Naminoue Shrine is a shrine in Naha, in the southern part of Okinawa’s main island.
One of Okinawa’s leading shrines, Naminoue is much loved for its history and standing.
It is known as one of the eight Ryukyuan shrines and as a power spot. It is also associated with matchmaking and safe childbirth, and many people come here to make a wish.
Naminoue Shrine ratings
*Ratings are the personal view of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, based on comparison with other castles and castle ruins in Okinawa
Naminoue Shrine at a glance
| Hours | 9:00-16:30 |
| Closed | Open year-round |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | About 30 minutes |
| Parking | Yes (paid) |
| Restroom | Yes |
| Address | 1-25-1 Wakasa, Naha, Okinawa |
| Official website | https://naminouegu.jp/ |
Highlights of Naminoue Shrine
One of the eight Ryukyuan shrines
Naminoue Shrine is known as one of the eight Ryukyuan shrines, and its history and standing earned it the title of the leading shrine of the kingdom.
The Ryukyuan court held it in high regard, and the king himself came here to worship. It remains one of Okinawa’s best-known sites, with a steady stream of visitors.
A power spot
Naminoue Shrine is one of the best-known power spots in Okinawa.
The atmosphere and the setting leave visitors feeling calmer and lighter than when they arrived.
Associated with matchmaking and safe childbirth
Naminoue Shrine is also well known for matchmaking and prayers for a safe birth.
Couples and families come here to pray for a good match or for a healthy delivery.
The enshrined deities
Naminoue Shrine enshrines Izanami-no-Mikoto, Hayatama-no-o-no-Mikoto and Kotosaka-no-o-no-Mikoto.
Izanami-no-Mikoto is the mother goddess of Japanese myth, who presides over the creation of life.
Hayatama-no-o-no-Mikoto and Kotosaka-no-o-no-Mikoto are deities of the three Kumano shrines, long invoked for safety at sea and good catches.
With these three deities enshrined here, Naminoue Shrine has become a place many people turn to.
History of Naminoue Shrine
The founding date of Naminoue Shrine is unknown, but in ancient times people prayed to the gods of Nirai Kanai, the land of the sea gods far beyond the horizon. This sacred place of prayer for good catches, good harvests and a peaceful life is where Naminoue Shrine began.
Legend has it that a local lord from Haebaru found a stone on the shore that spoke to him, and that praying to it brought him a rich catch. He later fled to Naminoue Hill and, following a divine message, built a shrine there. That is said to be the origin of Naminoue Shrine.
Trading ships working out of Naha Port, which the Ryukyuan court controlled directly, prayed at Naminoue Shrine for a safe voyage before every departure and gave thanks on their return. Naminoue ranked first among the eight Ryukyuan shrines and was revered as the leading shrine of the kingdom.
In 1890 it was granted the rank of kanpei-shosha and took on the role of guardian shrine for all of Okinawa. It was rebuilt after the war, and the shrine buildings were completed in 1993.
Source: https://naminouegu.jp/yuisyo.html
Naminoue Shrine parking and access
| Access | About 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | 1-25-1 Wakasa, Naha, Okinawa |
| Parking | Both free and paid available |
| Restroom | Yes |
Naminoue Shrine appears to have both free and paid parking.
We parked in a paid lot on our visit, so we cannot say where the free parking is, but the official website says the following.
“Free parking available (20 spaces). When the lot is full, please use one of the nearby paid lots.”
Source: https://naminouegu.jp/map.html
Around Naminoue Shrine
Activities in Naha
Naha, in the southern part of Okinawa’s main island, offers plenty of activities including diving and snorkeling.
You can book through GetYourGuide or Viator, so do take a look at what is on offer.
Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa
Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa connects directly to Asahibashi Station on the Yui Rail monorail, and is as little as five minutes by car or about ten by monorail from Naha Airport.
A Japanese-Western-Ryukyuan buffet breakfast at Dining 19 on the top floor, a welcome drink in every room and valet parking all add up to a genuinely comfortable stay.
You can check it on Booking.com, so do take a look.
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, and with a car you can take them at your own pace. Buses are infrequent and do not always run on time, so having a car or not makes a real difference to the trip.
Cars fill up quickly in the peak season, so we recommend booking early once your travel dates are set. One important note for overseas visitors: to drive in Japan you must obtain an International Driving Permit (Geneva Convention) in your home country before you depart, and remember that traffic in Japan drives on the left.
Summary
Naminoue Shrine is a place where the history and traditions of Ryukyu are close at hand.
As one of the eight Ryukyuan shrines it draws a steady stream of visitors. It is known as a power spot too, and the setting alone is enough to draw people looking to clear their heads.
It is also associated with matchmaking and safe childbirth, and many come here to make a wish.
Izanami-no-Mikoto, Hayatama-no-o-no-Mikoto and Kotosaka-no-o-no-Mikoto are enshrined here, and the atmosphere they lend the place is genuinely calming.
Do pay Naminoue Shrine a visit.
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