What is Utaki? A comprehensive guide to Okinawa's Utaki and recommended sightseeing tours!

On this page, Okinawa Ontake Special feature on Utaki (pronounced Utaki)!
What is Ontake? Basic knowledge, World Heritage Site, Sefa-Utaki (Sefa Utaki) and others List of Okinawa's major Utaki We will introduce you to the following.
In addition, Okinawa Popular rankings and recommended plans for Ontake sightseeing tours Let's check them all together.
Okinawa's Ontake sightseeing tour popularity ranking
First of all, based on the latest reservation data from Activity Japan, Okinawa Ontake Popular sightseeing tour rankings "We would like to introduce you to "
world heritage· Sefa-Utaki (Sefa Utaki) etc. Guided tours with viewing tickets are gaining popularity.
Tour contents and fees (prices), Check out reviews and word-of-mouth testimonials Please use this to help you compare plans.
- 5.0
- (2 reviews and experiences)
A new marine leisure activity has been born in Chinen, Nanjo City, Okinawa, in the southern part of the main island of Okinawa! Come and enjoy parasailing! Parasailing is a marine activity in which you wear a parachute, are pulled by a rope attached to a boat, and rise up and float in the air with the wind. ■Nanjo City has a very beautiful sea, and the spectacular view from the sky is extremely satisfying! You can go there empty-handed.
In front of you is Kudaka Island, the island of God, and behind it is Sefa Utaki, a World Heritage Site. Right in the middle of them is the uninhabited island of Ukabi, said to be a miraculous island formed by the accumulation of white sand and coral fragments. The small island, with a 360° view, is truly a spectacular sight.
[Okinawa, Naha] Southern Half-Day Tour of Gangala Valley | Rad OSB
- 4.6
- (7 reviews and experiences)
This is a recommended plan for those going to Naha Airport from Naha City. Departures are from three locations in the Naha area between 7:40 and 8:00 in the morning. Return is at the airport around 13:10 or in front of the Prefectural Office in the center of Naha around 13:25. This is a popular tour bus for sightseeing on the last day. Highlights of the course include the popular power spot Sefa Utaki and the mysterious Valley of Gangala, so even a half-day tour will be satisfying.
A new marine leisure activity has been born in Chinen, Nanjo City, Okinawa, in the southern part of the main island of Okinawa! Come and enjoy parasailing! Parasailing is a marine activity in which you wear a parachute, are pulled by a rope attached to a boat, and rise up and float in the air with the wind. ■Nanjo City has a very beautiful sea, and the spectacular view from the sky is extremely satisfying! You can go there empty-handed.
★LeaLea Bus Departs Naha in the morning and tours the southern part of Okinawa Island in half a day★ This bus tour takes you to scenic spots such as the World Heritage Site Sefa Utaki and Nirai Kanai Bridge, as well as the Himeyuri Tower. ~Schedule~ LeaLea Lounge Okinawa Departure: 08:10 → Nirai Kanai Bridge (view from the bus window) → A guide will show you the World Heritage Site Sefa Utaki. After that, Chinen
★LeaLea Bus Departing from Naha in the morning, this half-day tour of the southern part of Okinawa's main island will take you to spectacular spots such as the World Heritage Site Sefa Utaki and Nirai Kanai Bridge, as well as the Himeyuri Tower. ~Schedule~ LeaLea Lounge Okinawa departure: 08:00 → Nirai Kanai Bridge (view from the bus window) → A guide will guide you to the World Heritage Site Sefa Utaki (Note 1). After that,
Enjoy a pleasant cycling trip around Nakijin Village in the northern part of Okinawa's main island, near the World Heritage Site Nakijin Castle. Explore hidden gems and power spots (mountains, shrines, etc.) near the World Heritage Site Nakijin Castle, and visit beaches with blue ocean. Explore the buraku, one of only two important cultural landscapes in the prefecture, and discover new discoveries you've never noticed before. Learn how to compare and appreciate buraku with other buraku.
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
You can enjoy history, culture, performing arts, mangrove kayaking, clam digging, and scenic spots all at once. The "Island Walk" tour around power spots, commonly known as "Island-san!!" Main Course 1: A popular course where you can enjoy Ishigaki Island's history, scenic views, and power spots all at once (recommended for those new to Ishigaki Island) 2: Japan's southernmost power spot
This is a unique English tour focusing on the fascinating culture of Iriomote Island and the Yaeyama Islands. While strolling through Sonai Village, one of the oldest villages on Iriomote Island, and seeing traditional Okinawan houses and Utaki (shrines), you will learn about the history and religion of Iriomote Island. Learn about the way of life and beliefs from local grandparents. The charm of Iriomote Island is not just its beautiful nature.
