The central focus of the 2026 Shurijo Castle Restoration Festival will celebrate a long-awaited milestone: the completion and first public opening of Shurijo Castle’s reconstructed Seiden, or Main Hall.

Destroyed by fire in October 2019, the Seiden has been rebuilt through seven years of generous donations, skilled craftsmanship and unwavering public support. Its return marks a powerful new chapter for one of Okinawa’s most treasured cultural landmarks.

From November 1 to 3, Shurijo Castle Park and Naha’s Kokusai Street will come alive with royal processions, traditional performing arts, music, poetry and karate. The festival opens with the spectacular Ryukyu Royal Procession, featuring approximately 700 participants led by the King and Queen in colorful Ryukyu Kingdom–era costumes.

Other highlights include appearances by the King and Queen at Hoshinmon Gate; performances by violinist Ryoma and poet and director Daiichi Hirata; a colorful traditional procession through historic Shuri; and a three-part production featuring Okinawan performing arts and karate.

The year’s most historic moment arrives at noon on November 23, when the reconstructed Seiden opens to the public for the first time since the fire. Visitors will finally be able to step inside the magnificent Seiden and see the craftsmanship, history and royal spirit of the Ryukyu Kingdom brought back to life.

Admission to the Seiden interior requires an advance reservation for a designated 30-minute time slot. Early reservations are strongly recommended.

More than the return of a building, the Seiden’s revival stands as a moving symbol of Okinawa’s resilience, unity and enduring cultural pride.

Date: November 1 (Sun) – 3 (Tue, national holiday), 2026
Place: Shurijo Castle Park and Kokusai Street, Naha City
Admission: Festival events are free; admission is required for Seiden and the park’s paid areas

Ryukyu Royal Procession

Date: November 1 (Sun)
Time: 12:30–15:00
Location: Kokusai Street, Naha
Traffic restricted: 12:00–15:30

Appearance of the King and Queen

Date: November 2 (Mon)
Time: 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00, approximately 10 minutes each
Location: Hoshinmon Gate

Music and Poetry Inspired by Shurijo Castle’s Restoration

Date: November 2 (Mon)
Time: 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00
Location: Suimuikan Stage

Traditional Procession

Date: November 3 (Tue, national holiday)
Time: 12:45–13:30
Route: Shurijo Castle Park Hoshinmon Gate–Shureimon Gate–Ryutan Street

Ryukyu Performing Arts

Date: November 3 (Tue, national holiday)
Time: 10:00, 12:15 and 15:00
Location: “Shurijo Castle Park” or “Shicha-nu Una Stage”