Written by JC Team
Find yourself in Okinawa around O-bon time, when the spirits of the dead return to the world of the living? Check out the Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival, the island chain’s last major summer festival. And it’s a corker — three days of dancing and celebration as Okinawans gather to welcome their ancestors.
What happens?
The eisa dances that form the centerpiece of the Zento Eisa Festival used to be held in separate communities all over the island, but now they’re gathered together for one eye-popping gorgeous festival. With traditional Ryukyu dress, massive taiko drums, song and dance, it’s an event not to be missed.
The Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival begins with eisa parades on the first day, a youth festival on the second, and culminates with spectacular fireworks and laser shows on both nights. The main venue, Okinawa City Koza Sports Park, is centrally situated and parade routes involve much of the surrounding town area.
Schedule 2026
Each evening features a unique lineup of Eisa groups from different districts of Okinawa City.
Tickets 2026
If you’d like to sit, there’s paid seating.
Advance tickets cost ¥4,000 for reserved SS seats, ¥3,300 for reserved S seats and ¥2,000 for reserved A seats. On-the-day tickets cost ¥4,500 for SS seats, ¥3,800 for S seats, ¥2,500 for A seats and ¥1,500 for unreserved B seats. B seats are not available in advance.
Children below elementary-school age may enter free when seated on an adult’s lap.
Tickets are sold through the Okinawa City Tourism and Product Promotion Association, Okinawa City Koza Athletic Park Stadium, FamilyMart and eplus, which also offers seat selection.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
