Shuri Castle New Year's Ceremony

Many tourist spots are holding New Year’s events. Shurijo Castle is one of them. Would you like to watch the traditional New Year ceremony? You are also able to watch traditional Ryukyuan dance performance, local performing arts, and more. Free jasmine tea and non-alcohol beer will be served for everybody. The King and Queen will be showing up on the 3rd. Would you like to find out about the good-old days of Ryukyu Dynasty?

Shurijo Castle Park New Year’s Celebration
Date: January 1st - 3rd
Time: 8:30-14:20
*the schedule and the detail about the event is on the website below (written in both Japanese & English)

http://oki-park.jp/shurijo-park/pdf/121212_shinsyun2013.pdf

This event is a re-enactment of the traditional New Year ceremony originally held early in the morning on New Year's Day, attended by the king, the royal family, and senior court officials. Court dances and other Ryukyuan dances are performed to add to the New Year mood. Visitors are offered free tea and amazakei to celebrate the New Year.

Other Castle Info:

The Ukeejo Performance
The Houshinmon Gate opening (Ukeejo) at Shurijo Castle Park is performed daily to welcome park visitors. At five minutes before opening, gatekeepers dressed in traditional attire signal the opening of the gate with a gong and cry "Ukeejo!"

Ryukyuan Dance Demonstrations
Special dance demonstrations are held at Keizuza and Youmotsuza (Shicha-nu-Una). Enjoy the outstanding beauty of traditional Ryukyuan dances!
Schedule: Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and national holidays
First Performance     11:00 -
Second Performance     14:00 -
Third Performance     16:00 -

The Shurijo Castle Illumination
Daily from sunset to 12:00 A.M. (Subject to change when maintenance and inspection is required).
Ever since its registration as a World Heritage Site in December 2000, the castle displays its serene existence with many light fixtures illuminating the castle throughout the year.