Pyaazu Utaki (Hiyaji Utaki) | A Sacred Farming-Origin Shrine on Makiyama (Irabu, Miyako)

Pyaazu Utaki (Hiyaji Utaki) is a Miyakojima City-designated historic site enshrined on Makiyama on the east side of Irabu Island, a prayer place also called "Kunmaukya". According to the Yoo Kyuki (1727), the enshrined deity is Akara Tomogane, who is said to have come to the island from Kumejima with his brother around 1380 and conveyed advanced farming culture and iron farming tools. One is said to have become the god of Hiyaji, and the other the god of Mount Omoto in Yaeyama, making it an important sacred site relating to the origins of farming. "Pyaazu" is said to derive from "Hiyaji", meaning the land where the deity dwells. The torii gate standing along the road from the Sarahama side toward Makiyama Observatory is the landmark for the entrance, and you can drop by by car. It is a sacred precinct that islanders carefully continue to protect, and when visiting as a tourist, quiet, respectful worship is required.

Full article about this spot

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Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Irabu Island
AddressAza Ikemazoe 923, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open). As a sacred area, worship during respectful daytime hours is recommended.
ClosedNone (always open)
FeeFree
ParkingNone (roadside parking. You can also use the Makiyama Observatory car park and walk over).
ContactMiyakojima City Board of Education, Lifelong Learning Department, Cultural Properties Section (0980-72-3764)

Visiting tips & what to bring

It is a sacred utaki (prayer place) for islanders. Strictly observe the etiquette: worship quietly, do not make loud noise, do not touch the stones or offerings within the sacred area, and do not enter the inner area without permission. It is desirable to refrain from photography within the sacred precinct, and if you do photograph, keep to the outer area such as in front of the torii. There is no car park or toilet, and parking is on the roadside, so mind passing vehicles and keep it short. It is easy to miss without the torii, and when walking along the road take great care of vehicles. In summer, shade, insect repellent and easy-to-walk footwear give peace of mind. Take care not to obstruct religious rituals.

For families with small children

It is not very suitable for families with infants (0 to 6). The utaki is a sacred area requiring silence, and you need to supervise constantly so children do not make loud noise or touch offerings or stones. There are no playground equipment, shade or toilets, and as parking is on the roadside, watch for small children running out. It is safer to keep to a short visit with children old enough to understand it is a place of worship.

FAQ

Q.Can tourists worship at Pyaazu Utaki?

A.You can worship from the roadside torii, but it is a sacred prayer place for islanders. Worship quietly and respectfully, and avoid entering the inner area without permission.

Q.What is the landmark for the entrance?

A.The torii standing along the road from the Sarahama side toward Makiyama Observatory is the landmark. It is easy to miss without the torii, so take care.

Q.Are there parking and toilets?

A.There is no dedicated car park or toilet. As parking is on the roadside, mind passing vehicles, and take care of toilet needs in advance at nearby facilities such as Makiyama Observatory.

Q.Is photography allowed?

A.It is desirable to refrain from photography within the sacred precinct. If you do photograph, keep to the outer area such as in front of the torii, and take care not to obstruct offerings or rituals.

Q.What is the origin of this utaki?

A.The enshrined deity is Akara Tomogane, said to have come from Kumejima around 1380 and conveyed farming culture and iron farming tools, a city-designated sacred site relating to the origins of farming.