Be Okinawa, the tourism board for the Japanese prefecture, has announced a raft of new openings for 2020. While Japan is still taking strict precautions and containment measures, the government has so far resisted declaring a state of emergency.
Forthcoming new openings include an augmented reality aquarium, the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium, which is slated to open this month, as well as HOSHINOYA, a resort in the coastal village of Yomitan, which opens next month; and the Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort, located on Okinawa's west coast, which is expected to open its doors in July.
The tourism board is also promoting events for later in 2020. These include the 38th edition of the Yonabaru Great Tug-Of-War Festival (pictured), which will be held from August 15-16. This event features a five-tonne, 90-metre rope paraded through the streets, designed to resemble a dragon. Also in August, the Festival of the Southern Island Stars is still expected to go ahead. This is held annually on Ishigaki Island, a certified International Dark Sky Park, and a major attraction for astronomy enthusiasts from around the world.
For September, the 65th Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri Festival is scheduled for September 11-13. During this three-day event, visitors can enjoy traditional music and songs, craft beers from across the prefecture and a spectacular fireworks display at the end.
For more information, go to www.visitokinawa.jp/events
Image credit: Eric Farrow/Flickr
