Sefa Utaki (Sefa Utaki)

Overview

As the supreme sacred site of the Ryukyu Kingdom, this Utaki (sacred site) is said to be the place where the creator deity Amamikiyo descended. "Sefa" means "highest rank," and it was the location where the inauguration ceremonies for the Kikoe-okimi (the highest national priesthood) were held. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000 as part of the "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu." At the innermost part of the grounds lies Sangui, a place of prayer where two massive rocks lean against each other to form a triangular tunnel, offering a distant view of the sacred island of Kudaka.

Highlights

• ・The highest-ranking Utaki of the Ryukyu Kingdom
• ・The triangular rocks of Sangui
• ・Distant worship of the sacred Kudaka Island
• ・World Heritage site