Discover Yonabaru: Tug-of-War Culture and History

Yonabaru brings together the culture of its traditional tug-of-war festival, sites commemorating the railway, local folklore, and Okinawan crafts. It also has parks with a range of features. If you’re looking for a hotel in Yonabaru, these themes can help you choose which parts of the town to explore based on your interests.

Festival Culture, History, and Crafts

At the Yonabaru Ōtsunahiki Museum, photographs, videos, and original materials introduce the culture and history of the Yonabaru Ōtsunahiki. A 3D VR simulation of the festival complements the exhibits. Visitors can also take part in the festival itself: on the day of the event, they can join in by carrying or pulling the rope. Opportunities to participate may vary from one festival edition to another.

Another way to explore Yonabaru’s past is Uegawa Spring in Uegawa Plaza, a place associated with the town’s history and religious traditions. According to local lore, its water was once used for a newborn’s first bath after a celestial woman gave birth at Mount Hamano Goten, also known as Udon'yama. Seven stone lions in Yonabaru preserve a different kind of local memory: their varied forms and facial features pass down stories and traditions.

The museum at Keibin Yonabaru Station is an exterior reconstruction of the former Yonabaru terminus of the Okinawa Railway, which operated before World War II. Its exhibits include historical photographs, route maps, timetables, and videos about the light railway that disappeared during the Battle of Okinawa. Preserved remains of the railway’s former pillars can also be seen outside. One date provides a reference point for the railway’s history: in 1914, Okinawa’s first light railway opened between Naha and Yonabaru.

Traditional red roof-tile making is also part of Yonabaru’s craft heritage. Shimabukuro Tile Factory still makes these tiles, which are also used to restore traditional houses, temples, and cultural properties. The factory has an adjoining Shisa Gallery featuring shisa figures and several red roof tiles. Please inquire in advance if you would like to visit.

Visitors who would like to get to know the town on a walking tour can explore Yonabaru with local guides who are long-time residents. Guide availability may vary.

Water and Play Facilities

Udon'yama Shinsui Park is designed as a water park along the Higashihama Waterway. Kayaking experiences are occasionally offered there. The park thus connects the landscape with the waterway and an activity that is not available all the time.

For families planning to include play areas in their trip, Higashihama Dinosaur Park and Higashihama Shisa Park offer different features. Dinosaur Park has a large Tyrannosaurus-shaped climbing structure: children can move through passages inside, climb stairs to its back, and use a tall slide that is part of the structure. Shisa Park has slides and swings, as well as an open area where children can play ball and run around. You can choose between a striking climbing structure and play equipment with additional open space.

Discover more destinations: Zamami.

See the main travel overview: Shimajiri District.