The Great Akagi of Shuri Kinjo

Near the historic stone-paved Kinjocho road in Shuri, Naha City, stands the Great Akagi of Shuri Kinjo. It is a precious natural site, rare in an urban area, where several giant akagi trees said to be over 200 years old grow together. The area has long been revered as the sacred grove of Uchikanagusuku, an utaki (a sacred place of worship in Okinawa), and the great trees, spared from the flames of war, still spread their branches powerfully. A legend survives that once a year, making a wish to these trees will make it come true, marking it as a quiet sacred power spot of Shuri.

Highlights

- Stand of Giant Akagi Trees: The great trees spreading their branches as if to cover the sky are an overwhelming presence evoking vitality and history. - Uchikanagusuku Sacred Grove: A sacred site revered as a place of worship since ancient times, with a place of prayer set among the trees. - Kinjocho Stone-Paved Road: A paved slope that retains the air of the Ryukyu kingdom era, a sight worth visiting along with a stroll. - Historic Scenery of Shuri: Close to Shuri Castle, in an area where the look of the Ryukyu kingdom remains strong.

Enjoying the Seasons

In warm Okinawa the green is beautiful year-round, and you can spend quiet time feeling the cool of the shade. A stroll along the stone-paved road also charms with the look of wet stones glistening after rain. Walking it together with Shuri Castle sightseeing lets you savor the history and nature of the Ryukyu kingdom at once. Amid a Shuri bustling with tourists, this spot alone is a hidden gem where time flows gently.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Shuri-Kinjocho, Naha City, Okinawa - Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Shuri Station on the Yui Rail; within walking distance of Shuri Castle - Hours: Anytime (the sacred grove is a holy site, so view it quietly) - Admission: Free

A Quick Tip

The stone-paved road is sloped and slippery on rainy days, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The sacred grove is a holy site still revered, so observe good manners with entry and photography and stay quiet. Touring it together with Shuri Castle and the stone-paved road makes a course unique to Shuri, enjoying a history stroll and the power of nature at once.