Ukishima Shrine (Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Deities, and Access Information
Ukishima Shrine, located in Wakasa, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, is a historically significant shrine with a legend of divine assistance related to a grand civil engineering project during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Currently enshrined as a temporary shrine within Naminoue Shrine, it remains a valuable presence that conveys Okinawa’s history and faith to the present day.
History and Origins of Ukishima Shrine
Founding during the Ryukyu Kingdom Era
The founding of Ukishima Shrine dates back to the third year of the Hōtoku era (1451, 2111 in the Imperial calendar). This year was during the reign of King Shō Kinpuku of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and the Prime Minister, Kaiki, was in charge of important civil engineering projects.
According to the “Kyūyō” and its origins, when Kaiki was constructing a dike called Chōkōtei, he faced a situation where the construction could not be completed by human power alone due to the deep sea and large waves. Thereupon, Kaiki erected an altar and offered prayers for two nights and three days. Miraculously, the seawater dried up, revealing the seabed.
With this divine assistance, the Chokotei Embankment, stretching from Asato Bridge to Ihekama, was successfully completed. To repay this blessing, Kaiki enshrined Amaterasu Omikami and founded the Choju-gu Shrine, which became the origin of Ukishima Shrine.
Historical Significance of the Chokotei Embankment Construction
The Chokotei Embankment was a crucial infrastructure development project in Naha during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. The construction of this embankment improved the coastline around Naha Port, greatly contributing to Naha’s development as a trading hub. Kaiki’s achievements are noteworthy in the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and Choju-gu Shrine (later Ukishima Shrine) has played an important role in commemorating his great accomplishments.
Renaming in the Showa Era and War Damage
After a long history, Choju-gu Shrine was renamed “Ukishima Shrine” in 1942 (Showa 17). This renaming is thought to be in reference to the miracle of the seabed rising to the surface through divine intervention.
However, in 1944 (Showa 19), the shrine was destroyed by fire during the Battle of Okinawa, losing its main building. Like many Okinawan cultural properties, Ukishima Shrine was a victim of the war.
Post-War Reconstruction and Relocation to the Current Location
After the war, attempts were made to rebuild Ukishima Shrine. In October 1965 (Showa 40), it was temporarily enshrined in Ameku, Naha City, but the original location was owned by Naha City, making reconstruction at that site difficult.
Subsequently, on July 25, 1988 (Showa 63), it was relocated as a temporary shrine within the grounds of Naminoue-gu Shrine, the general guardian shrine of Okinawa. Even today, a small building stands just to the left of the main hall of Naminoue Shrine, and visitors can pay their respects at the same time as visiting Naminoue Shrine.
Deity Enshrined
The deity enshrined at Ukishima Shrine is Amaterasu Omikami.
Amaterasu Omikami is the supreme deity in Japanese mythology, known as the personification of the sun. She is the ancestral deity of the Imperial family and is also enshrined at the Inner Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine. The origin of Ukishima Shrine lies in the fact that Kaiki, in gratitude for the divine assistance in the construction of the Chokotei Embankment, dedicated Amaterasu Omikami as a token of gratitude.
Amaterasu Omikami is believed to bestow divine virtues such as national peace and security, abundant harvests, and good fortune, and is revered by many people.
Ukishima Shrine’s Annual Festival
Ukishima Shrine holds its annual festival every October. The annual grand festival is the most important ritual at the shrine, a ceremony to express gratitude to the enshrined deity and pray for the peace and prosperity of the region.
Although it takes the form of a temporary shrine within Naminoue Shrine, it continues as a unique ritual of Ukishima Shrine, providing a valuable opportunity to pass on traditions from the Ryukyu Kingdom era. By attending the annual grand festival, you can experience the depth of Okinawa’s history and faith.
Current Status as a Temporary Shrine within Naminoue Shrine
Relationship with Naminoue Shrine
Ukishima Shrine is currently located as a temporary shrine within the grounds of Naminoue Shrine, the general guardian shrine of Okinawa. The small building located to the left of the main hall of Naminoue Shrine is the temporary shrine of Ukishima Shrine. Within the same grounds is the temporary shrine of another subsidiary shrine, Yomochi Shrine. Both shrines were originally located in different places, but due to the effects of war and other factors, their deities were enshrined within the grounds of Naminoue Shrine.
