HOSHINOYA, where each facility offers an overwhelming sense of the extraordinary with its unique theme. HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island, a unique cultural resort that weaves together the rich nature and culture of Taketomi Island for the future, will offer the "Tanadui Stay" program from November 11 to 13, 2026, for two nights and three days. This program allows guests to learn about the important intangible folk cultural properties that symbolize the island's spirituality and immerse themselves in devotional performances and traditional rituals. This plan offers a stay where guests can experience the preparations and rituals of the festival, which cannot be seen during a day trip, and feel the deep charm of Taketomi Island. Experiences such as observing rehearsals for dances and kyogen plays and a tour to appreciate devotional performances with explanations by staff are prepared, which can only be participated in by staying at HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island.

What is Taketomi Island's "Tanadui Festival"?

The Tanadui Festival of Taketomi Island, also known as the "Island of Performing Arts," is said to have a history of approximately 600 years and is designated as a "Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property" by the country. Every year, over 70 traditional performing arts are dedicated to the gods, centered around the two days of Kōetora (庚寅) and Kintō (辛卯) in the 9th month of the lunar calendar. The foundation of the festival lies in the words "Kashikusa ya utugumi du masaru" (Unity and cooperation are more important than anything else), which represent the fundamental spirit of the people of Taketomi Island. During the Tanadui Festival, people who have left the island return home, and the "spirit of utugumi (unity and cooperation)" is strongly felt from the way everyone cooperates in preparations and practice. This plan was developed with the desire for guests to experience the importance of human connections and cultural inheritance by experiencing the charm of Taketomi Island and the feelings of the islanders through their stay.

How to spend your time during the Tanadui Stay

A special welcome to deeply understand Taketomi Island, exclusive to this plan

The stay for this plan begins with a special welcome by staff knowledgeable about festival rituals. First, at the "Yugafu-kan" (Visitor Center) near the port, guests will learn about the cultural roots of Taketomi Island, including its history, people's lives, and spirituality. Afterward, they will take a stroll through key points in the village, including Yumuchi Utaki (世持御嶽), the venue for the Tanadui Festival's stage performances. Upon arrival at HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island, guests will savor "Iyachi," a festival food prepared by the islanders during the festival period.

A stroll through the village "Iyachi" made with traditional crops such as millet

Learn about "Tani-urushi," the most important ritual of the festival

In the Tanadui Festival, which prays for a bountiful harvest of sown seeds, the most important ritual is "Tani-urushi." This ritual was once performed in each household, but due to a decrease in the number of people involved, it is now rarely seen on the island. During this stay, guests can observe the sowing of millet seeds in the fields and pray for a good harvest while reciting Norito (Shinto prayers). It is an experience that deepens the understanding of the Tanadui Festival by learning about the precious island farming culture.

The "Tani-urushi" ritual praying for a bountiful harvest

"Fukumi Tour" to observe the behind-the-scenes of the festival on the night before the main event

On the day before the highlight of the festival, the devotional performances, rehearsals called "Fukumi" are held in each village. Guests can observe the festival preparations up close, which are not normally visible. Witnessing the islanders in their actual costumes performing the pieces in a unique atmosphere of tension for the ancestors and elders of each village is a precious experience that allows one to feel the passion each performer puts into the festival.

The rehearsal "Fukumi" held in the village assembly hall

Items to deepen immersion in the Tanadui Festival, such as books containing the thoughts of the islanders

For this stay, special items related to the Tanadui Festival, such as books, picture books, and headbands worn during island rituals, will be prepared in the guest rooms. In a space that follows the traditional style of Taketomi Island, guests can connect with the thoughts of the islanders about the Tanadui Festival through the books. Additionally, wearing the same headband as the islanders during the "Yuukui" (visiting village houses with islanders) will enhance the sense of immersion in the Tanadui Festival.

Deepening understanding of the Tanadui Festival while relaxing in the guest room

"Devotional Performance Appreciation Tour" to understand the background of the Tanadui Festival in depth

Before appreciating the devotional performances, this tour includes a lecture at HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island on the traditional culture of Taketomi Island and the background of the Tanadui Festival. Afterward, guests will proceed to Yumuchi On (世持御嶽), where the devotional performances are held. At the venue, a guide will explain the viewing etiquette and highlight performances, allowing guests to enjoy the "garden performances" and "stage performances" even more with the islanders. Furthermore, by observing the sowing ritual and Fukumi the day before, guests can feel the passion the islanders put into the festival more deeply, which is a unique experience of this plan. The tour includes an original bento box from HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island and an explanation of the performances.

