"Haneji Dam Koinobori Festival, Nago City"

Koinobori (Carp Streamers) at the Haneji Dam

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Haneji Dam Koinobori Festival

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 36.527	E 128 01.195

Haneji Dam Koinobori Festival, Nago City

Every year at the Haneji Dam, Nago City host the Koinobori Matsuri (loosely translated as the Festival of the Carp Streamers) in celebration of Japan's National Holiday called 'Kodomo no hi', Children's Day (May 5th). Various activities are spread throughout the two days for family and children to enjoy together. The carps streamers at the Haneji Dam (seen above) were hoisted during Golden Week (about a week prior to the festival) and adds a wonderful touch to the scenery. If you have never been to Haneji Dam then it is worth checking out. It is one of the more scenic dams here on Okinawa. Mark the calendar! It's Nago City's Koinobori Matsuri at the Haneji Dam.

Festival Information.
Festival Name. Haneji Dam Koinobori Matsuri (羽地 ダム 鯉のぼり 祭り)
Time Period. Normally, last weekend of Golden Week (2017, May 6-7, Sat, Sun, 9:00am-17:30pm) – Children's Day May 5th.
Website. Nago Events Facebook Page .
Parking. Available on location. Shuttle services also available from a satellite parking area in Nago City. See website above for map of satellite parking location.
Recommendations. It is recommended you bring your own shade or sun protection. Bring extra clothing/towel in case you or your children plan on getting wet.

For photos of Haneji Dam during the off season visit: http://www.mapitokinawa.com/2011/08/haneji-dam-family-picnic-area.html

For more information about Children's Day visit: http://japanese.about.com/od/japanesecultur1/a/Childrens-Day-In-Japan-And-Koinobori-Song.htm

Directions. Because the festival occurs during the peak of Golden Week and it also falls on a weekend, using Highway 58 through Nago City during this time may not be your best option if you wish to avoid traffic. Chances are it will be highly congested. Furthermore, if you use the Expressway, getting off on Exit 10 in Kyodo will probably not be any better as well. Chances are this too will be highly congested as you merge onto Highway 58. The following directions is believed to be the quickest and the most scenic way to access the Haneji Dam: Take the Expressway, exit off Exit 9 in Ginoza Village and then take Highway 329 north into Nago City. Once you past the Marine Base, Camp Schwab, you will take Highway 331 as if you are traveling on the east side of the island. About 3-4 km later you will see signs for Highway 18 (annotated by the green line in the map above). This route will take you to the other side of Nago City. Follow this Highway till you see road signs for Haneji Dam. The turn-off to Haniji Dam is marked by the yellow line in the map above. It will be be very noticeable on were the park area of the dam is located. Note: If you continue straight on the green route, you will run into the Orion Brewery.

"Haneji Dam Family Picnic Area"

Haneji Dam Family Picnic Area

View Map It! Okinawa in a larger map

Haneji Dam Family Picnic Area

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 36.527	E 128 01.195

Haneji Dam Family Picnic Area

If you are looking for a great place for a family picnic, this is the place. This is the Haneji Dam family picnic grounds in Nago. Though somewhat out of the way, it may be a great stop on your way back from the Ocean Expo Park or nearby areas. The best time to be there is when the afternoon sun has somewhat subsided into the treeline or if it is cloudy day.

You will mostly likely see other families there playing in the water (see photo album above). Just park your car and relax a bit. There is a visible post of what is not allowed: No overnight camping, no pets off the leash, take out any pet droppings, and leave no trash. Basically, pack out what you bring in. They do have some provided shade, but you may want to bring your own shade just in case.

Getting there isn't hard if you are coming back from Okuma or Expo Park. Look at the map for landmarks.
The Haneji Dam family picnic area lies along the Haneji Dam Nago City Bypass. There is an entry way to look for (see photo album). Otherwise you may pass right by it.

What to bring. Camera, tent or umbrella for shade, slippers for getting into the water, bath suit for kids.

Note: I did not see any bathroom facilities in this area nor soda machines. There is an upper viewing area not far above (driving distance). There may be restrooms there. I have to verify next time I am there.