Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Discover the spiritual heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom on a 1.5-hour guided tour of Sefa Utaki, Okinawa’s most sacred site. Nestled atop southeastern cliffs, this tour invites you to explore a unique landscape characterized by towering limestone formations and ancient paths once traversed by royal priestesses. The site’s natural beauty serves as a backdrop for understanding the deep spirituality that continues to shape Okinawa’s identity. With an expert guide, delve into the significance of this ceremonial landscape, where nature and spirituality intertwine, revealing the kingdom’s rich heritage.
- 1.5-hour guided exploration of Sefa Utaki, Okinawa's sacred site
- Learn about the Ryukyuan faith and its historical significance
- Walk the ancient paths of priestesses and royalty
- Gain insights from a local expert on Ryukyuan spirituality
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meeting Point: In front of the entrance to Ganjyu Station Nanjo. Your guide will be waiting with a yellow sign. Please refer to the map for details.
Itinerary
-
1
Serving as both a welcoming gateway and an informative introduction to your journey, Ganjyu Station Nanjo is more than just a meeting point—it's the perfect prologue to the sacred experience that awaits. Located near the entrance to the revered Sefa Utaki, this small but well-designed facility offers insightful displays and materials that provide context on the Ryukyuan religion, the spiritual geography of Okinawa, and the deep cultural significance of the region. Before entering the sacred site, visitors can explore exhibits that illuminate the beliefs surrounding Nirai Kanai, the role of the kikoe ōgimi (the high priestess of the Ryukyu Kingdom), and the sacred pilgrimages known as Agari-umai. Ganjyu Station helps frame the meaning of what lies ahead, preparing guests with the historical and spiritual knowledge that enriches their visit to one of Okinawa’s most important holy sites.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Sefa Utaki is the most sacred site in the Ryukyuan religion, where nature and spirituality intertwine. Nestled in the forests of southeastern Okinawa and overlooking the mythical Kudaka Island—believed to be the origin of life in Ryukyuan cosmology—Sefa Utaki served for centuries as a ceremonial site for royal rituals and prayers to deities from Nirai Kanai, the spiritual realm across the sea. Established by the creator deity Amamikiyo, it is deeply tied to the Ryukyu Kingdom’s spiritual history, especially through the kikoe ōgimi, the kingdom's high priestess who performed sacred rites here during the royal pilgrimage called Agari-umai. Its natural formations—such as the triangular Sangui cave, sacred altars like Ufugui, and panoramic prayer points—embody the Ryukyuan belief in the spiritual power of pristine landscapes. Walking through Sefa Utaki means stepping into a world of myth, devotion, and identity that continues to shape Okinawan culture.
1 hour 10 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Top Searches
Get our app
