SUI TAXI · EAST COAST
Hamahiga Island To a Sacred Offshore Island Where Ryukyu Myths Live.
Uruma ｜ Island of Ryukyu Mythology ｜ Sacred Sites & Ancient Village
To the Island of Mythology Crossing the Kaichu-doro.
Hamahiga Island is a small offshore island accessible from the east coast of Uruma via Kaichu-doro and Henza Island. This island, with a perimeter of only about 7 km, preserves the very settings where, according to Ryukyu mythology, the ancestral deities who created the Ryukyu Kingdom once lived—still intact to this day. Away from the hustle and bustle of the Okinawa mainland, the unhurried pace of island life is the true face of Okinawa, untouched by commercialization.
On the north side of the island, the Shirumichuu Sacred Site is a holy cave where, according to Ryukyu mythology, the progenitors "Amamikiyo (goddess) and Shinerikyo (god)" are said to have dwelt. Climbing the stone steps up to the cave in the rocky hillside, the dense green and silent air of the approach stirs the soul. It is a "living sacred site" where local people still come to pray, and precisely because it has not been developed as a tourist attraction, its genuine sanctity is palpable. It is also known for blessings of fertility and good marriage, drawing pilgrims from across Japan.
Within the village, the ancient stone walls of Hamahiga Village wind like a labyrinth, allowing visitors to trace on foot the remnants of a way of life inherited from the Ryukyu era. The deep-blue horizon dividing the East China Sea from the Pacific as seen from the island's shore, the colorful fishing boats lined up at the harbor, the white sandy beach where waves quietly break. Hamahiga Island as a whole is a single sanctuary where Okinawa's spiritual world and nature are fused together. About 50–60 minutes from Naha via the expressway. Sightseeing on the island is free.
Stone walls of Hamahiga Village remaining from the Ryukyu era. Walking the unhurried alleyways of the island.
Highlights of Hamahiga Island
The island's greatest highlight, the Shirumichuu Sacred Site, is a mystical space where a shrine is enshrined within a limestone cave. Climbing the stone-step approach reveals the cave entrance, inside which fresh water springs up and the atmosphere brims with spiritual energy. Please remember to be considerate of local worshippers who visit in quiet reverence. There is another sacred site on the island, "Amamichuu's Tomb," where the road to a small islet said to be the resting place of the Ryukyu mythology goddess extends out over the sea—a picturesque sight of a white bridge stretching across the water.
The drive across Hamahiga Bridge is also a highlight. The emerald blue of the East China Sea seen from the approximately 900-meter bridge is one of the finest views in central Okinawa. Combined with the panorama of Kaichu-doro stretching before and after the bridge, it completes an outstanding scenic drive route along the east coast. Near the island's fishing port there are also local diners, and a set meal of fresh seafood makes for a pleasant rest stop.
Hamahiga Bridge. Spectacular views of the East China Sea from the approximately 900-meter bridge.
Amamichuu's Tomb. A sacred sanctuary said to be the resting place of the Ryukyu mythology goddess.
Hamahiga Island by Taxi
From Naha to Hamahiga Island is about 50–60 minutes via the expressway. The route via Kaichu-doro lets you enjoy the spectacular views from the bridge through the car window. Including Shirumichuu, Amamichuu's Tomb, and a stroll through the village, plan for 2–3 hours on the island. The "East Coast Course (4–5 hours) from ¥28,000" combining Kahobanta and Katsuren Castle ruins is particularly popular.
Hamahiga Island has no public transportation, making access difficult without a rental car. With SUI TAXI's charter taxi, the driver can take you round the island's sacred sites and keep the journey between them smooth. The greatest advantage of charter use is being able to efficiently visit multiple sacred sites in a short time.
— Etiquette for Visiting Sacred Sites: Shirumichuu is an active sacred site where local people still come to pray. Please refrain from loud conversations or eating and drinking, and be considerate of those in prayer. The stone steps can be slippery when wet, so please wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking. Take extra care after rain.
Hamahiga Island Tour Fares
| Plan | Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip charter from Naha (4 hours) | ¥28,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥5,600 per person. Expressway tolls and parking charged separately |
| East coast course (4–5 hours, with Kaichu-doro and Kahobanta) | ¥28,000〜 | The same time slot can be rearranged to suit. Expressway tolls, parking and admission charged separately |
| Naha Airport → hotels in Uruma (transfer) | ¥14,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥2,800 per person. Expressway tolls included |
| hotels in Uruma → Naha Airport (transfer) | ¥14,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥2,800 per person. Expressway tolls included |
Charter fares are time-based at ¥7,000 per hour (¥3,500 per additional 30 minutes booked in advance). Extensions made after departure are ¥4,200 per 30 minutes. Admission, expressway tolls and parking are charged at cost. For charters of 6 hours or more we take a 30% deposit when you book, and the balance is paid on the day. Minimum booking times depend on where you start: from 3 hours in the south and central area, 4 hours in Onna Village and 6 hours in the north, and 8 hours for trips that cross between the south and the north. Where a long transfer is involved, the transfer fare for that stretch is the floor for the price.
Location
Hama, Katsuren, Uruma (Hamahiga Island)
Admission
Free (island sightseeing and sacred site visits)
From Naha
Approx. 50–60 min via expressway
Nearby Spots
Kaichu-doro (20 min by car) · Kahobanta (20 min by car)
Access Information
| Location | Hama, Katsuren, Uruma (Hamahiga Island) |
| Access | Via Kaichu-doro and Henza Island, crossing Hamahiga Bridge |
| Admission | Free (island sightseeing and sacred site visits) |
| From Naha | Approx. 50–60 min via expressway |
| Nearby Spots | Kaichu-doro · Shirumichuu Sacred Site · Kahobanta |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a taxi from Naha to Hamahiga Island cost?
A round-trip charter of 4 hours starts from ¥28,000. That is the price for one Alphard carrying up to five guests, so with five people it works out from ¥5,600 each. Sightseeing on the island is free, so only expressway tolls are added.
How long do we spend on the island?
Shirumichu, the tomb of Amamichu and the village lanes come to two or three hours. Add more if you want time for photographs along the shore.
Do we cross the Kaichu-doro road?
Yes. Stopping at Ayahashi-kan on the way out gives you time to take in the view from the middle of the causeway.
Is there anything we should know before visiting the sacred sites?
Shirumichu and Amamichu are still places of worship for local people. Please stay outside the sacred enclosures and pray from where the path ends.
Can we add Katsuren Castle?
Yes, about 20 minutes from the island. With Kahobanta as well it becomes a 4 to 5 hour east coast course from ¥28,000.
Ready to book?
