Guide
Irucha-yotirukuguchi is a traditional harvest festival held in the Jichaku and Uchibana districts of Izena Island, Okinawa, aligned with the 8th month of the lunar calendar. This festival is a celebration of gratitude for the year's harvest and serves to preserve the unique local rituals and cultural heritage of the island.
The highlight of this event is the deep connection to local history through its traditional rituals. The proceedings follow specific ancestral steps deeply rooted in the Jichaku and Uchibana areas. Visitors can observe the traditional ceremonial forms of Okinawa's remote islands, witnessing the way of life and seasonal rituals passed down through generations. We ask that visitors observe the ceremonies quietly and respectfully.
The scheduled date for this event is September 21, 2026. Please note that because the festival follows the lunar calendar, the date may vary each year. As the start time and specific program details may change based on local circumstances, weather, or community decisions, we recommend checking local information in advance.
The event takes place around the Jichaku and Uchibana districts of Izena Island. To reach Izena Island, you must take a ferry or high-speed boat from the main island of Okinawa (such as from Motobu Town). Once on the island, renting a car or using a taxi is the most common way to travel. The Jichaku Village Community Center/Accommodation is located approximately 10 minutes by car from Nakata Port.
This is a sacred local tradition. Visitors are expected to show respect to the community and observe the rituals quietly. As Izena is a remote island, please ensure you have secured your transportation (ferry schedules) in advance. If you plan to stay overnight, please book your accommodation early to account for limited availability during the festival period.
Most local facilities and services in the area are cash only. Credit cards and electronic money are generally not accepted, so please ensure you carry sufficient Japanese Yen (JPY) cash.
English language support is very limited. Most communication is conducted in Japanese. We recommend preparing a translation app for basic communication.
No reservation is required to observe the festival. However, if you wish to use local accommodations (such as the Jichaku Village community facilities), you must call ahead to confirm and book.
Please wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for the environment. When taking photos, please be mindful of the ceremony's progress and respect the ritualistic nature of the event by not obstructing the proceedings.