Futenma Magu Reitaisai Festival

Event Overview

Futenma Magu is one of the prestigious Ryukyu Eight Shrines. The Futenma Magu Reitaisai is a major annual festival held on the 15th day of the 9th month of the lunar calendar. The shrine's origins are deeply mystical, linked to the Futenma Magu Cave, a 280m-long limestone cavern where ancient Ryukyuan deities were once enshrined. This festival features solemn Shinto rituals and the elegant performance of Ryukyuan dance.

Highlights

The main attraction is the combination of sacred rituals and the graceful Ryukyuan dance performed afterward. The dance, characterized by traditional rhythms and movements, is truly captivating. While the cave is the spiritual heart of the shrine, please note that cave viewing is not permitted during the festival. We recommend focusing your attention on the solemnity of the rituals and the beauty of the dance.

Schedule

The festival is scheduled for November 4, 2026. The ceremony is expected to begin at 13:00. Please note that the timing of the rituals and the dance performances may shift slightly depending on the progress of the ceremony on the day.

Venue and Access

The event takes place at Futenma Magu in Ginowan City, Okinawa.

• From Naha Airport: Take the bus from Naha Bus Terminal (Route 23 Gushikawa Line) and get off at the Futenma bus stop. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
• It is about a 5-minute drive from the Chubu Expressway North Nakagusuku IC.

Participation Tips

This is a rare chance to witness authentic Okinawan spiritual traditions. During the sacred rituals, please maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. The Ryukyuan dance is a highlight of the festival, so be sure to observe the elegant movements closely.

What to Bring & Etiquette

As this is a sacred Shinto event, we recommend wearing modest and respectful clothing. Please check the official website for the latest details. Since Ginowan offers many local food spots and sights, you may want to plan some local exploration around the shrine.