How to get to and play at Amagawa Utaki, a sightseeing spot in Ishigaki Island

Hello everyone!
Ishigaki Island has a special culture with festivals and beliefs that are not found on the mainland. Ishigaki Island does not have a single shrine, but there are sacred places like shrines called Utaki. One of them is Tenkawa Utaki. Amagawa Utaki is one of the Utaki in Ishigaki Island and has a long history. This article introduces Amagawa Utaki.

What is Tenkawa Utaki?

Amakawa Utaki (Amakawa Utaki, Aamao) is a Utaki with a long history that was mentioned in the "Yaeyama Island Record of Origins" compiled in 1705. It is said in the village that the deity came to be worshipped as the god of good harvest and good catch of fish, because the farmers who worshipped the sacred stone of Amakawahara had a good catch of fish. It is one of the seven Utaki to pray for safe voyage in Ishigaki Island, and it is also the Utaki where Tonoshiro village official affairs are held.

Directions to Tenkawa Utaki

Exit Ishigakijima Terminal and go to the right. At the second intersection, turn right at "Bunkan-mae" intersection and walk along Route 390. After passing a car rental shop, turn right and walk a little further until you see the entrance on your left. There is a sign to mark the right turn from Kokudo 390, so please follow the sign and you will not get lost.

More information about Tenkawa Utaki

Amagawa Utaki is a historic Utaki that was built in a place formerly called Amagawara. Utaki is deeply related to rituals, traditional events, and performing arts, and is considered a sacred place. Since there is no shrine in Ishigaki Island, it is easy to understand that Utaki is equivalent to a shrine in mainland Japan. Because it is a place to pray for health and prosperity where village public events are held, it is a familiar place for the villagers.

As mentioned above, the origin of Amagawamotake is that the people of Amagawara were blessed with a good harvest and a good catch of fish by worshipping a sacred stone, which led to the worship of Amagawamotake as a sacred place. It is also known as one of the seven sacred sites to pray for safe voyages and a power spot.

The Utaki is located in the middle of the town, so it does not look like an Utaki with cars driving around, but once you pass through the Torii gate and enter the Utaki, the noise of cars and crowds disappears. The quietness of the Utaki stirs up the sacredness of the place, and you will feel as if your whole body will be cleansed just by being there.

Amagawa Utaki is equipped with a slide and other playground equipment for children to play on. This is unthinkable in mainland shrines, but it can be said that Okinawan culture has taken root here as well. In Okinawa, children are regarded as the island's treasure, and there is playground equipment everywhere for children to enjoy. The adults on the island are all looking out for the children in the neighborhood, and the atmosphere is very warm and welcoming. Even if you meet someone you don't know, you will hear a pleasant "Ohayo gozaimasu! is also typical of Okinawa.

Amagawa Utaki is a place where children can play freely, but we must not forget that it is a sacred place. It is necessary to visit the site with a certain level of civility.

Please be courteous to the local people who visit Tenkawa Utaki, and do not disturb the abundant natural environment. This will naturally make you feel calm and refreshed. Since the relationship between the tourist destination and the tourist is one of "haves" and "have-nots," it is important to always have a sense of respect for the other party.

How to play Tenkawa Utaki

Amagawa Utaki is located near other Utaki (Misaki Utaki and Funatari Utaki) in a place called Amagawara. It is considered a very sacred place, and the silence of the site makes the divine atmosphere even stronger. Many Shinto rituals are held at Amagawa Utaki, such as the Harvest Festival, the Sea God Festival, rain-making ceremony, and the Prayer Festival to ward off epidemics. During the festival, the area is bustling with people and many food stalls are set up nearby, attracting many visitors.

Amagawa Utaki has a long history among Utaki, and as a sacred place, it has attracted many devotees throughout its long history. The Utaki has been prayed for safe voyage and is famous as a power spot. The unique atmosphere of the site seems to calm people down and make them feel calm and peaceful, and many locals visit the site frequently.

summary

We have introduced Tenkawa Utaki. How was it?
Amagawa Utaki, known as a power spot frequented by locals, is a very sacred place where people pray for safe voyages.
The following is a list of such recommendations for Tenkawa Utaki.

Please check the above and visit Tenkawa Utaki.
Thank you for reading to the end.

This article was written by.

Hello! I'm Niwa-chan, your source for all things Ishigaki Island. I have loved to be in touch with nature since I was a child, and I am especially fascinated by the rich natural environment of Okinawa. Currently based in Ishigaki Island, I provide information on how to enjoy activities such as snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking, as well as the hidden charms of the island.

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