Okinawa | Naminoue Shrine: Stunning Views from the Cliff

If you only enter Naminoue Shrine through the main torii gate to worship and admire the site, you might miss out on its true beauty. Just take a few minutes to walk along the elevated pedestrian bridge on the side, and you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Naminoue Shrine perched on the cliff, along with Naminoue Beach and the gradient hues of the ocean. As the main guardian shrine of Okinawa, Naminoue Shrine faces the sea, watching over the waters, and has long been regarded as a spiritual symbol for ensuring the safety of fishermen. The history of Naminoue Shrine dates back to the 14th century. According to legend, Ryukyu fishermen discovered a talking sacred stone here, leading to the establishment of the shrine. Another story suggests that Nichishu Shonin of the Shingon sect came to Ryukyu to spread Kumano beliefs. The main deity of Naminoue Shrine is Izanami-no-Mikoto, known as Izanami in the Kojiki, and due to the Kumano faith, it also enshrines Hayatama-no-Mikoto and Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto. The shrine's architecture follows the nagare-zukuri style but incorporates unique elements such as red tiles and guardian lions called "Shisa," which are traditional Ryukyu protectors, instead of the usual komainu seen at other shrines. This fusion of Shinto, Buddhism, and Kumano beliefs makes Naminoue Shrine truly special. Besides its charming school bag-shaped omamori (amulets), the shrine also offers modern reflective traffic safety amulets. 📍Address: 〒900-0031 Okinawa Prefecture, Naha City, Wakasa 1-25-11 🚗 Access: A 15-minute walk from Yui Rail Asahibashi Station, or a 5-minute walk from Seibumon Station via bus routes 2, 5, or 45.