Okinawa | Energy Spot Certified by the Okinawan King: The Legend of Okimiya and the Sacred Site of Tentozan

If you ask locals in Okinawa about energy spots, most of them will likely mention Okimiya. This shrine, located in Oonoyama Park next to the Gokoku Shrine, is adorned with seasonal hydrangeas at the worship hall, creating a solemn yet elegant atmosphere. Okimiya, one of the Ryukyu Eight Shrines alongside Naminoue Shrine, carries a mysterious legend. According to Ryukyu historical records, the Ryukyu King once saw strange lights flashing over the sea and sent people to investigate. They retrieved a sacred piece of wood, which locals believed to be the incarnation of Kumano Gongen, leading to the construction of the shrine for worship. This reflects the strong influence of Kumano beliefs at the time. The shrine was relocated during the construction of Okinawa's port and rebuilt again after World War II, eventually becoming the Okimiya we know today. The main deity enshrined here is Tenshoku Nyoroguwoumiya-no-Mikoto, essentially Amaterasu Omikami, while the side hall is dedicated to Benzaiten. If you continue up the stairs, you'll reach Tentozan Utaki, a place historically regarded as a powerful energy spot. Interestingly, under Okinawa's Utaki belief, which holds that all things have spirits, the shrine also enshrines "Fudoumyou," or Acala, alongside the main deity. This showcases the fusion of Buddhist esoteric teachings and Shinto practices. Perhaps due to its spiritual efficacy, the shrine has set up a dedicated area for drawing fortunes, offering nearly twenty different types of omikuji, reflecting the high demand from worshippers. 📍Address: 〒900-0026 Okinawa Prefecture, Naha City, Oonoyama-cho 44 🚗 Accessible via Oonoyama Station on the monorail, a five-minute walk away.