Devotional performances at Yumuchi On, the performance "Shikita Bon" which is also the motif for HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island's logo

"Yuukui Tour" to experience the ritual of visiting village houses with islanders

After appreciating the devotional performances on the first day, guests can participate in a ritual called "Yuukui," where they visit houses in the village while singing from evening into the night to pray for a bountiful harvest. Travelers can participate in this ritual alongside the islanders. After receiving a lecture on the ritual flow and songs from the guide, guests will visit village houses mixed with the islanders. At each house, "Mishaku" (sacred sake) and "Pintaku" (*1), a traditional dish, will be served. By performing the ritual together with the islanders, guests can feel the island's sense of unity and spirituality.

People dancing in front of houses during Yuukui

*1 A dish made with pin (garlic), considered an auspicious item for prosperity, and tako (octopus) on the island.

Events related to the festival held within the facility during the Tanadui Festival period

Special Breakfast "Tanadui Breakfast" incorporating festival food

On the morning of the second day, breakfast will be served using ingredients related to the Tanadui Festival. Guests can enjoy rice mixed with traditional millet, millet miso andansū (miso paste with oil), and pintaku seasoned to be easy to eat even in the morning. At the beginning of the meal, sweet sake, an arrangement of "Mishaku" (sacred sake) offered to the gods, will be served. It is a revitalizing breakfast where guests can enjoy auspicious ingredients.

Image of Tanadui Breakfast

"Five Grains Amulet Making" to create your own amulet bag using a traditional loom

Using a traditional loom made about 100 years ago, guests can weave an amulet bag with plant-dyed threads. A small vial inside will be filled with grains related to the Tanadui Festival and salt for warding off evil. The grains used in the amulet are grown in the fields of HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island. It is a moment to connect with the spirit that the people of Taketomi Island have cherished while immersing oneself in the pleasant sound of the loom and repetitive movements.

Amulet bag containing grains grown at HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island

"Teedunbanashi" to learn about the origins of the Tanadui Festival and the island's fundamental spirit

This event features staff introducing stories related to the island's culture and history, including the Tanadui Festival, along with actual festival photos. Guests can gain basic knowledge of the festival and learn about the daily lives of Taketomi Island, which retains its original Okinawan landscape.

"Teedunbanashi" held in the lounge

"Tanadui Stay" Overview

Period: November 11-13, 2026

Price: 33,000 yen per person (tax and service charge included, accommodation fee separate)

Includes: Festival food Iyachi, Tani-urushi viewing, Fukumi viewing tour, Tanadui Breakfast, Devotional Performance Appreciation Tour (including lunch), Yuukui tour, books related to Tanadui Festival, headband

Capacity: 1 to 8 people

Reservations: Accepted up to 14 days in advance on the official website (https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/hoshinoyataketomijima/)

HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island

Village scenery viewed from the observation deck

HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island, with its Ryukyu-style red tile roofs, is located to the east of Taketomi Island. The approximately 20,000 tsubo site features detached guest rooms built in respect of tradition according to the "Taketomi Island Landscape Formation Manual," white sand alleys, pools, and observation decks, creating an original Okinawan landscape.

Location: 1955 Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa 907-1101

Phone: 050-3134-8091 (HOSHINOYA General Reservations)

Number of rooms: 48 / Check-in: 3:00 PM / Check-out: 12:00 PM

Price: From 147,000 yen per night (per room, tax and service charge included, meals separate) *Standard reservations are for 2 nights or more.

Access: Approx. 10 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Port / Shuttle service available from Taketomi Port

URL: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/hoshinoyataketomijima/

HOSHINOYA

"To the best seat for that moment." Under this concept, each facility offers an overwhelming sense of the extraordinary with its unique theme. At each facility, both domestically and internationally, the local climate, history, and culture are delicately woven into the hospitality, allowing guests to experience the best moments that can only be savored during the season they visit, freeing them from the flow of everyday time. The brand will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025, with "HOSHINOYA Nara Prison" scheduled to open on June 25, 2026, and "HOSHINOYA Asuka" in 2027.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JecQdHdMyg

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event