.58m thick, 40 tonnes, Guinness-recognized since 1995
• ●Participation — anyone can grab a branch-rope (migi-nawa) and pull; no registration needed
• ●Hatagashira parade — 14 giant decorated flag-poles leading the morning parade
• ●Souvenir — small rope segments distributed after the battle as good-luck charms (first come, first served)

Getting to Naha

• ●Flight from [Tokyo](https://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?ss=Tokyo&aid=8095781&label=auto-tokyo-autolink&nflt=review_score%3D80&order=popularity) — JAL/ANA/Peach Haneda to Naha: 2h45m, ¥14,000-45,000 (Peach cheapest). Daily 20+ flights.
• ●Flight from [Osaka](https://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?ss=Osaka&aid=8095781&label=auto-osaka-autolink&nflt=review_score%3D80&order=popularity) — Kansai or Itami to Naha: 2h15m, ¥10,000-32,000.
• ●Monorail from airport — Yui Rail from Naha Airport to Kencho-mae (festival): 15 min, ¥340.
• ●Driving — Okinawa Expressway from Naha Airport to Kumoji exit: 15 min; parking during festival is near-impossible, use monorail.

What to eat — Okinawan specialities

Naha's food scene is distinct from mainland Japan — American wartime influence meets Ryukyu royal cuisine. Festival-week street food lines Kokusai-dori nightly, but Makishi Market and Sakaemachi Arcade are where locals eat.

• ●Okinawa soba — thick wheat noodles in pork broth with sanmai-niku (3-layer pork belly); Shuri Soba ¥700-1,100
• ●Taco rice — American-fusion rice bowl with seasoned beef, lettuce, salsa, cheese; Charlie Taco Yomitan ¥950
• ●Chanpuru — Okinawan stir-fry (goya/tofu/pork); Yunangi Kokusai-dori ¥850
• ●Rafute — slow-braised pork belly in brown sugar + awamori; Umikaji Terrace Senaga ¥1,400
• ●Blue Seal ice cream — American-era brand, salt chinsuko flavor is iconic, ¥380 at the Makishi flagship

Bookable experiences — Festival weekend + Okinawa

The tug-of-war weekend is the perfect anchor for a 4-5 day Okinawa trip. Combine with Shuri Castle restoration tours (ongoing 2026-2029), snorkeling the Kerama Islands, or a 1-night Churaumi Aquarium north-island excursion.

• ●Hatagashira Parade front-row viewing — Kokusai-dori sidewalks, 11 AM Sunday, free
• ●Kerama Islands snorkeling day trip — ¥9,500-14,000 via Klook; departs Tomari Port 8:30 AM
• ●Shuri Castle rebuild [tour](https://www.klook.com/en-US/search/?query=Japan&tp_sub=japan) — ¥500 entry + guided ¥1,200 Japanese/English, special wartime restoration access
• ●Churaumi Aquarium bus day trip — ¥7,500 Klook including transit + entry; combine with Cape Manzamo scenic stop

FAQ

• ●Can [tour](https://www.klook.com/en-US/search/?query=Japan&tp_sub=japan)ists join the tug? Yes — just show up at Kumoji Intersection by 2 PM Sunday and grab a branch-rope. No registration.
• ●Which side should I pull — East or West? Both equally welcome; join whichever is closer when you arrive.
• ●Any typhoon risk? Yes — October in Okinawa carries 20% typhoon probability. Book flexible-cancel flights/hotels.
• ●What should I wear? Comfortable shoes, hat, sunblock (28°C midday), gloves optional for rope grip.
• ●Where are the best photo spots? Kencho-mae overpass (elevated view of the rope + crowd) or any Kokusai-dori side-street rooftop cafe.
• ●Is Shuri Castle open? Partial access during 2026-2029 restoration; ongoing exhibits + viewing deck of the reconstruction work.
• ●Family-friendly? Yes — kids are welcome at the tug (lightest pullers go in the center-end sections for safety).
• ●Rain policy? Light rain, festival continues. Typhoon warning triggers cancellation (no makeup date).
• ●Can I bring the souvenir rope piece on an airplane? Yes — straw rope is permitted in checked and carry-on luggage.
• ●[JR Pass](https://www.klook.com/en-US/activity/6415-japan-rail-pass-jr-pass-japan/) applicable? No — Okinawa has no JR trains; use Yui Monorail (¥800 day pass) and local buses or rental car.