Eight Shrines of the Ryukyu Islands | Okigu Shrine: Arrows Point to the Sky Lantern Mountain, a Journey to the Sacred Land of the Ancient Kingdom

Following the arrow, I walked toward Okigu Shrine. This is one of the Eight Shrines of the Ryukyu Islands and has been a vital site for royal ceremonies since ancient times. The simple sign carries a rich history. "Shendi Tiandengshan" (Shendi Tiandengshan) inscribed on it hints at its sacred past, where the ancients viewed it as the place where heaven and earth intersected. The charm of travel lies in how an unexpected turn often leads you on a path through history. As I gazed at the arrow, the thought came to me: no matter how long or short the road, it ultimately leads to the divine. Okigu Shrine may not be as spectacular as the larger shrines, but it has left a significant mark on Ryukyu's history. Such a place is more than just a shrine; it serves as a gateway for the island to engage with heaven and earth.