Kurohama Utaki | A Creation-Legend Sacred Shrine by Sawada-no-Hama (Irabu, Miyako)

Kurohama Utaki is a Miyakojima City-designated historic shrine enshrined on the west-north-west side facing the lagoon of Sawada-no-Hama on Irabu Island. It enshrines the sibling birth deities (ubusunagami) connected to the founding of the island, and conveys a creation legend: because the first children born were fish and sea snakes, they were released into the sea, and following the gods' teaching, when the pair slept with a "yuna leaf" placed between them, human children were born and spread across the island. It is also said to be the birthplace of Nishi village (the present Sawada village), a sacred site. It is a small shrine with only a torii and prayer place and no explanation board; behind it spreads a subtropical plant community (once designated a natural monument), and in front a quiet sea. On the day of the rooster in the sixth lunar month, the "Rokugatsu-negai" ritual is still held, and it is cherished by the community as a place for child-blessing prayers. Together with Sawada-no-Hama sightseeing, quiet viewing from outside is possible.

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Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Irabu Island
AddressSawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open, outdoor sacred area)
ClosedNone (always open)
FeeFree
ParkingThere is parking for a few cars a little before the shrine (unpaved, no signage). When full or for viewing only, using the Sawada-no-Hama car park is safer.
ContactMiyakojima City Board of Education, Lifelong Learning Department, Cultural Properties Section (0980-72-3764)

Visiting tips & what to bring

It is a living sacred area where local people still perform rituals. Refrain from entering inside the torii or the prayer place without permission, and view quietly from outside. Observe respectful worship etiquette: do not touch offerings or the censer, do not make loud noise, and do not leave rubbish. Avoid carelessly photographing or posting the prayer place or rituals on social media; it is desirable to keep photography to the surrounding natural scenery. There is no road signage and car navigation or a map is needed, and as the surroundings are unpaved and grassy, easy-to-walk footwear and insect repellent give peace of mind. There is no shade, toilet or vending machine, so prepare heat measures and drinks on the Sawada-no-Hama side.

For families with small children

It is a quiet sacred area with only a torii and prayer place, no playground equipment, railings or toilets, and not a place suited to sightseeing with children aged 0 to 6. You need to always hold hands so children do not touch offerings or the censer or enter the prayer place. Keep to a short exterior viewing, and enjoy water and sand play at the adjacent Sawada-no-Hama. A quiet drop-by while conveying the meaning of the sacred site is safest.

FAQ

Q.Can you go inside Kurohama Utaki to worship?

A.It is a living sacred area with only a torii and prayer place, where locals still perform rituals. Refrain from entering inside the torii without permission, and quietly view and worship from afar from outside is the basis.

Q.Is there a fee or opening hours for viewing?

A.It is an outdoor historic site, free of charge, always viewable. As there is no reception or explanation board, knowing the legend in advance deepens understanding.

Q.Is there parking?

A.There is unpaved space for a few cars a little before the shrine. As there is no signage, enter the coordinates into car navigation, or head north along the coast from Sawada-no-Hama to reach it.

Q.Can you walk there from Sawada-no-Hama?

A.It is on the north side of Sawada-no-Hama, along the coast, close enough to reach on foot. You can drop by together with sightseeing, but the footing is grassy so easy-to-walk footwear is reassuring.

Q.Can you take photos?

A.It is desirable to refrain from careless photography or social-media posting of the prayer place or rituals. Keep photography to the surrounding sea and natural scenery, and prioritise consideration for the sacred area.