Sonai/Hoshidate Villages (Venue of the Iriomote Island Harvest Festival)

Flow of the course

About this spot

This traditional event is held every year at a turning point in the lunar calendar in the two villages of Sonai and Hoshidate on Iriomote Island, giving thanks for the five grains and praying for a bountiful harvest the following year. In 2026 it will be held over two days, July 28 and 29. Ritual performances dedicated to the gods and prayer ceremonies handed down since the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom are conducted at the villages' sacred utaki groves and public squares, and it is considered one of the most important festivals of the year for the island's people. It is a valuable opportunity to encounter faith and performing arts rooted in island life, not overly commercialized for tourism.

Season & hours

Tips

Since the ritual is a sacred event for the local community, please follow any guidance or instructions when observing, and watch quietly and respectfully. Photography may be restricted at certain points, so check in advance. Nights on the island get very dark, so bringing a flashlight is a good idea.

Best time to visit

The ritual performances starting around 5:00 p.m. are the highlight. After sunset, the whole village is enveloped in a festive atmosphere.

Access & map

沖縄県 竹富町・西表島(祖納・干立)