New years in Okinawa

How is it? First year here and wondering if people celebrate it on the island? Or just mostly stay in? Where are the places to go?

by Ok-Wolf8461

5 comments
  1. Also interested to know. We are staying overnight dec31-jan1. Will there be fireworks? New year countdown? Thanks op for opening this topic

  2. New Years in Japan is a family holiday. The places that have big parties are usually the bars and whatnot frequented by foreigners. So, go to Gate 2 street, or Sunabe/American Village and party your heart out.

  3. Find a temple. Do what the locals do. Don’t be a dick. Drink some adult beverages and have some Hija (goat soup) and hang around till they ring the temple bells at midnight on new years eve.

  4. Futenma Shinto Shrine (near Camp Foster) and Naminoue Shrine in Naha have New Years festivals on 1-3 January.

  5. It’s family time in Japan/Okinawa to reflect and observe. Not a time to drink like crazy like in the US.

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