Naminoue Shrine
Naminoue Shrine things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Plan your stay
Posts
“Naminoue Shrine” is located in Naha City, near the airport. It is 1 of 8 ancient shrines from the Ryukyu Kingdom, considered a power spot & holy place. It is a Shinto sanctuary with deities & royalty enshrined there. Originally dedicated to kami (deities) of the sea & nirai kanai, the source of life. Then, more for protection & tranquility of the entire prefecture. Later, it became known as Hana gusuku & Nanminsan. Nanmin is the Okinawan reading of 波上, meaning "above the waves". The cliff overlooks Naminoue Beach & the East China Sea, from which people would pray for fertility, peace, & a bountiful fishing harvest. Mariners sailing by look up from ships & pray for a safe voyage or prosperous commerce. This particular shrine is a most popular spot the day after new years, for people to greet the first sunrise with loved ones. We, along with many foreign tourists, often come with families before they depart to pray for safe travels & continued blessings. NOTES FOR RESPECTFUL VISIT: Before entering a shrine, there is a Torii Gate signifying a holy place. It is customary to bow before going through & always enter off-center, as that area is for deities to pass. After entering & heading down the Sando (sacred walk way), there’s a hand washing basin used for purification. STEPS FOR HAND WASHING: 1 - Slight bow towards water basin. 2 - Hold dipper with right hand to pour water on left hand. 3 - Switch hands & pour water on right hand. 4 - Switch hands again, cup your left & pour water inside. 5 - Use to rinse mouth. Don’t swallow. When you spit, cover mouth so as not to be seen. 6 - Rinse left once more. 7 - Pour out remaining water & return dipper. *Scoop enough water at beginning so you don’t have to refill. Perform in fluid motion, at respectively low level, to keep water from falling back into basin. PRAYING/MONEY OFFERING: stand in front of altar entrance to greet kami-sama. 1 - Give a slight bow & place saisen (money) into box. *An offering to the "god”. No rule on how much so give what you can/want. Best to place in the box quietly, no throwing. Say prayer after you have a relaxed mind & heart. 2 - Bow 2x (deep 90 degree). 3 - Clap 2x (Sturdy hands, chest level) & make prayer/wish. 4 - Bow once (last deep bow to finish) AMULETS OR CHARMS: you can purchase Omamori here. They are tokens of protection or blessings for various requests. Some are prayers for grades, safe travels, good health, motherhood, fortune, fertility, marriage, etc. Payment in yen only at time of this review. *JUNE 2024*
Rhea KRhea K
10
A Japanese shrine worth visiting Naminoue-gu is a historic district located in Okinawa's capital city, Naha. Steeped in cultural significance and nestled against the backdrop of modernity, this area seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary allure. At its heart stands Naminoue-gu Shrine, a revered Shinto sanctuary perched atop a scenic cliff overlooking the azure waters of the East China Sea. The shrine, with its distinctive red torii gate and intricate architectural details, serves as a spiritual haven for locals and a captivating site for visitors. Dedicated to the sea deity, Naminoue-gu Shrine holds annual ceremonies and festivals that attract worshippers and enthusiasts alike, adding a vibrant layer to Okinawa's cultural tapestry. Beyond the shrine, Naminoue-gu unfolds with quaint streets adorned by traditional Okinawan houses and charming shops. Strolling through these lanes offers a glimpse into the region's rich heritage, with artisans crafting local specialties and showcasing unique handicrafts. Visitors can savor the flavors of Okinawan cuisine in the district's eateries, savoring the distinct tastes of dishes influenced by the island's subtropical climate. The district also serves as a gateway to Kokusai Dori, Naha's bustling international street, where a myriad of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options beckon. Naminoue-gu, with its juxtaposition of old-world charm and modern dynamism, encapsulates Okinawa's ability to honor its past while embracing the present—a testament to the island's enduring spirit and cultural vitality.
Matt HungMatt Hung
00
This area has been the sacred area to offer prayers to Nirai Kanai (world of gods) since the day of old. Each boat going in and out of the commerce base of Naha port looked up to the shrine on top of the high cliff, prayed for a safe journey and expressed their appreciation. The shrine was venerated, and people prayed for a rich haul of fish and rich harvest. Every New Year, the King himself, on behalf of his people visited the shrine to pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation. The shrine was admired as the "primary shrine of the kingdom", head of the Eight Shrines in Ryukyu. It was classified as Kanpei-shousha (nationally significant shrine) in the Meiji Era and became the Okinawa Sochinju (shrine that protects the whole of Okinawa) but it was destroyed during the war. After the war, Shamusho (shrine office) and Honden (main shrine) were reconstructed in 1953, and Haiden (hall of worship) was reconstructed in 1961. In 1993, reconstruction of Honden (main shrine) and other shrines was completed during the Heisei reconstruction project. It was designated as the Naha City Historical Site of Cultural Property in 2006.
Tony MTony M
00
Naminoue Shrine is located on the cliff, which has been used for praying for the ocean from ancient times. And when the sailors or the fishermen come and trade in Okinawa You will see this shrine on the cliff. Along with praying for various wishes Which is a shrine that people respect, then during the Pacific War Naminoue Shrine was damaged in the battle in Okinawa. Also known as the Battle of Okinawa and at the end of the war The government has restored it to the original. Naminoue Shrine is currently one of the eight major shrines in Okinawa. That the Japanese people believe This central shrine is the center of Shinto religion in Okinawa Prefecture. The Okinawans come to pay homage to this shrine the first place on New Year's Day every year in order to trade. It is prosperous, including those arriving or about to leave. And tourists tour Japan Will come to make a wish at this shrine to make the journey safe. This shrine is special because it is located on a cliff next to the sea. Make it look like the Dragon Palace under the sea in the legend of Urashima Taro.
Onuma KurosakaOnuma Kurosaka
40
It is one of so-called 8 Shinto shrines in Okinawa, and because it was built on the high rock above Naminoue Beach, it was the shrine for the Naha-port mariners to worship for the dead at harbor and pray for the marine safety and fishing harvest. The Shrine has various religious ceremonies and praying activities for religious purposes and for finance-funding reasons. It does have ceremonies for the babies, for the ill, for the deceased, while it also has praying ceremonies and practices for the construction industries companies, tour bus groups and other business groups. It is NOT uncommon for visitors to see tour buses or taxis parked in front of the Shrine and accepted praying ceremony conducted by Shrine's masters. The Shrine was damaged in 1945 war and was rebuilt in 3 phases, 1953, 1961, and 1993- after the war. The Shrine is fee-free for admission. For cultural-theme visitors, especially foreign tourists, it is worthy to visit the Shinto Shrine and its neighboring Buddhist Temple, Gokoku-ji.
Ben HsuBen Hsu
10
Located near the beach, barely 5 minutes walk. As it was new year’s eve, there were lots of stalls set up, pending the new year celebrations. Lots of food, fun games and gift stores to keep you entertained. The shrine had the normal Japanese rituals of washing your hands and making a donation before prayers, where you clap your hands twice. Not to worry, the instructions for these are all just by the side, in case you do not know what to do. It isn’t really a huge place, but the park, museum and beach are just nearby.
Christopher LeeChristopher Lee
10
Nearby Attractions Of Naminoue Shrine
Fukushūen Garden
Naminoue Beach
Pacific Hotel Okinawa
RYUBO Nishimachi
Umisora Park
HOTEL SANSUI NAHA
OMO5 Okinawa Naha by Hoshino Resorts
LOISIR SPA TOWER NAHA
Tsushima-maru Memorial Museum
Naminoue Wakuwaku Kids Land

