A celebration of Kuicha, where Miyako Island’s traditions and creativity resonate together
Kuicha Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/11/01Scheduled
- Season / frequency
- The first Sunday of November every year / Every year
- Location
- JTA Dome Miyakojima
- Area
- Okinawa Prefecture・Miyakojima 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.
- Highlights and activities
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A stage where you can enjoy Miyako Island’s traditional Kuicha from both traditional and creative perspectives. In 2026, the festival marks its 25th anniversary with a special program that includes guest collaborations.
About Kuicha Festival
The Kuicha Festival began in 2002 to pass Kuicha, a traditional culture of Miyako Island, on to the next generation.
It is held annually in Miyakojima City and draws people from beyond the island as well as local residents.
Centered on traditional and creative Kuicha, the festival offers an opportunity to experience a wide range of Miyako Island performing arts.
Source: クイチャーフェスティバル - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
A highlight is the program featuring both traditional and creative Kuicha on the same stage.
For its 25th anniversary in 2026, a special program combining traditional and creative Kuicha with guest collaborations is planned.
People of all ages dance at this event, offering a chance to experience Miyako Island’s performing arts in many forms.
Source: 「クイチャーフェスティバル」開催とチケット販売について - 宮古島観光協会公式情報サイト | Meets More MIYAKOJIMA
A celebration of Kuicha, where Miyako Island’s traditions and creativity resonate together
What to expect
In 2026, doors open at 3 p.m., performances begin at 4 p.m., and the event is scheduled to end around 7 p.m.
At the venue, you can enjoy performances by guests and participating groups, centered on the traditional and creative categories of Kuicha.
Food and drink are allowed in the table seating area, but not in the lawn seating area.
How to take part
At the Kuicha Festival, audience members can join the performers in Kuicha.
Information says that people of all ages and genders can take part using simple movements.
Traditionally, Kuicha is a communal performing art in which men and women sing and dance in a circle. A distinctive feature is that you can experience the movement of the circle rather than just watch.
You can enjoy the dance while following those around you and respecting this local tradition.
If you would like to participate, first visit the venue as an audience member, then join in with simple movements while watching the people dancing around you.
Kuicha is a performing art in which people sing together and dance in a circle.
The basic movements described include waving both arms, stamping your feet, and clapping.
年齢や性別を問わず参加できる案内があります。
Source: 宮古のクイチャー | 沖縄県 | 日本の文化遺産を探す｜国宝・重要文化財データベース / 【国指定：無形民俗】宮古のクイチャー｜宮古島市の文化財｜宮古島市
Location and access
- Venue and address
The Kuicha Festival is held in Miyakojima City.
Event venue 沖縄県宮古島市 JTAドーム宮古島
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
In 2026, the festival will be held on November 1 (Sunday).
Doors open at 3 p.m., the program begins at 4 p.m., and it is scheduled to end around 7 p.m.
It has traditionally been held on the first Sunday of November.
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 / Miyakojima City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Kuicha is usually performed outdoors, with men and women singing and dancing in a circle.
Highlights include singing in unison, movements with both arms waving, leaps while stamping the ground, and clapping between phrases.
Simple movements are also open to audience members, so if you join in, follow those around you and take care not to obstruct the dance circle or performers.
Nearby attractions
うえのドイツ文化村
沖縄県宮古島市上野にあるテーマパーク
写真：Uzumaki~jawiki at Japanese Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo source ·
宮古島市熱帯植物園
沖縄県宮古島市にある植物園
宮古島市総合博物館
沖縄県宮古島市にある博物館
Origins and History of Kuicha Festival
The Kuicha Festival began in 2002. It was launched by Akira Shimoji, an islander artist from Miyako Island, to pass Kuicha, the island’s traditional culture, on to the next generation.
At the 12th festival in 2013, 35 groups and approximately 1,500 performers took part.
While promoting the preservation of local culture, the festival has featured both traditional and creative categories.
Official information
The official website announced on September 16, 2026 that details for the 25th Kuicha Festival had been finalized.
You can check event information, introductions to Kuicha, and information about Kuicha in the various districts of Miyako Island.
Source: 【公式】クイチャーフェスティバル | クイチャーフェスティバル
Kuicha Festival at a Glance
The Kuicha Festival began in 2002 as a stage for passing on Miyako Island’s traditional culture, and has showcased both traditional and creative Kuicha.
In 2026, a special 25th-anniversary program will be held at JTA Dome Miyakojima on November 1.
Admission fees vary by seating category; high school students and younger can enter for free only in the lawn seating area.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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