Noose Utaki | A Sacred Shrine by Toguchi-no-Hama on Irabu Island (Miyako)

Noose Utaki is a Miyakojima City-designated historic shrine (utaki) standing near the entrance to Toguchi-no-Hama, at the south-east end of Irabu Island. A torii gate and stone monument stand right by the road, and you can visit it as soon as you step out of the car. It is thought to have been founded around the 16th century, and enshrines "Tamamega", the daughter of the chief of the then Toomi village, the wealthy Oganeshu. It is now a living sacred site, drawing the faith of local people as a guardian deity of sea voyages, and beside it stands a prayer place for Tamamega's father, "Opugani no Tumya". A ritual called "Kanuri" has been handed down, a precious place that conveys the history of Irabu Island in the era of Ryukyu trade to the present. Dropping by together with a stroll at Toguchi-no-Hama lets you touch both the nature and the faith culture of Irabu Island. As the shrine is a sacred place of prayer, worship quietly with a respectful attitude.

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Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Irabu Island
AddressIrabu 1391, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open)
ClosedNone (always open)
FeeFree
ParkingAvailable, free (you can use the free car park at Toguchi-no-Hama)
Contacthttps://www.city.miyakojima.lg.jp/soshiki/kyouiku/syougaigakusyu/syougaikakusyu/bunkazai-NushiUtaki.html

Visiting tips & what to bring

The shrine is a sacred site where local people still offer prayers. Do not carelessly enter the inner grounds; view the torii and stone monument quietly from outside. Avoid touching the monument or prayer places, or making loud noise. It is along the road, so caution of vehicle traffic is needed. The footing is paved, but the adjacent Toguchi-no-Hama is sandy, so easy-to-walk footwear is recommended. In summer, insect repellent gives peace of mind. Toilets can be used at the Toguchi-no-Hama side facilities. There is little shade, so prepare a hat and water.

For families with small children

With a torii and stone monument along the road, viewable right after getting out of the car, you can drop by in a short time even with small children. However, as it is a place of worship and not a place to play, supervision is needed so children do not run around or touch the monument. Combined with sand play at the adjacent Toguchi-no-Hama, families can enjoy it without strain. A short stay is enough.

FAQ

Q.Are there parking and toilets?

A.There is no dedicated car park, but the adjacent Toguchi-no-Hama has free parking and toilets, which you can use and visit on foot.

Q.How long does a visit take?

A.About 5 to 10 minutes just to view the roadside torii and stone monument. It is recommended to drop by together with Toguchi-no-Hama.

Q.Can you go inside and worship?

A.The shrine is a sacred place where local people still pray. Do not enter the inner grounds; view and worship quietly from outside the torii.

Q.Any notes on clothing or what to bring?

A.It is along a paved road, but the neighbouring area is sandy beach, so easy-to-walk footwear is safer. In summer it is good to prepare a hat, water and insect repellent.

Q.What kind of historic place is it?

A.It is a Miyakojima City-designated historic site said to have been founded around the 16th century, enshrining Tamamega and worshipped as a guardian deity of sea voyages. It is a shrine that conveys the history of the Ryukyu trade era.