Shinjuku Eisa Festival

Celebrating Okinawan culture in Tokyo

Venue: Shinjuku Station East Exit When: Late Jul 2024

Eisa is a style of dancing that originated throughout the Okinawan islands, and each year in early August the Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri draws in hundreds of thousands of spectators. For those who can't get to Okinawa, the Shinjuku Eisa Festival is a great way to experience this part of the region's rich culture, and it has been running for almost 20 years now.

At the event, Eisa dancers from across the Kanto region will perform, complete with traditional drums, costumes, and music. In previous years the crowd numbers have exceeded a million, so anticipate a large turnout.

The event is free to enjoy, so if you're in the area be sure to check it out.

Getting there

The festival takes place around the east exit area of Shinjuku Station. The station is served by various lines including the JR Yamanote Line, the Keio Line, the Odakyu Odawara Line, the Toei Oedo Line, and the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.

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Sebastian Schuster a year ago
Okinawa has a special place in my heart. And when i think about the Eisa performances i could enjoy there, i could also record one of them, i still get goosebumbs. When i think about Okinawa and his traditions sometimes i would like to cry because the history of the Ryukkyu is so sad, but laugh for joy at the same time.

Im also super happy, that more and more potential customers are asking us for trips to Okinawa.
Sebastian Schuster a year ago
Its just a great area to experience. It was the first prefecture we are vist after moving to japan and we did a road trip ealier this year. When we are talking about japan and the history, we sadly often forgot the important impact the Ryukkyu had on Japanese culture.
Sleiman Azizi a year ago
What a great event!
Sleiman Azizi a year ago
Can't disagree.

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