Naminoue Shrine is one of the eight Ryukyu shrines and a prestigious shrine that has attracted the faith of the Okinawan people since the Ryukyu Kingdom era. The presence of Ukishima Shrine within the grounds speaks to the historical importance of both shrines.
How to Visit
When visiting Ukishima Shrine, it is customary to first visit the main hall of Naminoue Shrine, and then proceed to the temporary shrine located to the left of the main hall. Although it is a small building, the historical records include the stories of Kaiki and Chokotei, allowing visitors to reflect on the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom era while offering prayers.
The grounds of Naminoue Shrine have a unique atmosphere, with its Okinawan-style red-tiled main hall and guardian lions (shisa) instead of guardian dogs, allowing visitors to experience Okinawan religious culture, which differs from that of shrines on the mainland.
Address, Phone Number, and Access Information
Basic Information
Address
1-25-11 Wakasa, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture 900-0031 (within Naminoue Shrine)
Phone Number
TEL: 098-868-3697
FAX Number
FAX: 098-868-4219
*Since Ukishima Shrine is a temporary shrine within Naminoue Shrine, the contact information is shared with Naminoue Shrine.
Access Information
Access by Car
- Approximately 15 minutes from Naha Airport
- From the intersection of National Route 58, “Wakasa-dori,” head towards the sea
- Parking is available at Naminoue Shrine (for worshippers)
Access by Public Transportation
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Yui Rail “Asahibashi Station” or “Kencho-mae Station”
- Approximately 3 minutes on foot from the Naha Bus “Nishinjo” bus stop
- Route buses: Routes 2, 3, 5, 15, 45, etc. are available
Access on Foot
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Naha City Hall
- Approximately 12 minutes on foot from Okinawa Prefectural Government Office
- Approximately 20 minutes on foot from Kokusai-dori
Naminoue Shrine is relatively close to the center of Naha City, making it easily accessible for tourists. It sits atop a cliff overlooking the sea, and after visiting the shrine, you can also stroll along Naminoue Beach.
Okinawa Prefectural Shrine Association and Ukishima Shrine
Ukishima Shrine belongs to the Okinawa Prefectural Shrine Association, and detailed information is available on the association’s official website. The Okinawa Prefectural Shrine Association has its office within Naminoue Shrine and is the organization that oversees shrines throughout the prefecture.
In addition to Ukishima Shrine, the Okinawa Prefectural Shrine Association also provides information on other shrines enshrined as temporary shrines within Naminoue Shrine, such as Yomochi Shrine and Okinawa Shrine. These shrines all share a common history: they were relocated to the Naminoue Shrine grounds due to difficulties in rebuilding at their original locations after war damage.
List of Ukishima Shrines Nationwide
Shrines with “Ukishima” or “Ukishima” in their name exist throughout Japan, not just in Okinawa Prefecture. Each has its own unique origins and history, and attracts local devotion.
Main Ukishima Shrines
Ukishima Shrine (Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture)
Located in Ukishima, Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture. Former village shrine. Located on a small, lush green hill, it is said to have truly resembled a floating island in times when there were no houses nearby. It is believed to have existed since the Heian period (7th-12th centuries), when Tagajo flourished.
Ukishima Shrine (Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture)
Located in Futatsui-cho, Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture.
Ukishima Shrine (Kawanishi Town, Yamagata Prefecture)
Located in Tokita, Kawanishi Town, Higashiokitama District, Yamagata Prefecture.
Ukishima Shrine (Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture)
Located in Shiraiwa, Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture. Former village shrine.
Ukishima Shrine (Ome City, Tokyo)
Located in Imai, Ome City, Tokyo.
Ukishima Shrine (Kashima Town, Kumamoto Prefecture)
Located in Idera, Kashima Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture. Also known as Ukishima Kumano-za Shrine, former village shrine.
