Futenma-gu, in Ginowan City in the central part of Okinawa’s main island, is a shrine of great pedigree, known as one of the “Ryukyu Hachisha” — the eight shrines of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Beyond the beautiful red-tiled hall set against the blue sky, the vast limestone cave on the grounds, Futenma-gu Cave, holds a mysterious power that leaves visitors awestruck.
Locally the shrine is known for a wide range of blessings — traffic safety, matchmaking and the granting of wishes — and it still draws worshippers from across Okinawa and beyond.
This article covers the history and legends of Futenma-gu, along with the highlights you should not miss on a visit.
Futenma-gu ratings
*Ratings are the personal view of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, based on comparison with other castles and castle ruins in Okinawa
Futenma-gu essentials
| Reception hours | 9:30–18:00 |
| Closed | None in particular |
| Admission (individual) | Free |
| Time needed | About 20 minutes |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | Available |
| Address | 1-27-10 Futenma, Ginowan City, Okinawa |
Highlights
Its history as one of the Ryukyu Hachisha
Futenma-gu is one of the “Ryukyu Hachisha”, the eight shrines granted special standing by the royal government during the Ryukyu Kingdom.
It is the largest sacred site in central Okinawa and a shrine of high status that many people make the trip to visit.
Worshippers come from all over the prefecture for New Year visits and weddings, carrying Okinawa’s traditional forms of faith into the present day. Being able to worship while feeling the weight of that history is part of the appeal.
Futenma-gu Cave
The real draw of Futenma-gu is the vast limestone cave on its grounds, Futenma-gu Cave.
Designated a scenic site by Ginowan City, the cave can be viewed from the inside if you apply at the shrine office.
When I visited, photography and video were not permitted inside, so I have no images of it.
Red tiles and distinctly Okinawan architecture
The shrine is built in a beautiful style using traditional Okinawan red tiles.
The vermilion roof set against the blue sky is a view you will find only at an Okinawan shrine.
The legend of the maiden of Shuri Tobaru who entered the cave
Futenma-gu carries a curious legend: a beautiful maiden from Shuri Tobaru vanished into the cave and became a goddess, Futenma Gongen.
Please listen to the full story in the video above.
Source: 御由緒 | 普天満宮とは
Blessings for traffic safety and the granting of wishes
Futenma-gu is known as a guardian of traffic safety and safe voyages, and is also said to bring blessings in matters such as matchmaking and the prosperity of one’s descendants.
The grounds of Futenma-gu
Futenma-gu YouTube Short
Here is a short video of Futenma-gu. Do take a look!
Access and parking
| Access | About 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | 1-27-10 Futenma, Ginowan City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Available |
| Restroom | Available |
Futenma-gu has its own car park, but during events such as New Year visits it can fill up and turn cars away.
In that case there are several coin-operated car parks nearby, and we recommend using one of those.
The history of Futenma-gu
Futenma-gu is one of the Ryukyu Hachisha, and its history reaches back to the reign of King Sho Taikyu in the mid-15th century.
A limestone cave sits on the grounds, and a long-standing “cave faith” that held it sacred took root here, later making it a holy site accorded particular reverence by the Shuri royal government.
As touched on above, legend holds that a beautiful maiden from Shuri Tobaru vanished into the cave and became a goddess, Futenma Gongen.
Around Futenma-gu
Marine activities in southern Okinawa
Ginowan City and the southern part of Okinawa’s main island offer a wide range of marine activities.
You can book diving, snorkeling, SUP and more.
If you would like to try a marine activity, why not take a look at GetYourGuide or Viator?
Okinawa Prince Hotel Ocean View Ginowan
Every room at the Okinawa Prince Hotel Ocean View Ginowan has a terrace and an ocean view.
There is a pool and a large public bath, and the view from the infinity pool on the 14th floor is superb — a genuinely luxurious resort stay.
Tropical Beach is about a ten-minute walk from the hotel, making it a great choice if you want that resort feeling.
A rental car is the way to go in Okinawa
For sightseeing on Okinawa’s main island, a rental car is by far the best option.
The places worth visiting are scattered across the island, from Shuri Castle in Naha to the beautiful beaches up north and American Village in Chatan, and with a car you can work through them at your own pace. Local buses are infrequent and rarely run to schedule, so having a rental car makes an enormous difference to how much you get out of the trip.
Cars fill up quickly in the peak season, so we recommend booking early once your travel dates are set.
Summary
Futenma-gu is one of the Ryukyu Hachisha and played an important role from the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
It is about 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport, and there is free parking for worshippers.
That said, it gets very busy during major events such as New Year visits, so it is worth checking the nearby coin-operated car parks in advance.
Traditional Okinawan architecture, the sculptural beauty of nature, and a history woven from generations of prayer — all of it comes together at Futenma-gu. Why not pay it a visit?
Comments