How to get to and play at Misaki Gogoku, a sightseeing spot on Ishigaki Island!

Hello everyone!
Did you know that there are no shrines on Ishigaki Island? Instead, there is a sacred place called Utaki, which is like a shrine on the mainland. It is an important place for the islanders where official village affairs and festivals are held. Misaki Utaki is a Utaki where people pray for safe voyage.
This article introduces Misaki Gogoku.

What is Misaki Gogoku?

Misaki Utaki is a prison located 5 minutes by car from Ishigakijima Port Remote Island Terminal. As introduced at the beginning, Utaki is a place of worship for the islanders and is equivalent to a shrine on the mainland. Misaki Jigoku was built to pray for safe voyages, and is often visited by islanders. It is a very valuable cultural asset that was registered as a tangible cultural property by the prefecture in 1956.

Directions to Misaki Gogoku

Exit Ishigaki Port Terminal, go straight down the road on your right, and turn right at the "Bunkan-mae" intersection. Go straight and after two intersections, it will be on your right.

More information about Misaki Gogaku

Utaki, or Utaki, refers to the sanctuary of the Ryukyu Shinto religion. Misaki Gogu, one of the sanctuaries, was built to pray for safe voyages. Surrounded by the sea, Ishigaki Island has had a thriving fishing industry for many years. In addition, boats are often used because of the close relationship with the surrounding islands. Therefore, Misaki Gogoku, a Utaki for safe navigation, is worshipped by many islanders. The fact that it is designated as a sacred site of Ryukyu Shintoism and that it was previously closed to men, combined with the fact that it is a sacred site, gives it a very strict atmosphere.

span style="font-size: 12pt;">As you go deeper into Misaki Gogoku, you will find a sacred area called "Ibi. Only priests are allowed to enter this area. It is a very sacred place that even priests are only allowed to enter during rituals. It is believed that entering without permission will cause physical and mental disorders. Do not enter the shrine just for fun.

Misaki Utaki is also known as the sacred place where a woman named Maotsuba prayed for the safety of the Ryukyu Kingdom's army during the Oyakeakahachi Rebellion. Maotsuba's prayer was answered, and she was given the position of priestess in recognition of her achievement. However, Maotsuba's sister had married into the rebellious Oyakeakahachi, and her family was suspected of possible rebellion.To clear her suspicions, Maotsuba prayed for the Ryukyu Royal Army to return to Shuri without missing a single man, which was successfully done. In honor of these achievements, she was given an important political role, and after her death, her grave was enshrined as Misaki Utaki.

How to play Misaki Gogu

Misaki Utaki is a sacred place and a very important place that is worshipped by the locals. Therefore, please do not enter the Utaki without due respect and do not make a commotion. Please remember to visit with respect and consideration for the islanders.
Misaki Utaki is close to the city center and is a good place to have a meal or tea. It is also a good place to stop by when you have some free time. It takes less than 5 minutes by car from Ishigaki Port Terminal, so you can stroll around Misaki Utaki in between waiting for the ferry to the surrounding islands.

There are many other sightseeing spots in the surrounding area, such as the monument to Ishigaki Island superstar Gushiken Yoshitaka and Miyara-dennai. To the south, there is also the Southern Gate Bridge, a spectacular spot with beautiful views of the sunrise, sunset, and starlit sky. After crossing the Southern Gate Bridge, you will find the man-made island of Nannuhama Town. Check out the many friendly stray cats in Nannuhama-cho, the well-managed man-made beach, and the dolphin petting activity experience!
In the city center, there are also restaurants where you can enjoy Ishigaki beef and Yaeyama soba, a specialty of Ishigaki Island.

summary

We have introduced Misaki Utaki. How was it?
The history of Misaki Utaki, which was built to pray for safe voyages, has a sad origin.
Misaki Utaki is recommended for the following reasons.

Please check the above and visit Misaki 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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