Naminoue Shrine

Naminoue Shrine

Naminoue Shrine is located about 1 kilometer northwest of Naha City Hall, built on a coral cliff offering views of the sea. As the name suggests, "Naminoue" (literally "above the waves") appears to be floating above the waves when viewed from afar during high surf. The year of its establishment is unknown. The shrine enshrines Kumano Gongen, with Sutoku Hiko no Mikoto (on the left shrine seat) and Sokotsutsu no Ono no Mikoto (on the right shrine seat), and is one of Okinawa’s famous eight major shrines.

To the right of the entrance is the Confucius Temple and Hokugan Temple, while to the left is an automobile driving practice field. The shrine’s red-tiled roof reflects a strong Okinawan cultural character. Naminoue Shrine has been highly popular since the Ryukyu Kingdom era and remains the most visited shrine in Okinawa during the New Year season.