Main Ukishima Shrines
Ukishima Shrine (Daisen City, Akita Prefecture)
Located in Kariwano, Daisen City, Akita Prefecture. Formerly a village shrine.
Ukishima Shrine (Toon City, Ehime Prefecture)
Located in Ushibuchi, Toon City, Ehime Prefecture. Formerly a prefectural shrine and a shrine mentioned in national history. Known as an ancient shrine with a sacred rock formation.
These shrines each have their own unique traditions and histories related to the name “Ukishima” or “Ukishima” in their respective regions, and it is thought that they were named based on geographical features or legends.
Highlights of Visiting Ukishima Shrines
The History of Kaiki and Chokotei
At the temporary shrine of Ukishima Shrine, the episodes of Kaiki and Chokotei are displayed as a history document. This is a valuable document that allows us to learn about the relationship between civil engineering technology and faith during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, and is a must-see for anyone interested in Okinawan history.
Visiting Ukishima Shrine in conjunction with Naminoue Shrine
Ukishima Shrine is located within Naminoue Shrine as a temporary shrine, so visiting both together will provide a more fulfilling pilgrimage experience. Naminoue Shrine is one of the eight Ryukyu shrines and a highly prestigious shrine serving as the guardian deity of Okinawa. You can enjoy the unique Okinawan shrine architecture, such as the red roof tiles of the main hall and the Shisa (lion-dog statues).
Spectacular Ocean Views
Naminoue Shrine is situated on a cliff, offering beautiful ocean views from its grounds. After your visit, we recommend descending to Naminoue Beach and strolling along the shore. It’s a valuable spot where you can feel close to nature despite being in the heart of Naha City.
Ukishima Shrine and Okinawa’s History and Culture
The history of Ukishima Shrine symbolizes the history of Okinawa itself, encompassing the civil engineering techniques and beliefs of the Ryukyu Kingdom era, as well as the loss of cultural properties during the Battle of Okinawa and its post-war reconstruction.
The construction of the Chokotei embankment by Kaiki was essential infrastructure development in the process of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s development as a trading nation. The act of praying for divine assistance and then building a shrine to repay that blessing speaks volumes about the depth of faith of the people at that time.
Furthermore, the fact that the shrine, despite losing its main building in the war, has continued its faith as the temporary shrine within Naminoue Shrine after the war’s reconstruction demonstrates the strong will of the Okinawan people to preserve their faith and culture.
Notes and Manners for Visiting the Shrine
Basic Manners for Visiting the Shrine
- Bow before passing through the torii gate
- Cleanse your hands and mouth at the water basin
- Worship using the two bows, two claps, and one bow ritual
- Be considerate of others when taking photographs
- Maintain silence and respect the sacred atmosphere
Regarding Clothing
There are no particularly strict dress code regulations, but it is desirable to dress appropriately for a sacred place like a shrine. Avoid overly revealing clothing and overly casual footwear such as flip-flops.
Visiting Hours
Follow the visiting hours of Naminoue Shrine. Generally, the shrine is open for worship from sunrise to sunset, but since the shrine office has limited hours, it is recommended to check in advance if you wish to obtain a Goshuin (shrine stamp) or amulet.
Summary
Ukishima Shrine (Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture) is a historically significant shrine with roots in the legend of divine assistance during the construction of the Chokotei Embankment by Kaiji, the Prime Minister of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Founded in 1451 as Choju-gu (Longevity Shrine), it was renamed Ukishima Shrine in 1942, but lost its main building during the Battle of Okinawa.
Currently, it is located in Wakasa, Naha City, as a temporary shrine within Naminoue Shrine, and the worship of Amaterasu Omikami, the enshrined deity, continues. The annual grand festival is held every October, preserving traditions from the Ryukyu Kingdom era.
Easily accessible from central Naha City, it is a valuable spot where you can experience Okinawa’s history and religious culture by visiting both Ukishima Shrine and Naminoue Shrine. When you visit Okinawa, why not pay your respects at Ukishima Shrine and reflect on the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom era?