[Iheya Island] [Noho Island] E-bike touring! Three-mountain tour! [Ontake tour] [Relaxing time]
We will cross the Noho Bridge from the southern tip of Iheya Island and head for Noho Island. Like Iheya Island, Noho Island has a long-standing local faith. We will visit the area's tourist spots, focusing on the three legendary shrines. We will travel by e-bike, so it is sure to be a tour full of freedom. The Iheya Blue of the ocean seen from Noho Bridge is breathtakingly beautiful.
Recommended Okinawa Ontake Tour Plan
" Ontake I'm interested, but which tour should I choose? I think many people are having trouble choosing a plan to participate in, such as:
If you are having trouble choosing a tour plan to book, The recommended method is to refer to reviews and word-of-mouth ratings from users. is.
From here, we will introduce the "Activity Japan" carefully selected by the editorial department. Recommended Okinawa Ontake Tour Plan "We would like to introduce you to "
★LeaLea Bus Departing from Naha in the morning, this half-day tour of the southern part of Okinawa's main island will take you to spectacular spots such as the World Heritage Site Sefa Utaki and Nirai Kanai Bridge, as well as the Himeyuri Tower. ~Schedule~ LeaLea Lounge Okinawa departure: 08:00 → Nirai Kanai Bridge (view from the bus window) → A guide will guide you to the World Heritage Site Sefa Utaki (Note 1). After that,
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
Okinawa is a place where you can find places of prayer and mysteries in nature, and where Feng Shui is a strong principle. Among these places, Sefa Utaki is said to have great power, and Gangala Valley was formed when a limestone cave created hundreds of thousands of years ago collapsed. This tour with a local guide will take you to the area. Afterwards, enjoy a day at Okinawa World, including lunch and a free pass! <Inside Sefa Utaki
Tours departing from Naha and visiting Okinawa's power spots with a local guide certified by the Nanjo City Board of Education. In Okinawa, where nature worship is at the center of faith, people find places of prayer and mystery in nature rather than in shrines and other shrines, and the idea of feng shui is also strong. We will guide you to Sefa Utaki, said to be the most sacred place in the Ryukyu Islands and a World Heritage Site, and Kudaka Island, the island of the gods! Popular thick okonomiyaki
★LeaLea Bus Departs Naha in the morning and tours the southern part of Okinawa Island in half a day★ This bus tour takes you to scenic spots such as the World Heritage Site Sefa Utaki and Nirai Kanai Bridge, as well as the Himeyuri Tower. ~Schedule~ LeaLea Lounge Okinawa Departure: 08:10 → Nirai Kanai Bridge (view from the bus window) → A guide will show you the World Heritage Site Sefa Utaki. After that, Chinen
[Iheya Island] [Noho Island] E-bike touring! Three-mountain tour! [Ontake tour] [Relaxing time]
We will cross the Noho Bridge from the southern tip of Iheya Island and head for Noho Island. Like Iheya Island, Noho Island has a long-standing local faith. We will visit the area's tourist spots, focusing on the three legendary shrines. We will travel by e-bike, so it is sure to be a tour full of freedom. The Iheya Blue of the ocean seen from Noho Bridge is breathtakingly beautiful.
What is Utaki?

Ontake What is Utaki? A sacred place in the Ryukyu Shinto faith in Okinawa.
Since ancient times, it has been associated with daily life in the village, such as praying for bountiful harvests, safe voyages, and good health. A sacred spot where prayers have been offered is.
A place of worship where gods and ancestral spirits reside in huge rocks, large trees, springs, and waterfalls Rituals and ceremonies are held.
Inside the Utaki is the most sacred place There are multiple "Ibi" sites, and entry is prohibited to those sites except for female priests (Noro). It was done.
In addition, many of the Utaki were once used by priestesses to perform religious ceremonies. Even now, there are many places where men are not allowed to enter or where entry is prohibited. I will.
List of Utaki in Okinawa
The most important element of village structure in Okinawa It is said that there is at least one in each settlement. Ontake .
From here, A list of Okinawa's most famous Utaki We will introduce them to you below.
Sefa Utaki
The World Heritage Site " Sefa-Utaki (Safer Utaki) ".
Okinawa's most sacred place It is one of the seven mountains said to have been built by Amamikiyo.
The inauguration ceremony of Kikoe-no-Okimi, the supreme goddess during the Ryukyu Kingdom period The place where the "Oaraori" ceremony took place It is said that...