Fukushūen Garden
4.3
(1.2K)Click for details

Naminoue Beach
4.0
(1.2K)Click for details

Pacific Hotel Okinawa
3.8
(1.3K)Click for details

RYUBO Nishimachi
3.9
(573)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Naminoue Shrine
Jack's Steak House
Steak House 88 Tsuji Main Branch
Restaurant Mikasa Matsuyama
Steak House 88 Jr. Matsuyama
Yappari Steak 2nd
Takara Diner
Seaside Garden Naminoue
Shokusai Shubo Matsumoto
Tonton Jacky
千日 Sennichi

Jack's Steak House
4.2
(3.9K)Click for details

Steak House 88 Tsuji Main Branch
4.0
(1.3K)Click for details

Restaurant Mikasa Matsuyama
4.2
(1K)Click for details

Steak House 88 Jr. Matsuyama
4.0
(827)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
1 Chome-25-11 Wakasa, Naha, Okinawa 900-0031, Japan
Map
Phone
+81 98-868-3697
Call
Website
naminouegu.jp
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.4
(5.1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
Description
Naminoue Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, the ichinomiya of the prefecture. It sits atop a high bluff, overlooking Naminoue Beach and the ocean.
attractions: Fukushūen Garden, Naminoue Beach, Pacific Hotel Okinawa, RYUBO Nishimachi, Umisora Park, HOTEL SANSUI NAHA, OMO5 Okinawa Naha by Hoshino Resorts, LOISIR SPA TOWER NAHA, Tsushima-maru Memorial Museum, Naminoue Wakuwaku Kids Land, restaurants: Jack's Steak House, Steak House 88 Tsuji Main Branch, Restaurant Mikasa Matsuyama, Steak House 88 Jr. Matsuyama, Yappari Steak 2nd, Takara Diner, Seaside Garden Naminoue, Shokusai Shubo Matsumoto, Tonton Jacky, 千日 Sennichi

- Unable to get your location