Sefa Utaki

Sefa Utaki (斎場御嶽) is a sacred site located in Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It is a part of the larger UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

Sara Utaki is a natural cave located on a hillside, surrounded by lush forest and offering panoramic views of the ocean. It has long been considered a sacred site by the Okinawan people, particularly those who practice the traditional religion of Ryukyuan.

According to Ryukyuan mythology, Sara Utaki is one of the three holiest places on Okinawa Island, along with Kudaka Island and Sefa Utaki. It is believed to be the place where the gods first descended to the island, and it has served as a place of worship and meditation for centuries.

Today, visitors can access Sara Utaki via a short trail that leads up to the cave. The site is considered a place of pilgrimage and is visited by both locals and tourists who come to pay their respects and experience the spiritual energy of the place.

Visitors are asked to show respect for the site and its sacred significance by refraining from loud talking, littering, or taking photographs inside the cave. Sara Utaki is a must-visit destination for those interested in Okinawan culture and history.

Getting there

By Bus

• Take bus number 38 or 338 from Naha Bus Terminal
• Get off at “Sefa Utaki Iriguchi” bus stop (about 60 minutes, 850 yen, runs every 2-4 hours)
• 5-10 minutes walk from the bus stop

By Car

• About 45 minutes from Naha City
• Use the parking lot at Nanjo City Local Products Center or Cape Chinen Park (free, about 150 spaces)
• About 7-10 minutes walk (400 meters) from the parking lot to Sefa Utaki

Details

Hours	9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Reception closes at 5:30 PM.
Admission	Adults: 300 yen Children: 200 yen
Phone	+81 98-949-1891
Address	270 Sefa-utaki, Nanjo, Okinawa 901-0616, Japan
Official Website	https://okinawa-nanjo.jp/sefa/sp/