1. Harimizu Utaki｜The Sacred Site of Miyako’s Creation Myth
Harimizu Utaki is one of the most prestigious sacred sites on Miyako Island, enshrining deities from the island’s creation myth. It plays a central role in traditional festivals and ceremonies, and the atmosphere here is profoundly solemn. Visitors are encouraged to approach with respect, as this site has long been a cornerstone of local faith. Exploring Harimizu Utaki allows you to experience the spiritual heart of Miyako’s culture.
➡️ 漲水御嶽の詳細はこちら
2. Ogoshu Utaki (Ikema Island)｜Highest-Ranked Utaki and Ikema Blue
Ogoshu Utaki on Ikema Island is regarded as the island’s most important sacred site, deeply revered by priests and worshippers alike. From its elevated location, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the stunning “Ikema Blue” sea and surrounding village. For centuries, people prayed here for safe voyages and abundant catches. Today, the site remains a spiritual anchor, offering a powerful sense of the deep connection between nature and faith.
3. Tsunuji Utaki｜A Remote Place of Worship
Located in the Shimoji area, Tsunuji Utaki is said to have been established as a site to worship Akasaki Utaki from afar. Historically, it has been an important place where fishermen and sailors prayed for safe journeys and bountiful harvests. The quiet atmosphere makes it a truly spiritual spot, and visiting here offers insight into the enduring bond between islanders and the sea.
➡️ ツヌジ御嶽の詳細を見る
4. Akasaki Utaki｜Sacred Site Overlooking Shimoji Island’s Sea
Akasaki Utaki, located near the Emerald Coast Golf Links, has long been a place where people prayed for safe voyages and good harvests. With its scenic ocean views, it is still a focal point of faith in the community. The site reflects the harmony of nature and worship, illustrating how closely the lives of islanders have been tied to the sea.
5. Asuka Utaki and Plant Community｜Sacred Site of Nature and Legend
Asuka Utaki is unique in that both the sacred site and the surrounding plant community are designated as a Natural Monument of Okinawa. The area embodies both ecological and cultural importance, blending lush greenery with traditional legends. Visitors can enjoy the serenity while learning about how nature conservation and spirituality have coexisted for generations in Miyako culture.
➡️ 飛鳥御嶽の詳細はこちら
6. Ofune-no-Oya Utaki｜Sacred Site of Drift Legends
Located in northern Miyako, Ofune-no-Oya Utaki is associated with ancient legends of shipwrecks and sea journeys. Islanders have long prayed here for maritime safety, making it a sacred place that underscores the community’s reliance on the sea. The mysterious atmosphere invites visitors to reflect on the island’s history and its spiritual connection to the ocean.
➡️ 御船の親御嶽の詳細を見る
7. Maya Utaki｜Sacred Site Honoring the Founder of Miyako Jofu
Maya Utaki is dedicated to the founder of Miyako Jofu, a highly prized traditional textile of Okinawa. Worshippers, especially those involved in weaving and the arts, visit this sacred site to pray for skill and mastery. The site is a cultural touchstone, showing how faith and craftsmanship are intertwined in the daily lives of the island’s people.
➡️ 真屋御嶽の詳細はこちら
8. Imo-nu-nushi Utaki｜Sacred Site of Sweet Potato Introduction
Imo-nu-nushi Utaki commemorates the introduction of sweet potatoes to Japan in the late 16th century, when a local figure brought them from China to Miyako Island. This event transformed the island’s food culture and saved many lives during times of famine. Today, sweet potatoes—including the famous purple variety—remain an iconic part of Miyako’s agriculture. The site symbolizes both gratitude and cultural heritage.
➡️ 芋ヌ主御嶽の詳細を見る
9. Pyaazu Utaki (Irabu Island)｜God of Agriculture and Fertility
Pyaazu Utaki on Irabu Island is considered the most spiritually powerful sacred site on the island. It enshrines a deity associated with agriculture and iron tools, and ceremonies for bountiful harvests continue to this day. Surrounded by nature and tranquility, it is a place where visitors can sense the deep relationship between farming, culture, and spirituality.
10. Shiokawa Utaki and Fukugi Trees｜Sacred Site of Tarama Island
Shiokawa Utaki on Tarama Island is a sacred site tied to the legend of a spiritual stone. It is surrounded by a 650-meter-long row of Fukugi trees, which are not only natural windbreaks but also cultural symbols of peace and protection. Strolling through this area offers visitors a chance to experience both the island’s natural beauty and its enduring spiritual traditions.
➡️ 塩川御嶽の詳細を見る
11. Yamakawa Upuka (Sacred Spring)｜Water Source of Life
Yamakawa Upuka, in northern Miyako, is a sacred site dedicated to a spring that sustained local life for centuries. Revered as a water deity, it reflects the community’s gratitude for nature’s blessings. Visitors can feel the calm and spiritual atmosphere while listening to the flowing water, connecting with how the island’s people lived in harmony with their en
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