In southern Okinawa, sacred sites echo the spiritual traditions of the Ryukyu Kingdom, offering a glimpse into the island’s deep cultural roots. Among them, Sefa Utaki stands as one of the most revered—an ancient place of worship that remains central to Ryukyuan belief. Just nearby, Chinen Cape Park opens to sweeping views of Kudaka Island and the cobalt-blue sea, where nature and spirituality blend in serene harmony.
More than a sightseeing stop, this area invites visitors into a landscape of quiet prayer and reflection. It’s a journey to the essence of Okinawa—a power spot where the spirit of the land gently restores and inspires.
Sefa Utaki — The Most Sacred Site of the Ryukyu Kingdom
Located in Chinen, Nanjo City, Sefa Utaki is one of Okinawa’s most sacred places and a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.” Once strictly off-limits to men, this spiritual sanctuary was accessible only to the Ryukyuan king and female priestesses known as noro, and it remains deeply revered by the Okinawan people to this day.
Sefa Utaki is composed of six sacred areas, each steeped in reverence and legend. Among them are Sangui, where two massive rocks lean together to form a natural altar, and Chōnohama, a viewpoint that faces Kudaka Island—regarded as the island of the gods. Visitors often note the profound stillness that envelops the site, where the sound of birdsong and the breeze create a deeply meditative atmosphere, evoking a sense of unity with nature itself.
As a place of worship, Sefa Utaki asks for quiet respect. Visitors are reminded to refrain from loud voices and to avoid entering sacred enclosures. While it welcomes travelers, approaching with the mindset of a respectful pilgrim rather than a tourist allows one to fully sense the quiet strength and sanctity of this spiritual heart of Okinawa. 
Endless Views at Cape Chinen Park — A Sacred Horizon of Sea and Sky
Just south of Sefa Utaki lies Cape Chinen Park, a beloved scenic spot cherished by locals for its breathtaking vistas. Perched atop dramatic cliffs, the park’s open grassy expanse offers panoramic views of Kudaka Island and the scattered isles along Okinawa’s eastern coast. On clear days, the horizon blurs into the sky, and the landscape itself takes on a divine, otherworldly glow.
This site was once part of the Agari-umai, a sacred pilgrimage route leading to Kudaka Island, deeply tied to Ryukyuan mythology and rituals. Especially at sunrise, Cape Chinen radiates a cleansing energy—a perfect finale to any journey of spiritual discovery through Okinawa’s power spots.
Simply sitting on a bench and feeling the ocean breeze is enough to lift the spirit. Whether you come to reflect in solitude or share a quiet moment with a companion, this peaceful, sunlit space offers a welcome escape from the rush of everyday life—a moment of stillness where the sacred and the scenic become one.
A Sacred Moment in Southern Okinawa — Where the Wind Moves the Soul
A journey to Sefa Utaki and Cape Chinen is more than sightseeing—it’s an invitation to feel Okinawa with your whole being. Far from the noise of conventional tourism, this path leads you into quiet encounters with nature, history, and spirituality. It is a journey inward, offering a chance to reconnect with yourself through the land’s gentle power. Just 40 minutes by car from Naha, this sacred corner of southern Okinawa offers a breath of fresh air for the heart. For those seeking a pause from the rush of everyday life, this is a place where the spirit can quietly realign—guided by the wind, the sea, and the sacred stories of the Ryukyu.