OkinawaTravel

The Highest Sacred Site of the Ryukyu Kingdom - Worshipping Takara Island, the Island of Gods

About this spot

A component asset of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu," this is recognized as the highest sacred site in the Ryukyu Kingdom. It is also known as the place where the "Go-shin-Kudari" (御新下り) ceremony, the inauguration ritual of the highest priestess Kikutoku-Okami (聞得大君) who presided over the kingdom's religious rites, was held. Climbing the stone-paved approach path enveloped in subtropical forest, worship sites such as Daikurori and Yorimanchi appear one after another, and at the innermost point awaits Sankurori—a triangular space formed by two massive boulders leaning together. Beyond lies the view of Takara Island (久高島), the Island of Gods, where the mythological origins of Ryukyu come alive. In the forest where only bird calls and rustling leaves echo, you can feel with your own senses that this remains a place of prayer today.

Tips

Admission tickets are not sold at the Utaki entrance; advance purchase at the nearby Nanjo City Regional Products Center is required. The stone-paved approach becomes slippery after rain, so wear comfortable shoes. As this remains a place of prayer, please refrain from speaking loudly and do not enter inside the worship places—this is respectful conduct. Entry is not permitted on rest days based on the lunar calendar, so check in advance.