Held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, Itoman Hare Uu is considered by many locals to be the most authentic haari festival in Okinawa, reflecting the city's deep identity as a fishing town. Three village districts — Naachiru, Meguru, and Nishimura — compete intensely, each with their own distinct dragon boat and crew. The atmosphere is raw and communal, with fishermen and their families treating the race as a matter of neighbourhood honour. Spectators line the breakwater walls of Itoman Fishing Port to cheer on their respective teams.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Matsuri
- Season
- Summer
- Month
- June
- Region
- Okinawa
- Prefecture
- Okinawa
- City
- Itoman
Highlights
- ◆Lunar calendar festival on the 5th day of the 5th month
- ◆Three rival fishing-district teams compete
- ◆Authentic local atmosphere with minimal tourist staging
- ◆Held at working Itoman Fishing Port
- ◆Deep connection to Okinawan uminchu (fishermen) culture