Full article about this spot
Map & Access
Basic Information
- Location (Island)Irabu Island
- AddressAza Nakachi, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
- Hours / Opening time24 hours (an outdoor sacred area, always open, but tourist entry except during rituals is not recommended).
- ClosedNone (always open)
- FeeFree
- ParkingNone (no dedicated car park. The living streets in the village are narrow, and unauthorised or roadside parking is strictly prohibited).
- ContactMiyakojima City Tourism and Commerce Division 0980-73-2690 (tourist information) / for cultural-property inquiries, Miyakojima City Board of Education Lifelong Learning Promotion Division 0980-72-3764
Visiting tips & what to bring
It is a living prayer sacred area (utaki / prayer place). Sightseeing-style entry and photography are strictly prohibited, and do not enter the approach path or the open space within the stone walls without permission. When worshipping or viewing, bow at the entrance and strictly observe utaki etiquette such as not touching offerings, stones, plants or the censer. On the ritual day in the ninth lunar month, keep watching modest as it is a community rite, always follow the instructions of those involved and the tsukasa, and avoid close-up photography or obstructing the proceedings. As the living streets in the village are narrow and there is no dedicated car park, do not park without permission or on the road. As it is outdoors with thick vegetation, in summer prepare insect repellent, easy-to-walk footwear and sun shade, and watch your footing. Bearing in mind it is a sacred place, behaving quietly and with respect is most important.For families with small children
It is not suited to sightseeing with children. Nakachi Utaki is not a playground or tourist facility, but a living sacred area where the tsukasa and residents pray, requiring silence and worship etiquette. A long visit with infants risks the child fussing and obstructing the rite, and touching offerings, the censer, stones or plants. There are no shade, toilets or baby facilities. On the ritual day in the ninth lunar month, as it is an important community rite, refraining from watching with children aged 0 to 6 especially is safest. As an aside to a village stroll...FAQ
Q.Can tourists view it freely?
A.It is not a tourist facility but a living prayer sacred area. Keep to respectfully viewing the exterior from the road, and do not enter the approach path or within the stone walls without permission. Keep watching especially modest on the ritual day.
Q.When is the Nakachi Yukui held?
A.It is a harvest-festival rite held in the ninth lunar month (roughly October to November). Starting from the village prayer place Bunmya (the site of the present Nakachi community hall), the tsukasa and residents pray at the shrine on the north side.
Q.Can you take photos?
A.As it is a sacred area, sightseeing-style photography is strictly prohibited. Especially during the rite, avoid close-up or unauthorised photography so as not to obstruct the prayers of the tsukasa and residents, and follow the instructions of those involved.
Q.Are there parking and toilets?
A.There is no dedicated car park or toilet. As the living streets in the village are narrow, avoid unauthorised or roadside parking, and use nearby shops or public facilities.
Q.Please tell me the worship etiquette.
A.Bow at the entrance, and do not touch offerings, stones, plants or the censer. Do not make loud noise, act quietly and with respect, and do not disturb the sacred area. Approach the rite with respect for the community residents and the tsukasa.