A stirring sabani race, carrying prayers for the sea as three mura compete
Itoman Hare
The 2026 edition of Itoman Hare has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/06/18Ended
- Season / frequency
- day 4 of lunar month 5 (Yukkanuhi) / Every year
- Location
- Itoman Fishing Port, Central Area
- Area
- Okinawa Prefecture・Itoman City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 30 min–3 h · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Last updated
- 2026/11/11
Itoman Hare is a traditional boat-racing event in Itoman. Participants row sabani boats to give thanks for the bounty of the sea and pray for a good catch and safe voyages.
About Itoman Hare
Itoman Hare is a dragon-boat race held on “Yukkanuhi” day 4 of lunar month 5, with prayers of thanks for the bounty of the sea, for a good catch, and for safe voyages.
In Aza Itoman, one of the events held in Itoman City, three mura made up of old settlements—Nishimura, Nakamura, and Shinjima—compete in the races.
As a representative example of Okinawa’s traditional folk beliefs and boat-rowing events, it was designated an Itoman City Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 2012.
Festival highlights
One highlight is the moment a flag is lowered from Santinmō, overlooking Itoman Fishing Port, to signal the start of the Ugwan Barē.
This is followed by the Youth Group Hare and Kunnukasē, a capsizing race, as well as Agaisūbu, in which the best rowers from each mura take part.
A distinctive feature is the stirring spectacle of rowers from three mura racing across the water in sabani boats.
A stirring sabani race, carrying prayers for the sea as three mura compete
What to expect
During the event, rowers from three mura ride sabani boats used for Hare races and compete against one another.
The Ugwan Barē begins at the signal from Santinmō, followed by the Youth Group Hare, Kunnukasē, and Agaisūbu.
Kunnukasē refers to a capsizing race, while Agaisūbu features the best rowers from each mura.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Itoman Fishing Port, Central Area — 603-1 Aza Itoman, Itoman City
- Train and bus
In 2026, a shuttle bus will run from the North District parking lot to the venue.
- By car
In 2026, traffic restrictions will be in place on nearby roads from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Parking
In 2026, temporary public parking lots will be set up in the North and South Areas of Itoman Fishing Port
Address 603-1 Aza Itoman, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 Event Information (The listed dates have passed)
The event was announced as scheduled for June 18 (Thursday) in 2026, with the opening ceremony at 9:15 a.m. and competitions beginning at 10 a.m. with the Ugwan Barē.
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Okinawa Prefecture / Itoman City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
ひめゆり平和祈念資料館
沖縄県糸満市にある博物館
沖縄県平和祈念資料館
糸満市の平和祈念公園内にある博物館
Origins and History of Itoman Hare
Itoman Hare is one of the Hari and Hare events held throughout Okinawa, praying for a good catch and safe voyages on day 4 of lunar month 5.
In Itoman City, events are held in Aza Itoman, Aza Nashiro, and Aza Kyan. The event in Aza Itoman preserves a race between three groups of old settlements.
As a representative example of a boat-rowing event, it was designated an Itoman City Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 2012.
Official information
The Itoman City website page “Itoman’s Hari and Hare” provides an overview of the event, venue, cultural property designation, and links to information about events in each district.
The Itoman Hare Event Committee can be reached at 098-851-8339.
Itoman Hare at a Glance
Itoman Hare is a traditional Itoman event held on day 4 of lunar month 5, in which three mura race in sabani boats while praying for a good catch and safe voyages.
The competitions proceed from the Ugwan Barē to the Youth Group Hare, the Kunnukasē capsizing race, and Agaisūbu.
It is also designated an Itoman City Intangible Folk Cultural Property, preserving the traditions of the sea, local beliefs, and boat-rowing culture.
Sources and references
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/11/11
