Grand Mercure Okinawa Cape Zanpa Resort, an all-inclusive resort perched on the scenic cape of Zanpa in Yomitan Village, Okinawa, will be running a daily summer event program called the "Summer Yui Festival – The Sound of Island Songs and Taiko, A Night Painted by Fireworks –" from July 20 (Mon., national holiday) through August 29 (Sat.), 2026. The festival is themed around "yui" (結い), a concept deeply rooted in Okinawan culture that represents the spirit of mutual support and human connection – embodied in the phrase "yuimāru" (助け合い, helping one another).
During the festival period, guests can enjoy rotating daily performances of traditional Okinawan arts including Ryukyu dance, sanshin (three-stringed lute), Okinawan folk songs, island music, and eisa (traditional drum dance), all accompanied by fireworks that light up the resort sky each selected evening.
Event Schedule
Night pool hours extend until 9:00 PM from July through September
Fireworks Show
A fireworks display launches into the southern night sky over the pool illuminations, creating a magical nighttime show for guests.
Performance dates: July 20 (Mon.), 25 (Sat.), 29 (Wed.), August 1 (Sat.), 5 (Wed.), 8 (Sat.), 12 (Wed.), 15 (Sat.), 19 (Wed.), 22 (Sat.)
Eisa Dance
Different eisa groups perform on a rotating schedule
Eisa is a traditional Okinawan drum dance performed to pray for good harvests, bountiful fishing, family safety, and good health. The powerful rhythms of the taiko drums and dynamic movements bring the spirit of Okinawan community to life. Different performing groups appear on a rotating basis.
Performance dates: July 24 (Fri.), 31 (Fri.), August 7 (Fri.), 14 (Fri.), 21 (Fri.), 29 (Sat.)
Ryukyu Dance and Sanshin Performance
Traditional Ryukyu performing arts passed down from the Ryukyu Kingdom era
The "Ryukyu Ongaku Ryodan – Songs and Sanshin Resounding Through the Skies, the True Spirit of the Ryukyus –" brings together graceful Ryukyu classical dance, spirited performance, humor, and joy for an unforgettable experience.
- Ryukyu dance performance dates: July 27 (Mon.), August 3 (Mon.), 10 (Mon.), 17 (Mon.), 24 (Mon.)
- Sanshin performance dates: July 21 (Tue.), 28 (Tue.), August 4 (Tue.), 11 (Tue.), 18 (Tue.), 25 (Tue.), 26 (Wed.)
Sanlele Performance – Ōgimi Yōsuke & Kukuri, Kishaba Haruka
The sanlele's warm tones express the soul of Okinawan music
The "sanlele" is an instrument born from the marriage of Okinawa's traditional sanshin and the Hawaiian ukulele, combining a rounded ukulele body with the neck and three strings of a sanshin. Its nostalgic, tropical sound blends beautifully with sea breezes and ocean waves.
Performance dates: July 22 (Wed.), 23 (Thu.), 26 (Sat.), 30 (Thu.), August 2 (Sun.), 23 (Sun.), 27 (Thu.), 28 (Fri.)
Okinawan Sisters – Unai Kanai
Mana (elder sister) and Halu (younger sister), both born and raised in Okinawa
"Unai" means "sisters" in the Okinawan dialect, and "kanai" means "to make dreams come true." The duo aims to carry their heartfelt songs (utagukuru) across the sea to as many people as possible, and are known for their signature gentle harmonies.
Performance dates: August 6 (Thu.), 13 (Thu.), 16 (Sun.), 20 (Thu.)
Ryukyu Folk Music – Ishimine Airi
A seasoned Okinawan artist with international performance experience
Ishimine Airi carries on the traditions of Ryukyu classical music and Okinawan folk songs, delivering powerful yet clear vocals accompanied by the sanshin. Her music reflects the lives and feelings of Okinawan people, connecting the charm of traditional culture to the present day.
Performance date: August 9 (Sun.)
Summer Yui Festival Overview
- Dates: July 20 (Mon., national holiday) – August 29 (Sat.), 2026
- Venue: 1F Lobby Lounge / Poolside, Grand Mercure Okinawa Cape Zanpa Resort
- Admission: Free (hotel guests only)
- Details: https://grand-mercure-okinawacapezanpa-resort.jp/plan/summer-event-2026/
Event content and times are subject to change.
Summer Buffet at All-Inclusive Restaurant Le Sensoriel
Vegetarian menu options are also available
The resort's 2nd anniversary coincides with a new concept for the buffet restaurant Le Sensoriel: a "marché" (market) theme aimed at evoking the joy of discovery, the excitement of live kitchen cooking, and the thrill of fresh travel experiences.
This summer's buffet features dishes like "Street Food from Around the World" and "Three Kinds of Authentic Curry," designed to energize and delight. Guests can browse a colorful selection of dishes and enjoy new flavors unique to their travel destination.
Easy-to-eat kids menu options
The buffet also includes Okinawan classics such as rafute (braised pork belly) and fu champuru (wheat gluten stir-fry), along with a generous fresh tuna rice bowl featuring raw tuna landed from the nearby East China Sea. Okinawa is one of the rare regions in Japan where tuna arrives without freezing after being caught, allowing guests to enjoy its delicate umami and gentle sweetness. Pair your meal with a locally brewed Okinawan draft beer for the full experience.
Shima gyopsal – savory island pork belly
Stamina tofu made with nutritious ingredients
Freshly poured draft beer with fine bubbles
Summer Buffet Overview
- Period: May 18 (Mon.) – October 31 (Sat.), 2026 (planned)
- Hours: Dinner 5:30 PM–9:00 PM (last entry at 8:30 PM)
- Venue: 2F "Le Sensoriel," Grand Mercure Okinawa Cape Zanpa Resort
- Fee: Included in applicable accommodation plans. Additional charges apply for plans without dinner.
About the Resort
Water slides and a range of marine activities are available
Located in Yomitan Village in central Okinawa, Grand Mercure Okinawa Cape Zanpa Resort is an all-inclusive hotel overlooking the clear, coral-rich waters of the East China Sea. The resort features one of Okinawa's largest pool areas, a 3-story waterslide measuring 86 meters in length, and a range of beach-based marine activities.
The all-inclusive rate covers morning and evening buffets, evening alcoholic beverages, lounge access, and use of the panoramic hot spring bath. Rates start from ¥29,500 per person per night (double room, taxes and service charges included).
- Address: 1575 Uza, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0328
- Access: Approx. 70 minutes by car from Naha Airport
- Official website: https://grand-mercure-okinawacapezanpa-resort.jp/
- 2026 Summer Special Plan: https://grand-mercure-okinawacapezanpa-resort.jp/lp/summer2026/
Guest rooms offer sweeping views of the sparkling East China Sea
The resort's spacious buffet restaurant
Executive lounge on the top floor of the hotel
