Seifa-Utaki [斎場御嶽]

Seifa-Utaki is a former sacred place of Ryukyu Kingdom.
(It is also called as "Sêfa-Utaki" or "Saifa-Utaki".)

In Okinawa language, "seifa" means "the highest position", and "utaki" means "sacred place".

It is located near the tip of small Chinen Peninsula at the southeast part of Okinawa Island and about 13 km northeast of Gyokusendo (Okinawa World).

Around the 15th and 16th centuries, this place was used as the sacred place for religious rites.

This site was managed by female priest.
And only women were allowed to enter this site.
Even male Ryûkyû King wore a woman's dress at the entrance.

First, female priests went to "Urookaa" (a spring) to the right of the entrance, and purified their bodies.

Then, they walked the approach through "Ujouguchi" (the entrance).

They reached "Ufuguui".
It was the first worshipping place.

A path leads to "Yuinchi" to the left.
It was the kitchen to make the meal for the king.

Another path leads to "Sanguui".
It was the most sacred place.

The entrance to Sanguui is a tunnel between two huge rocks.
After passing through the tunnel, there is the worshipping place.

The sea and Kudaka Island are seen from there.
Ryukyu myth says that the god of Ryukyu came from heaven and create the island first.

In 2000, Seifa-Utaki was declared a World Heritage site, as one of Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

Recently, the visitors are increasing.
This place is very sacred place for Okinawa people, so the visitors must be quiet in this site.

Now, male visitors have been allowed to visit the site.
But, if many vistors don't have good manners, male visitors may be prohibited to enter the site again.

Sefa-Utaki

How to get here

By route bus, about 40 minutes from Naha terminal to Seifa-Utaki-iriguchi stop.

Other Tourist Attractions in Okinawa Prefecture

South part in Okinawa Island

Middle and north part in Okinawa Island

Other islands of the prefecture

Return to Okinawa Prefecture Return to Kyushu Region