Yaharazukasa is a prayer site on the shore at Hyakuna, Tamagusuku, in Nanjo City, in the south of Okinawa’s main island.
It is said to be where Amamikiyo, the deity who founded Ryukyu, took her first step onto Okinawa’s main island after crossing from Nirai Kanai, the paradise beyond the sea.
The landmark is a stone marker standing in the sea: it disappears underwater at high tide and emerges in full at low tide.
This guide covers the highlights and history of Yaharazukasa, along with access and parking.
Ratings for Yaharazukasa
Yaharazukasa at a Glance
| Hours | None (free to visit) |
| Closed | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | About 15 minutes |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | None |
| Address | Hyakuna, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa |
Because Yaharazukasa is in the sea, how much you can see changes a great deal with the tide.
If you want to see the whole marker, check the low-tide times before you go.
Highlights of Yaharazukasa
Where Amamikiyo took her first step
Yaharazukasa is said to be where Amamikiyo, the deity who founded Ryukyu, first set foot after crossing from Nirai Kanai.
That makes it the place where Okinawa’s very first step was taken, and one of the most important prayer sites on the Agari-umaai.
Stand facing the sea here and the meaning of the legend comes naturally.
A marker that changes with the tide
At Yaharazukasa stands a stone marker carved with the name “Yaharazukasa”.
Because the marker is in the sea, it is submerged at high tide and fully exposed at low tide.
The same spot looks completely different depending on when you visit – that is what makes this prayer site so intriguing.
The eleventh prayer site on the Agari-umaai
The Agari-umaai is a pilgrimage to sacred sites that has continued since the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
It visits places linked to Amamikiyo, the creator deity of Ryukyu, and to the ancestors of the royal family. Starting from Sonohyan Utaki in Shuri as the first site, it heads east through Yonabaru, Sashiki, Chinen and Tamagusuku, and ends at Tamagusuku Castle Ruins – fourteen sites in all.
Yaharazukasa is the eleventh of these.
According to the legend, Amamikiyo came ashore at Yaharazukasa (no. 11), stayed for a time at Hamagawa Utaki (no. 12), and then settled at Minton Gusuku (no. 13).
The path to Hamagawa Utaki
About 50 m into the woods from Yaharazukasa is Hamagawa Utaki, the twelfth prayer site.
It is said to be where Amamikiyo rested after her journey, and the Agari-umaai visits the two sites as a pair.
Time needed: about 15 minutes
Allow about 15 minutes to see Yaharazukasa.
That is roughly how long it takes to walk down from the car park to the beach, look at the marker and take some photos.
If you are also visiting Hamagawa Utaki and Ukinju and Hainju, allow about an hour so you are not rushed.
Points to Note
- This prayer site is in the sea. Check the tide before you go
- The marker is underwater at high tide. Do not try to get close
- The rocks are slippery, so marine shoes or other footwear that protects your feet is recommended
- People still pray here. If someone is praying, wait quietly
- Do not take stones or sand away
History of Yaharazukasa
Yaharazukasa lies at the heart of the legends of Amamikiyo, the creator deity of Ryukyu.
This beach is said to be the first place Amamikiyo set foot on Okinawa’s main island after crossing from Nirai Kanai, the home of the gods beyond the sea.
After coming ashore, Amamikiyo is said to have stayed for a while at nearby Hamagawa Utaki before making her home at Minton Gusuku in Nakandakari, Tamagusuku.
This chain of legends has been handed down to the present day as the eleventh to thirteenth prayer sites of the Agari-umaai.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | Hyakuna, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | None |
It is about 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
There is a free car park shared with Hamagawa Utaki, and from there you walk down to the beach.
See the Google Map below for the location of Yaharazukasa.
Around Yaharazukasa
Recommended Activities in Nanjo City
Nanjo City has plenty of marine activities to choose from.
You can book diving, snorkeling, SUP and more.
If you would like to enjoy diving or snorkeling, why not see what is available on Viator or GetYourGuide?
Yuinchi Hotel Nanjo
Yuinchi Hotel Nanjo offers reasonable rates and a natural hot spring – a rarity in Okinawa.
On clear days you can also enjoy fine views of the sea from its hilltop setting.
A rental car is the way to go in Okinawa
A rental car is by far the best way to get around the main island of Okinawa.
The places worth seeing are scattered across the island, from Shuri Castle in Naha to the beautiful beaches of the north and American Village in Chatan, so a car lets you get around freely at your own pace. Local buses are infrequent and rarely on time, so having a rental car makes a big difference to your trip.
Popular seasons book up quickly, so reserve early once your dates are set.
Summary
In this article we introduced Yaharazukasa.
It is a prayer site in the sea, said to be where Amamikiyo, the creator deity of Ryukyu, took her first step onto Okinawa’s main island.
It is the eleventh site on the Agari-umaai, and the legend continues on to Hamagawa Utaki and Minton Gusuku.
What you see changes with the tide, so check the low-tide times before you visit.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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