Kinjo Reitaku (Kinjo Sacred Spring)
Kinjo Reitaku is a historical spring located in Kinjo-cho, Shuri, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. It has been revered as a “sacred spring” since the Ryukyu Kingdom era, and pure water continues to flow from it today.
Located south of Shuri Castle, along the Kinjo-cho stone-paved road, it is known as a sacred place that appears in the Ryukyu creation legend.
Ryukyu Creation Legend and Kinjo Reitaku
According to the Ryukyu creation myth, Amamikiyo (Amamiku), who received a command from the Emperor of Heaven, descended to Ryukyu and taught the people the method of rice cultivation at this spring.
Legendary Content
- Site of the God’s Descent: One of the sacred sites where Amamikiyo first descended.
- Introduction of Rice Cultivation: The birthplace of rice cultivation culture in Ryukyu.
- Water of Life: Used as drinking water for royalty and nobility during the Ryukyu Kingdom era.
- Miraculous: A miraculous spring that never dries up, even during droughts.
During the Ryukyu Kingdom era, drawing water from this spring held special significance and was used in important ceremonies.
Highlights of Kinjo Reitaku
Spring Water and Place of Worship
Clear water still gushes from the stone spring, and its clarity is astonishing. A place of worship has been set up in front of the spring, and local people can still be seen offering prayers there.
Features:
- Consistent water temperature throughout the year (approximately 22 degrees Celsius)
- Good water quality, potable (boiling recommended)
- Beautiful stonework structure
Integration with Kinjo-cho Stone Pavement Road
Kinjo Reitaku is located along the Kinjo-cho Stone Pavement Road, built during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. The approximately 300-meter-long stone pavement, laid with Ryukyu limestone, is a valuable cultural asset that strongly retains the atmosphere of that time.
Visiting Kinjo Reitaku while walking along the stone pavement allows you to experience the atmosphere of the Ryukyu Kingdom era.
Surrounding Utaki (Sacred Sites)
Several Utaki (sacred sites in Okinawa) are scattered around Kinjo Reitaku, indicating that this area has been a center of worship since ancient times.
Points for Worship
Worship Etiquette
Kinjo Reitaku remains an object of worship today, a place where locals offer daily prayers. Please observe the following manners.
Basic Manners
- Be Quiet: Refrain from loud conversations.
- Respect for the Sacred Site: Bow before entering the sacred site.
- Photography: Be considerate if someone is praying.
- Water Collection: Collect only the minimum necessary (avoid large-scale collection for sightseeing purposes).
- Take Your Trash Home: Keep the sacred site clean.
Recommended Visiting Times
- Early Morning (7:00-9:00): Fewer tourists, allowing for a peaceful visit.
- Evening (16:00-17:00): The setting sun illuminates the stone pavement, creating a charming atmosphere.
- Time to Avoid: The sun is strong around noon, and there are many tourists.
Estimated Time Required
- Kinjo Reitaku Only: 15-20 minutes
- Including a Stroll Along the Stone Paved Path: 40-60 minutes
- Including Visiting Surrounding Sacred Sites: 90-120 minutes
Benefits and the Appeal of a Power Spot
Main Benefits
Kinjo Reitaku is a place associated with the legend of the creation of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and is believed to offer the following benefits:
Abundant Harvest and Increased Vitality
As a sacred site where rice cultivation was introduced, it is believed to bring benefits for prayers for a bountiful harvest and increased vitality. Many people involved in agriculture and the food and beverage industry visit the site.
Purification and Regeneration
The pure water that never dries up is considered a symbol of purifying power, making it popular with those seeking mental and physical refreshment or a fresh start.
Fertility and Safe Childbirth
As a place where water, the source of life, springs forth, many people visit to pray for fertility and safe childbirth.
Academic Success and Wisdom
As a place where the gods bestowed wisdom (rice cultivation techniques) upon people, some visitors pray for academic success and improvement of skills.
Characteristics as a Power Spot
- Sacred Site on a Dragon Vein: A place where the flow of energy from Shuri Castle gathers.
- Water Energy: The constantly flowing spring water symbolizes vitality.
- Place of Prayer from Ancient Times: The prayers of people accumulated over hundreds of years.
- Harmony with Nature: A healing space surrounded by stone walls and greenery.
Access Information
Basic Information
- Address: 2-chome, Shuri Kinjo-cho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture 903-0815
- Visiting Hours: 24 hours (however, early morning and evening visits are recommended)
- Admission Fee: Free
- Parking: No dedicated parking (use nearby paid parking lots)
Access by Public Transportation
Using the Yui Rail (Okinawa Urban Monorail)
- Get off at Shuri Station
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot (approximately 1.2 km, gentle downhill slope)
- There is also a route via Shuri Castle Park (20-minute walk).
By Bus
- Route 1 & 17: Get off at the “Shuri Castle Town Entrance” bus stop, 5-minute walk.
- Route 7 & 8: Get off at the “Ishimine (Shuri Kinjo-cho)” bus stop, 3-minute walk.
Access by Car
From Naha Airport
- Approximately 30 minutes (approx. 12km) via National Route 331 and Prefectural Route 29.
- Approximately 25 minutes via the Naha Airport Expressway.
Parking Information
There is no dedicated parking lot at Kinjo Reitaku. Please use the following parking lots.
- Shuri Castle Park Parking: 116 regular cars (paid), 10-minute walk to Kinjo Reitaku
- Shuri Mori-kan Underground Parking: Approximately 100 regular cars (paid), 12-minute walk
- Nearby Coin Parking: Several small parking lots scattered throughout the area
Caution: Kinjo-cho Stone Pavement Road is closed to vehicles. Please access on foot.
Recommended Access Route
Course Combined with Shuri Castle Sightseeing
- Visit Shuri Castle Park (90-120 minutes)
- Descend from Shuri Castle to Kinjo-cho Stone Pavement Road (10-minute walk)
- Visit Kinjo Reitaku (20 minutes)
- Walk down the stone pavement road while strolling (20 minutes)
This route is mostly downhill, making it physically easy.
Nearby Tourist Spots
Shuri Castle Park
10-minute walk from Kinjo Reitaku. Shuri Castle, a symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom, is a must-see.
Tamaudun (Tama Mausoleum)
The burial place of the Ryukyu royal family. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, an 8-minute walk from Kinjo Reitaku.
Shikinaen Garden
The Ryukyu royal family’s villa. Its beautiful garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 10-minute drive from Kinjo Reitaku.
The Great Akagi Trees of Kinjo-cho
A breathtaking sight of six giant trees over 200 years old. A 3-minute walk from Kinjo Reitaku.
Summary
Kinjo Reitaku is a sacred site associated with the legend of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s creation, possessing high historical and cultural value. Visiting it in conjunction with Shuri Castle will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the beliefs and lifestyle culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom era.
Why not experience Okinawa’s spiritual culture in this mystical space where pure water still springs forth? A quiet prayer here will provide a special experience that refreshes both mind and body.
