Itoman Haaree — Itoman fishing port

photo by N · Public domain

photo by 「沖縄発！役に立たない写真集」 · Public domain

Three villages race each other in sabani in Itoman's port: in 2026 the lunar race falls on 18 June.

On race day a flag comes down from the top of the hill beside the port and gives the start: three historic villages (Nishi, Naka and Mii-jima) race each other in traditional sabani boats. It opens with a prayer hārī (御願バーレー) addressed to the gods of the sea, followed by the actual races between teams. Entry is free.

As in Naha, the date falls on the fourth day of the fifth lunar month, the Yukkanuhii, but here, unlike the Naha race (which is instead fixed to the modern calendar, always 3–5 May), the date stays tied to the traditional lunar calendar and moves every year: in 2026 it falls on 18 June. The venue is Itoman fishing port (糸満漁港中地区), and the event is organised by the committee 糸満ハーレー行事委員会.

ℹ️ A single day, on a lunar date that moves (in 2026: Thursday 18 June), starting at around 9:15. Free entry. The rest of the year the pier remains a working fishing port, with no particular tourist appeal.

🚉 Itoman Market Entrance · 3 min walk

Sources: city.itoman.lg.jp · city.itoman.lg.jp

All series · Open the map