Location/Address | 539 Chinen Kutegae, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture |
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Opening hours | 9:00-18:00 |
Recommended Plan
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
Okinawa is a place where you can find places of prayer and mysteries in nature, and where Feng Shui is a strong principle. Among these places, Sefa Utaki is said to have great power, and Gangala Valley was formed when a limestone cave created hundreds of thousands of years ago collapsed. This tour with a local guide will take you to the area. Afterwards, enjoy a day at Okinawa World, including lunch and a free pass! <Inside Sefa Utaki
★LeaLea Bus Departing from Naha in the morning, this half-day tour of the southern part of Okinawa's main island will take you to spectacular spots such as the World Heritage Site Sefa Utaki and Nirai Kanai Bridge, as well as the Himeyuri Tower. ~Schedule~ LeaLea Lounge Okinawa departure: 08:00 → Nirai Kanai Bridge (view from the bus window) → A guide will guide you to the World Heritage Site Sefa Utaki (Note 1). After that,
Asumu Utaki
Located in Hedo, the northernmost point of Okinawa Island, Asumu Utaki ".
During the Ryukyu Kingdom period, A sacred place where prayers were made for the prosperity of the royal family, bountiful harvests, and safe voyages is.
It is known as "the sacred mountain where the ancestral deity Amamiku first descended upon command from the Emperor of Heaven." A sacred place of national importance It is said that...
Location/Address | 5101 Imadomari, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture |
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Opening hours | — |
Kuba no Utaki
Located in Nakijin Village, Kunigami County, in the northwest of Okinawa's main island, Kuba no Utaki ".
Kuba's Utaki is Mount Kuba stands about 400 meters southwest of the Nakijin Castle ruins. is located.
Of course, Kuba Utaki is a sacred place. Mount Kuba itself is known as the largest Utaki in the Ryukyu Islands. is.
Location/Address | Imadomari, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture |
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Opening hours | — |
Yabusatsu Utaki
Located in Nanjo City in the southwest of Okinawa's main island, Yabusatsu Utaki ".
On the main island of Okinawa Sefa Utaki is one of the most important spots in the area. is.
In this region, There are many important spots scattered around, such as the sacred site of Yaharaji, Hamakawa Ontake, Mintungsuk, the water source of the rice cultivation legend, and Hashirimizu. We are doing it.
Location/Address | 643 Hyakuna, Tamagusuku, Nanjō City, Okinawa Prefecture |
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Opening hours | 24 hours |
Raindrops at Tenji Utaki
Located in Nanjo City in the southwest of Okinawa's main island, Raindrops at Tenji Utaki ".
In a year of drought A sacred place where the king himself performed a rain-making ceremony It is said that...
Every year, there are four prayers, such as New Year's prayers, September wheat seeds, December prayers, March and August prayers. A place where envoys from the Shuri royal court are said to have visited is.
Location/Address | 444 Tamagusuku, Nanjō City, Okinawa Prefecture |
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Opening hours | — |
Kubo Utaki
Located on Kudaka Island off the coast of Nanjo City in the southwest of Okinawa's main island, Kubo Utaki ".
Kubo Ontake is A sacred place in the center of Kudaka Island, also known as the island of the gods is.
Known as the place where the gods descended, A shrine off-limits to men It is also famous as.
Location/Address | 1870 Shinzato, Sashiki, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture |
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Opening hours | — |
Madamu Utaki
Located in Shuri Castle, one of the most important spots on Okinawa's main island, Madamu Utaki ".
Shuri Mori Utaki, located in the center of Shuri Castle, The most important spot in the Ryukyu Kingdom It is known as.
It is a counterpart to the Madamamori Forest in the Johto area. The Utaki that protects Shuri Castle It has the meaning as.
Location/Address | 3-1 Shuri Toguracho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture |
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Opening hours | — |
Are Okinawa's Utaki scary? Are they off-limits?
Okinawa Ontake (Utaki) is It is a sacred place with a long history of offering prayers to the gods.
You may see keywords such as "Ontake is scary" or "Ontake is off-limits." This is because it is a power spot with such a long history.
Therefore, although there are places like Sefa Utaki that are open to the public, There are many places where entry is prohibited or restricted. Masu.
Also, as mentioned above, There are many Ontake shrines where men are not allowed to enter. .
If you are thinking of visiting Ontake in Okinawa, Please choose a spot where the tour is being held and enjoy the tour while observing the rules and manners. .
*The content of this article is current as of August 2025.