Sefa-utaki(Sefa-utaki)

Prayer still lives here.

Sefa-utaki / World Heritage Site

Hours

9:00 ― 18:00Mar–Oct / Last entry 17:30

Admission

Adults ¥300¥600 from Oct 1, 2026

Tickets

Nanjo City Regional Products CenterLocated separately from the site entrance

Before You Visit Grounds Map

TODAY

Sefa-utaki today

Scenery footage selected to match the current weather (image footage). This is not a live camera.

Today Sunny Source: Japan Meteorological Agency / Open-Meteo (min–max temperature: Naha)

ABOUT

About Sefa-utaki

Sefa-utaki is the most sacred site of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

The foremost utaki of Ryukyu, where rituals of the king and of Kikoe-Okimi, the highest priestess, were held. Prayers are still offered here today, and visitors are welcomed quietly, with respect.

More about Sefa-utaki

KNOW

Discover

The origins of the utaki and the prayers that continue today. Three doorways into the world of Sefa-utaki.

SACRED PLACES The Places of Worship From Ujoguchi to Ufugui, Yuinchi, and on to Sangui — visiting the places of worship in the forest, in order and with respect. Explore

KIKOE-OKIMI Kikoe-Okimi and the Oaraori Kikoe-Okimi, the highest priestess of Ryukyu. Her investiture rite, the Oaraori, and its deep connection with Sefa-utaki. Learn

KUDAKA & AGARI-UMAI Kudaka Island and the Agari-umai A place overlooking Kudaka, the island of the gods, across the sea. Prayers toward the island, and the Agari-umai pilgrimage route through the sacred places. Follow

WORLD HERITAGE

Sefa-utaki as a World Heritage Site

One of the properties of the World Heritage Site "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu," inscribed in 2000. It carries the faith and history of Ryukyu into the present.

As a World Heritage Site

PRESERVATION

Preservation

Passing the place of prayer to the next generation. Our efforts to protect and hand down Sefa-utaki.

Preservation efforts

FOR VISITORS

For Visitors

The utaki is a sanctuary where prayers are still offered today.

Please be considerate of those who come to pray, and spend your time here quietly. Entry to the altar of Sangui (beyond the triangular rock) is currently not permitted. Please check our guidance on dress and belongings before you visit.

Visitor etiquette