Sefa Utaki

Sefa-Utaki is a historic site in Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture. The most famous feature is Sangui (Sankuri), a large triangular rock formation. It is also a World Heritage Site and is called Okinawa’s most sacred place. In the Ryukyu Kingdom era, white sand was carried from Kudaka Island—known as the Island of the Gods—and spread throughout the utaki for national rituals. There are six sacred areas within, and names such as Ookuri, Yuinchi, and Sangui match room names at Shurijo Castle, hinting at a close connection between Shurijo and Sefa-Utaki. Joining a paid guide (300 yen) can help you learn deeper history. Historically, it was regarded as the kingdom’s highest utaki, and the entire area was once off-limits to men; it is said that even kings entered disguised as women. The site is surrounded by nature and you may see butterflies—considered messengers from heaven in Okinawa—so watch them quietly. Because it is a sacred place, being loud is a strict no. Access is by taking Toyo Bus Route 38 from Naha Bus Terminal and getting off at the Sefa-Utaki stop right there.