Southern Okinawa Sacred Sites Sefa Utaki and Chinen Misaki Course

This is a one day plan around Nanjo City in southern Okinawa Island, visiting Ryukyu sacred places and sea views. From the World Heritage Sefa Utaki to Chinen Misaki jutting into the sea, you can feel a quiet and sacred air. A rental car makes this course easy.

Course Route

9:30 Start at Okinawa World A theme park where you can enjoy the Gyokusendo limestone cave, eisa dance and a habu snake park. 11:30 Walk Gangala Valley nearby A valley formed when a cave hundreds of thousands of years old collapsed. A guided tour lets you feel the nature. 12:30 Lunch in Nanjo City A hilltop cafe gives a sweeping view of the Pacific. Dining while looking at the sea is popular here. 14:00 Visit Sefa Utaki The highest sacred site of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The triangular rock passage called Sangui is its symbol. 15:30 Look at the sea from Chinen Misaki Park A cape jutting into the Pacific, with a panorama that takes in Kudaka Island. 16:30 Head to Mibaru Beach A shallow beach where a glass boat lets you see coral and tropical fish. 17:00 Finish In the evening you could move to the west coast to catch the sunset.

Highlights

Sefa Utaki is a sacred place tied to the creation myth of the Ryukyu, with a mysterious space formed by huge rocks. Chinen Misaki Park has a beautiful contrast of green lawn and blue sea, with a view of Kudaka Island, said to be the island of the gods. Okinawa World lets you experience the nature and culture of Okinawa in one place.

Access and Tips

Sefa Utaki is sacred, so quiet and respectful manners matter. Buy tickets at the nearby Nanjo City local products hall. The cape and the sacred site have walking paths, so non slip shoes give peace of mind.

A Quick Tip

In the afternoon the sun softens and the color of the sea from Chinen Misaki looks more vivid. At sacred sites avoid loud voices and take your time.