Begin your sacred journey from Azama Port aboard a ferry to Kudaka Island, revered as the “Island of God” and the mythical birthplace of the Ryukyuan people. Onboard, your guide introduces the creation myth of Amamikiyo, the cosmology of Nirai Kanai, and how Kudaka is spiritually tied to Sefa Utaki through royal pilgrimages and the sacred path of Agari-umai.
Upon arrival at Tokuni Port, your walking route takes you through tranquil village paths to Chimintomai, the historic port where Ryukyuan kings and priestesses traditionally disembarked when visiting the island. This ceremonious entry marked the beginning of a sacred procession towards the heart of the island's worship.
Nearby stands Tugyandī, a coastal utaki dedicated to purification rituals for those arriving by sea. As you continue your journey inland, visit Udunmyaa, a sacred courtyard backed by three shrine halls and dense forest. This site was once the stage for the Izaihō, a significant initiation ceremony for priestesses that symbolised the transfer of divine roles from one generation to the next.
Just ahead lies Fukamaden, a ceremonial building and courtyard that served as a gathering point for prayers and community rituals. The tour culminates at Ishiki Beach, the most sacred place on the island, where the faithful gaze eastward towards Nirai Kanai, the otherworldly source of life. Legends say this is where the spiritual seeds of agriculture first arrived, making it a place of deep reverence and ritual importance.
Throughout your walk, each sacred site reveals the unique foundation of Ryukyuan Shintō—rooted in nature worship, female priesthood, and harmony between land, spirit, and people. As you ferry back to Azama Port, carry with you a deeper understanding of Okinawa’s sacred traditions and the enduring spiritual heritage of Kudaka Island.