Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate and Grove, Naha
Sonohyan-utaki stands as a sacred testament to the traditional indigenous Ryukyuan religion. Located just a few steps away from the iconic Shureimon castle gate, Sonohyan-utaki comprises a sacred grove of trees and plants that hold profound spiritual significance for the local community. Recognized as an integral component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, Sonohyan-utaki has also been designated an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese national government.
At the heart of Sonohyan-utaki stands a stone gate, a revered symbol of spiritual reverence and ancestral connection. While historically reserved solely for the king, the gates are now permanently closed, serving as a tangible representation of the sacred space they enclose. Visitors, both travelers and locals alike, flock to Sonohyan-utaki to offer prayers and seek solace amidst its tranquil surroundings, connecting with the ancient spiritual traditions that have endured for centuries.
Constructed in 1519 during the reign of Ryukyuan king Sh艒 Shin, the stone gate holds deep historical and cultural significance. It served as a pivotal site for rituals and ceremonies, including prayers for safe travels before the king embarked on journeys and the initiation of the High Priestess of the native religion. Despite enduring severe damage during the 1945 Battle of Okinawa, the gate was lovingly restored in 1957, reaffirming its status as a cherished cultural treasure. Recognized for its architectural significance, the gate exhibits a unique blend of traditional Okinawan and Chinese influences, characterized by intricate details and a distinctive Japanese-style gable in the karahafu architectural style.
At the heart of Sonohyan-utaki stands a stone gate, a revered symbol of spiritual reverence and ancestral connection. While historically reserved solely for the king, the gates are now permanently closed, serving as a tangible representation of the sacred space they enclose. Visitors, both travelers and locals alike, flock to Sonohyan-utaki to offer prayers and seek solace amidst its tranquil surroundings, connecting with the ancient spiritual traditions that have endured for centuries.
Constructed in 1519 during the reign of Ryukyuan king Sh艒 Shin, the stone gate holds deep historical and cultural significance. It served as a pivotal site for rituals and ceremonies, including prayers for safe travels before the king embarked on journeys and the initiation of the High Priestess of the native religion. Despite enduring severe damage during the 1945 Battle of Okinawa, the gate was lovingly restored in 1957, reaffirming its status as a cherished cultural treasure. Recognized for its architectural significance, the gate exhibits a unique blend of traditional Okinawan and Chinese influences, characterized by intricate details and a distinctive Japanese-style gable in the karahafu architectural style.
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Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate and Grove on Map
Sight Name: Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate and Grove
Sight Location: Naha, Japan (See walking tours in Naha)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Naha, Japan (See walking tours in Naha)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Naha, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Naha
Creating your own self-guided walk in Naha is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Shuri District Walking Tour
Once an independent city and the esteemed royal capital of the Ry奴ky奴 Kingdom, Shuri has been a district in the city of Naha since 1954. Originally established as a castle town surrounding the royal palace, Shuri's status as the capital ceased with the dissolution of the kingdom and its incorporation into Japan as part of Okinawa prefecture. Renowned for its historical significance, today... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Naha Introduction Walking Tour
Naha, the dynamic capital of Okinawa, Japan, although small a city as such, does contain a plethora of historic attractions. Recognizing it as the birthplace of Okinawa karate also adds greatly to the city's appeal among sports enthusiasts.
Naha derives its name from the word "Naba," which references a large stone shaped like a mushroom that once graced the city but over time... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Naha derives its name from the word "Naba," which references a large stone shaped like a mushroom that once graced the city but over time... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles