Itoman: Machinmon and Itoman Hare

Two distinct cultural themes come into focus in Itoman: Machinmon tells the story of a lane and a market, while Itoman Hare brings together boat races, religious traditions, and civic participation. Together, they offer points of interest in both the historic townscape and a traditional event.

Machinmon and the Lanes of Aza Itoman

Machinmon is the sixth of nine lanes known as Jōguwā. They run from National Route 331 to Itoman Fishing Port through the western districts and, in part, the Machihata districts of Aza Itoman. The lanes thus connect a named area of Aza Itoman with the port, while Machinmon can also be understood as part of a group of nine lanes.

The name Machinmon dates back to 1888. At that time, the lane was filled in and a market was newly established there. This brings together two concrete aspects of local history: the physical alteration of the lane and the market’s establishment. Those interested in the development of the historic townscape can therefore find a connection that goes beyond the mere name of a street.

Itoman Hare: Boat Races and Tradition

Itoman Hare is a traditional boat race held in the central part of Itoman Fishing Port. It takes place on the fourth day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar and has long been associated with prayers for a good catch and safe voyages. The event conveys traditional Okinawan folk beliefs and is considered an important, representative example of boat races held in various parts of Okinawa.

The social character of Hare has also evolved. After the Second World War, it gradually became a local event for Aza Itoman. Today, people who do not work in the fishing industry also take part; Hare has grown into a major civic event. For travelers, this offers a distinct way to experience the tradition: the event is connected to fishing, but its participants now include people from beyond that line of work.

The boat races are represented by three former settlements: Nishimura, Nakamura, and Miijima. These names add another local dimension to the race alongside its connection to fishing and faith. For specific travel dates, it is advisable to check the city’s separate annual event notices. The traditional lunar-calendar date and the notices about the dates of individual events serve different purposes when planning.

Other Places in the Municipality

There are different things to explore in the municipality beyond the immediate settings of Machinmon and Itoman Hare. Yoza-ga is laid out as a park; on weekends, families and other visitors come to play in the water. This offers a different focus from the historic lane and boat race: here, it is about a park and using the water for play.

The ruins of Gushikawa Castle are located on a wave-cut cliff about 17 meters high that projects into the sea. Apart from the castle gate, the site is surrounded by cliffs on three sides. Within the castle, a hole called “Hiifuchimii” leads to the sea.

At Yamashiro Uriguchi, visitors can observe living things in tidal pools at low tide. Low tide is the key time for this observation; by contrast, the traditional date of Itoman Hare is based on a day in the lunar calendar. These are two different points of reference when planning to observe nature or attend the cultural event.

Discover more destinations: Ishigaki, Naha, Nakagami District, Urasoe, Yonaguni, Fuchaku, Miyakojima, Nanjō

For the broader travel overview: Okinawa Prefecture.