Sefa-utaki
斎場御嶽
The highest-ranking sacred site of the Ryukyu Kingdom, a World Heritage site where huge rocks lean together to form a triangular gap through which you can look out toward Kudaka Island, the island of the gods.
Sefa-utaki is the sacred site in the Ryukyuan creation myth, where generations of kings and the chief priestess, the Kikoe-ōkimi, held rituals. It was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 2000. A stone path through the forest links six worship sites, including Ōguri and Yoriman. The best known is Sanguri, a triangular space formed by two giant rocks leaning together; passing through it, you can pay respects toward Kudaka Island. Admission is 300 yen, purchased at the Nanjo City Regional Products Museum (Green Plaza), followed by a walk of about 10 minutes to the site. Please keep quiet, do not touch the worship sites, and wear non-slip shoes.
Opening hours
09:00–18:00 (until 17:30 November–February)
Nearby sights
- Cape Chinen Park
- Ojima Island (Nanjo)
- Okinawa World & Gyokusendo Cave
- Nakagusuku Castle Ruins
- Shikinaen Garden
- Shuri Castle
- Shuri Kinjo-cho Stone-paved Road
- Okinawa Peace Memorial Park