The Naha Great Tug-of-War (Naha Otsunahiki) is one of Okinawa’s most extraordinary spectacles — a centuries-old festival in which tens of thousands of people heave on a colossal rice-straw rope right down the middle of Naha’s main avenue. The rope is so enormous (around 200 m long and 40+ tonnes) that it holds a Guinness World Record, and pulling it is said to bring good fortune. Held over the October sports-day weekend, the festival also features parades, eisa and fireworks, drawing huge, joyful crowds.

This guide covers the festival, the giant rope, what to see, the dates and how to get there.

🗓️ Quick Reference
When October (Sports Day long weekend)
Where Route 58, Kumoji intersection, Naha
Highlight Pulling the Guinness-record giant rope
Admission Free
Good for Festivals, culture, big crowds

The giant rope

  • The rope is a colossal rice-straw cable around 200 m long and over 40 tonnes — a Guinness World Record holder.
  • It’s formed by joining a huge “male” and “female” rope with a great wooden pin before the pull begins.
  • After the contest, people cut off pieces of the rope to keep as good-luck charms.

The festival & what to see

  • The main pull: an east-vs-west contest with tens of thousands of hands on the rope, in a set time limit.
  • Parade and “ufuncha”: costumed processions, flag-bearers, gongs and traditional performances beforehand.
  • Eisa and fireworks round out the festival weekend — see our eisa guide .

Dates & tips

  • Held over the October Sports Day weekend at the Kumoji intersection on Route 58 in Naha.
  • It’s extremely crowded — arrive early, mind your belongings and stay hydrated.
  • Anyone can join the pull, but expect a dense, energetic crush of people.
  • Confirm the exact date and program each year.

Combine your visit

The festival is central and easy to pair:

How to get there

  • Yui Rail monorail → Kencho-mae or Miebashi Station, near the Kumoji intersection.
  • Expect road closures and crowds; allow extra time.