Hamahiga Island: A Fertility and Health Power Spot Where the Founding Deities of Ryukyu Rest (Okinawa)

In the central part of the main island of Okinawa, Hamahiga Island can be reached from Uruma City by crossing the Kaichu Road over the sea. It is a sacred island where a myth survives that Amamikiyo (Amamichu) and Shinerikiyo (Shirumichu), the founding deities of the Ryukyu, settled here after descending on Kudaka Island. Even now the island holds the sacred sites of Amamichu and Shirumichu, which enshrine the two deities, and people come to pray for fertility, health, matchmaking, and household safety. Surrounded by an old village of red-tiled roofs and the blue sea, it is a healing power spot where time flows gently.

Highlights

• Amamichu: A sacred site in the shade of rocks on a small island. Enshrining the founders, it is a holy place to pray for the prosperity of descendants and good health.
• Shirumichu: A place of worship within a limestone cave, a sacred spot known for prayers of fertility and safe childbirth.
• Red-Tiled Village: A quiet village that preserves the original scenery of Okinawa, soothing the heart with a leisurely walk.
• Stunning Kaichu Road: The Kaichu Road, about 5.2 kilometers long, stretching from the Katsuren Peninsula to the islands, is a refreshing drive with the blue sea spreading on both sides.

Enjoying the Seasons

With a warm subtropical climate it can be enjoyed year-round, and in summer the blue of the sea is at its most vivid. Together with a drive along the Kaichu Road, you can fully enjoy the clear blue sea. Even winter is comfortable and, if anything, recommended for a quiet village stroll. As the sacred sites are holy places, it is important to worship quietly and with respect whenever you visit.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Katsuren-Hama and Higa, Uruma City, Okinawa
• Access: About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from Naha Airport (via the Kaichu Road)
• Hours: Anytime (sacred sites open all day)
• Admission: Free

Practical Travel Notes

• The Route to the Island: From the Katsuren Peninsula in Uruma City, cross the roughly 5.2-kilometer Kaichu Road to Henza Island, then cross the Hamahiga Bridge to reach Hamahiga Island. You can enjoy a refreshing drive surrounded by the sea.
• Rest Stop: Along the Kaichu Road is the Umi-no-Eki Ayahashi Hall, with restrooms, shops, and a restaurant, convenient for a break on the drive.
• The Stone Steps of Shirumichu: The place of worship at Shirumichu is reached by a long stone staircase. Wear comfortable shoes and go at an easy pace.
• Worship Manners: The sacred sites are holy places still carefully prayed to by the islanders. Follow on-site guidance and manners for entry and photography, and stay quiet.

A Quick Tip

As you climb stone steps to Shirumichu, comfortable shoes are recommended. The sacred sites are holy places still carefully worshipped by the islanders, so observe good manners and stay quiet with photography and entry. Resting at the Umi-no-Eki Ayahashi Hall along the Kaichu Road and touring it together with nearby island visits is recommended.

📚 Sources

This article draws on tourism guidance from Uruma City, on-site guidance on the Amamichu and Shirumichu sacred sites of Hamahiga Island, and published information on the Kaichu Doro sea road and the Ayahashi Roadside Station. Descriptions of the myth of the Ryukyu founders Amamikiyo and Shinerikiyo and the red-tiled village follow on-site guidance. The sacred sites are holy ground, so follow local guidance on worship and photography etiquette. Facility hours may change, so please confirm details on the official Uruma City and facility sources before visiting.

Visitor Checklist

• The route to the island: From the Katsuren Peninsula, cross the roughly 5.2-kilometer Kaichu Doro to Henza Island, then cross the Hamahiga Bridge to reach Hamahiga Island, a refreshing drive surrounded by sea.
• Rest stop: Along the Kaichu Doro is the Ayahashi Roadside Station with toilets, shops, and a restaurant, handy for a driving break.
• What to bring: The Shirumichu prayer site is reached by a long stone stairway, so wear comfortable shoes and go at an easy pace.
• Etiquette: The sacred sites are places the islanders still cherish for prayer, so follow local guidance on access and photography and stay quiet.
• Getting around: About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from Naha Airport via the Kaichu Doro; combining with nearby island touring is recommended.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Location: Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture (Hamahiga Island, about 7 km in circumference, made up of the two settlements of Hama and Higa)
• Admission: Visiting both Shirumichu and the tomb of Amamichu is free of charge
• Cultural properties: Shirumichu and the tomb of Amamichu are both designated cultural properties of Uruma City
• Access: From the Katsuren Peninsula, cross to Henza Island on the Kaichu Doro sea road, about 4.7 km long, then continue over the Hamahiga Bridge to Hamahiga Island
• A rest stop on the way: The Kaichu Doro Road Park in the middle of the sea road (parking for 300 cars) is home to Umi-no-Eki Ayahashi-kan, a seaside station whose second floor houses a museum of maritime culture
• Inquiries: Uruma City Economy and Industry Department, Tourism and Sports Division, 098-923-7612

Note: The roads inside the settlements are narrow, so please drive slowly (as advised officially by Uruma City). Note: The hours during which the sacred sites can be visited, the number of parking spaces in front of the places of worship, and the number of stone steps at Shirumichu are not published officially. Note: The tomb of Amamichu stands on Amanji, a small rocky islet just off the shore. It is reassuring to check the tide level on the tide table page of the Uruma City Tourism and Products Association's official website before you head there.

(Sources: Uruma City official website; Urumairo, the official website of the Uruma City Tourism and Products Association)