Teda Ukka is a spring in Nanjo City, in the southern part of Okinawa’s main island.
An old legend says the sun god descended here, which is why it carries the name “Teda” – the Okinawan word for sun.
It is said that whenever the Ryukyuan king made his pilgrimage to Kudaka Island, he stopped his boat in front of the spring at Teda Ukka to pray for a safe voyage.
It was designated a historic site by the former Chinen Village in 1982, and is now a designated historic site of Nanjo City.
It is also one of the prayer sites on the Agari-umaai, the pilgrimage route that visits the sacred places east of Shuri Castle.
Ratings for Teda Ukka
*Ratings are the personal impressions of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other historic and sacred sites in Okinawa
Teda Ukka at a glance
| Opening hours | No set hours |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | 15-30 minutes |
| Restrooms | None |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Address | 1172 Chinen Chinaa, Nanjo City, Okinawa |
Water still flowed here until around 1933, but once the hill behind it – the site of Chinaa Gusuku – was quarried for travertine, the landscape changed and the spring dried up.
Today a stone monument remains, and locals and visitors alike still come to pray.
Because it sits right on the coast, you may also spot people fishing nearby.
Highlights of Teda Ukka
The sun god the Ryukyuan kings visited every year
It is said that when the Ryukyuan king and the Kikoe-Ogimi, the kingdom’s highest priestess, sailed to Kudaka Island, they moored in front of this spring, drank the fresh water, rested, and prayed for a safe crossing.
“Teda” is the Okinawan word for the sun, and for the sun god. The name comes from the tradition that the sun god descended on this very spot.
A mysterious atmosphere
Perhaps because of the legend of the sun god, Teda Ukka has a deeply mysterious feel to it.
The lush natural setting only adds to that impression.
Beautiful rocky shore
Plenty of creatures live in the gaps between the rocks – we spotted small fish, sea cucumbers, sea urchins and starfish.
The history of Teda Ukka
Teda Ukka sits quietly in Chinen, Nanjo City, in southern Okinawa.
This stretch of coast is more than just a pretty view.
It is a sacred place that carries the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom into the present day.
Kings of the past are said to have prayed here for safe passage before making the crossing to Kudaka Island.
The spring itself has long since dried up, but its aura has not faded at all.
The view over Nakagusuku Bay from the rise above is worth the trip on its own.
Beside the spring stand a stone monument and a prayer site, where people walking the Agari-umaai still quietly join their hands today.
As the place where the sun god is said to have descended, it offers a moment wrapped in stillness.
What you find here is more than a day at the beach – it is a rare chance to touch Okinawa’s spiritual culture.
When you visit, take in the scenery with a sense of reverence for the weight of history behind it.
Teda Ukka is a sacred site named after the sun, and true to its name, it seems to offer a little light to everyone who comes.
Getting there and parking
| Access | About 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | 1172 Chinen Chinaa, Nanjo City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | None |
Teda Ukka has a free parking area.
Check the Google Map below for the exact location of the parking area.
What’s nearby Teda Ukka
Recommended activities in Nanjo City
Nanjo City offers a wide range of marine activities.
You can book diving, snorkelling, SUP and more.
If you would like to try diving or snorkelling, take a look at what is available on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Azama Sun Sun Beach
Azama Sun Sun Beach, a well-known destination in the area, is close by.
It is only about five minutes away by car, so if you want to swim or try some water sports, it is well worth the detour.
Hyakuna Garan
Hyakuna Garan is a luxury resort hotel known for its cuisine made with seasonal Okinawan ingredients and its ocean views.
Set right on the coast, it looks out over the Okinawan sea from atop a cliff.
Room rates are a little above average, but the service and hospitality more than make up for it.
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.
Shuri Castle in Naha, the beautiful beaches up north, American Village in Chatan – the places worth seeing are scattered across the island, and having a car lets you explore at your own pace. Buses are infrequent and rarely run on time, so having a car makes a real difference to the trip.
Cars book up quickly in peak season, so reserve as soon as your dates are set.
Summary
In this article we introduced Teda Ukka.
It is a place of real historical value, rich in nature and full of a quiet, mysterious atmosphere.
If you are heading to Nanjo City, do stop by Teda Ukka.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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