Naminoue Shrine

Naminoue Shrine sits on a low coral cliff above the sea in the Wakasa district of Naha, a ten-minute walk from the city centre. As the ichinomiya — the ranking shrine — of Okinawa Prefecture, it holds a special significance in the local religious calendar and attracts worshippers throughout the year, particularly around New Year.

The shrine was rebuilt after its destruction in 1945 and the grounds are compact and peaceful despite the urban setting. The cliff edge provides views over the beach below — Naminoue Beach, a popular if small city beach — and out to the East China Sea. The approach through a forested path gives a welcome break from the noise of the city.

things to do sight
A story
Naminoue Shrine is the ichinomiya — the primary shrine — of Okinawa Prefecture, which means it ranks first among all the Shinto shrines on the islands. It sits on a cliff above a beach, and before the American air base installations and military hospital were built in the post-war period, the shrine commanded an unobstructed view of the East China Sea. The original shrine was destroyed in 1945 and rebuilt on the same spot.

Other places in Things to Do