Okinawa’s biggest early-summer event is back, and no, it’s not just a bunch of dudes paddling boats (although that is part of it). The 2025 Naha Harii is taking over the Naha New Port from May 3rd (Saturday) to May 5th (Monday), and whether you’re a history buff, firework lover, or someone who just wants an excuse to eat festival food for three days straight, there’s something here for you.
What’s Naha Harii, and Why Is Everyone Yelling?
Welcome to one of Okinawa’s two mega-events, right up there with the Great Tug-of-War. Naha Harii is a traditional boat racing festival with roots going back centuries—like, before smartphones, before cars, before sliced bread. It originated as a maritime ritual to pray for safe voyages and good catches, and over time it evolved into a full-blown public spectacle with racing, live performances, food, and yes, fireworks every night.
Most Harii festivals in Okinawa are tied to the old lunar calendar, but Naha does things differently by syncing it with Golden Week. Very considerate of them, honestly.
Location: Naha Port New Pier (那覇港新港ふ頭)
Date: May 3–5, 2025
Admission: Totally free
Contact:
Naha City Tourism Association – 098-862-1442
Naha City Tourism Division – 098-862-3276
Event Schedule: Three Days of Rowing and Roaring
The schedule’s based on past years since the 2025 lineup isn’t officially out yet. But hey, Harii runs like clockwork—just with more yelling and paddling.
May 3 (Sat) – Opening Day
- 10:00-ish: Middle schoolers hit the water with all the enthusiasm of kids released from homework
- 13:00-ish: Local community teams and PTA parents race in what we assume is a very polite competition (until it’s not)
May 4 (Sun) – Chill Day
- All day: Free trial boat rides! You too can experience what it’s like to row in circles with strangers. No paddling license required.
May 5 (Mon) – Finale Day
- The main event!
- Featuring the 御願バーリー (Ugan Barī), a prayer race with three gorgeous dragon boats from Naha, Kume, and Tomari
- Followed by the 本バーリー (Hon Barī)—an intense 600m head-to-head race where boats fly across the water like angry sea dragons
- Expect the best teamwork, loudest chanting, and possibly a few blistered palms
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Let’s Talk About These Boats Because… Whoa
These aren’t your average rowing boats. We’re talking 爬竜船 (Hariyu-sen), aka massive dragon boats that could probably carry a small house if needed. Each one is:
- 14.5 meters long
- 2.1 meters wide
- Weighs 2.5 tons (that’s like five vending machines)
- Carries 42 people—including rowers, a flag bearer, rhythm bell ringers, and two helmsmen
- Decorated with a literal dragon head and tail for that mythical sea-beast aesthetic
For contrast: normal boats used in local Harii races are サバニ (Sabani), small wooden fishing boats with 8–12 people. They’re cool too, but once you’ve seen a glowing dragon boat rip through the water… you get it.
Ritual Meets Rowing: What’s Up with “Ugan Barī”?
Not just a race, Ugan Barī is a slow, sacred procession around the port. It’s a traditional prayer ceremony to honor the sea gods, ensure safety, and bring in a good fishing season.
- The three boats from Naha, Kume, and Tomari paddle in sync, wearing traditional garb
- They sing the Harii Uta, a folk song used to guide the rhythm
- It’s peaceful, symbolic, and honestly kind of emotional—until it ends and everyone gears up for the final race like it’s the Olympics
Fireworks Every Night (Because Why Not?)
Let’s talk about the real reason some folks show up after 8 PM: fireworks, baby!
From May 3 to 5, every evening wraps up with a mini firework show starting around 8:40 PM and running for about 20 minutes. Expect bursts of color over the port and a whole lot of “ooooh” sounds.
Light rain? Fireworks still happen.
Parking? Not officially provided, so plan accordingly.
Snacks? Yes. Grab them early or prepare for long lines.
VIP Move: Watch Fireworks from a Cruise
Wanna level up your fireworks experience? In previous years, people have hopped aboard the Mobydick Cruise Ship to catch the show from the sea.
Example Plan (from past years):
- Board at 7:30 PM
- Return around 10:00 PM
- Fare: Around ¥2,980 to ¥4,980
- Location: Naha Port West Marine Terminal
- Contact: West Marine – 098-866-0489
- Website: ウエストマリン
Nothing confirmed yet for 2025, but fingers crossed.
Access & Parking: A Puzzle Game on Hard Mode
So, here’s the deal. Everyone wants to go, and no one wants to walk too far. But the event has:
- No official parking lots
- No road closures
- Tons of people (like 200,000 over 3 days)
By Car
- From Naha Airport: About 25–30 minutes
- From Okinawa Expressway (西原 IC): Around 30 minutes
- Nearest large lots:
- Tomarin Parking (15 min walk, 600 cars) Google Pin
- Tomari Wharf Underground Lot (10 min walk, only 60 cars) Google Pin
Rates:
- ¥200 first hour, ¥100/hour after that
- Expect full lots by early afternoon
By Public Transport
- Yui Rail to Miebashi Station (15 min walk)
- Buses to Tomari Takahashi stop (10 min walk)
- Bus Routes: 20, 23, 24, 28, 29, 63, 110, 120 (basically, half the bus map)
Pro tip: Use parking reservation apps like:
You’ll thank yourself later.
What’s the Weather Like in May?
 Daytime | 26–30°C |
 Evening | Around 20°C |
 Humidity | Yep |
 Rain | Brief showers possible |
Bonus Festival: Check Out Ie Island Lily Festival
Why stop at one festival when you can hop on a ferry and enjoy another?
The 28th Iejima Lily Festival runs from April 26 to May 5, showcasing over a million lilies in bloom on this peaceful little island north of Okinawa’s mainland.
Ie Jima Lily Festival
100+ lily varieties
Traditional performances
Food stalls
Pony rides for the kiddos
Free shuttle bus service on the island
Still Want More? Check Out Okinawa’s Tropical Illumination
Because apparently May isn’t too late for Christmas lights in Okinawa.
The Okinawa Tropical Illumination at Southeast Botanical Gardens runs until May 25, 2025, lighting up your night with glowing lotus displays, heart-shaped installations, and full-blown fairytale vibes.
Perfect post-Harii wind-down or romantic date night spot 
Okinawa Tropical Illumination
Lights on: 5 PM – 10 PM- Tickets: Adults ¥2,300 / Kids ¥800
- 1 hour from Naha Airport by car
TL;DR: 2025 Naha Harii Is Peak Golden Week Energy
Event: Naha Harii Date: May 3–5, 2025 Place: Naha Port New Wharf
Admission: Free Fireworks: Every night around 8:40 PM Parking: Good luck. Use apps.
Access: Yui Rail + Bus = your best bet Weather: Warm and humid, maybe rainy Main events: Dragon boat races, live music, food stalls, and fireworks
It’s the kind of event that says, “Yes, we’re paddling giant dragon-headed boats while eating yakisoba and listening to Okinawan rock bands.” And if that doesn’t scream Okinawa, I don’t know what does.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Our passion for supporting local businesses drives us to share information about events in the Okinawa area. Please note that Oki Social is not responsible for hosting this event. It’s important to be aware that the event’s host reserves the right to make changes or even cancel the event without prior notice. Some photos and videos may come from various sources on the internet, whether official or unofficial. It is possible that some photos and videos may have been taken from the same event in previous occurrences.
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