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December 1, 2025 at 5:30 pm
Event date:
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March 31, 2026 at 10:00 pm
Event end:
History
The Ryukyu Lantern Festival at Murasaki Mura celebrates Okinawa’s golden age as the independent Ryukyu Kingdom (1429–1879), when it thrived as a maritime trading hub between China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. In 1392, the Ming Emperor Hongwu sent the “36 Families” from Fujian to settle in Kumemura (Naha), bringing advanced arts, crafts, and Confucian traditions—including the lantern festivals that marked the Lunar New Year.
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Contact Jasumo Now →These celebrations, held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, symbolized the return of light after winter darkness and became a rare night when young women could walk freely under glowing lanterns—creating a romantic, Valentine-like atmosphere. Even after the kingdom’s annexation by Japan in 1879 and the dismantling of Kumemura’s walls, lantern traditions blended with local Ryukyu culture and Shinto elements.
Murasaki Mura, a recreated Ryukyu-era village that opened in 1992, launched its winter lantern festival in the early 2000s to preserve and share this multicultural heritage. What began as a small display has grown into one of Okinawa’s longest-running illuminations, combining Chinese paper lanterns, Ryukyu motifs, and modern Japanese lighting technology.
Overview
The Ryukyu Lantern Festival 2025-2026 runs from early December 2025 to late March 2026 at Experience Kingdom Murasaki Mura in Yomitan. The entire 14th–15th-century Ryukyu village replica is illuminated with thousands of hand-painted Chinese lanterns, washi paper lanterns, and artistic installations—including massive dragons and glowing castle walls.
Evening entertainment features eisa drumming, hula dance, Tahitian ori, and projection mapping on red-tiled roofs. Cultural workshops let visitors craft their own Ryukyu lanterns. The long season (one of Okinawa’s longest illuminations) allows enjoyment alongside winter beaches and whale-watching season.
Highlights
- Thousands of Hand-Painted Lanterns: Chinese-style lanterns mixed with Ryukyu motifs lining cobblestone streets.
- Giant Dragon & Castle Displays: Massive illuminated installations recreating Ryukyu royal symbolism.
- Projection Mapping Shows: Dynamic light stories projected onto historic-style buildings.
- Live Performances: Eisa drumming, hula, Tahitian dance, and theater under the lanterns.
- Lantern-Making Workshops: Hands-on sessions to create your own souvenir lantern.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- Thousands of Hand-Painted Lanterns: Chinese-style lanterns mixed with Ryukyu motifs lining cobblestone streets.
- Giant Dragon & Castle Displays: Massive illuminated installations recreating Ryukyu royal symbolism.
- Projection Mapping Shows: Dynamic light stories projected onto historic-style buildings.
- Live Performances: Eisa drumming, hula, Tahitian dance, and theater under the lanterns.
- Lantern-Making Workshops: Hands-on sessions to create your own souvenir lantern.
If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can help with advance tickets, private evening tours, lantern workshop reservations, Yomitan onsen stays, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.
Schedule
Early December 2025 – Late March 2026
- Hours: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM)
- Lights and performances nightly
Pricing
- Adults: ¥1,500–¥1,800
- Junior/Senior High: ¥600–¥700
- Elementary: ¥500–¥600
- Preschool: Free (Advance tickets often cheaper)
Location
Experience Kingdom Murasaki Mura 1020-1 Takashiho, Yomitan-son, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 904-0323, Japan
How to Get There
- By Car: 50 min from Naha via Route 58
- By Bus: From Naha Bus Terminal → Route 28/29 to “Murasaki Mura” (~90 min)
- From American Village: 15 min drive north
Accommodation Options
Yomitan resorts and beachfront hotels range ¥15,000–¥50,000 with many offering lantern-view rooms. Murasaki Mura has on-site ryokan-style lodging.
Budget options in nearby Chatán start ¥8,000. Book early for February–March weekends.
FAQs
When does the 2025-2026 festival exactly start?
Typically early December (Dec 1–5); exact date announced in autumn 2025.
Is the lantern-making workshop included?
No—separate small fee (~¥1,000–¥2,000) but highly recommended.
Does bad weather cancel the event?
No—the village setting and many indoor areas keep it running rain or shine.
Can I see it during the day?
The park is open daytime (separate fee), but lanterns are only lit from 5:30 PM.
When is the least crowded time?
January–February weekdays; December and March weekends are busiest.
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