Hamahiga Island To a Sacred Offshore Island Where Ryukyu Myths Live.

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 10 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 828-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 828-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 (5–6 hours) from ¥31,000" 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 guide you to the island's sacred sites while making the journey smooth. The greatest advantage of charter use is being able to efficiently visit multiple sacred sites in a short time.

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