Sefa Utaki (斎場御嶽) is an important sacred site of the indigenous Okinawan religion, which - similar to Shinto - places emphasis on the worship of nature. The site is located on a densely forested hillside along the ocean and features several rock formations, which are connected with each other by walking trails. Sefa Utaki is included as one of Okinawa's World Heritage sites.
Although regarded as a powerful spiritual site beforehand, it was in the early 16th century that Sefa Utaki came into prominence. During this period the Okinawan religion underwent reorganization and centralization under the royal government, and Sefa Utaki became one of the main locations for religious ceremonies and rituals. Reflecting the strong connection between the royal family and the religion, the sites for prayers at Sefa Utaki were named after important places in Shuri Castle.
Getting there and around
Sefa Utaki is located in the southeast of Okinawa Honto, about 15 kilometers from Naha.
By bus
Take bus number 38 or 338 from Naha Bus Terminal to Sefa Utaki Iriguchi (斎場御嶽入口, 60 minutes, 850 yen, every 2-4 hours), from where the site can be reached in a 5-10 minute walk.
By car
By car, it takes about 45 minutes to reach Sefa Utaki from central Naha.
Hours and Fees
Hours
Ticket sale ends 45 minutes before closing
Closed
Admission
Typical Visit Duration
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
Japanese
Hotels around Okinawa Island
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La Passione Boutique B&BBoasting city views, La Passione Boutique B&B features accommodation with terrace, around 2.2 km from Naminoue Beach. This 1-star bed and breakfast offers a shared kitchen, luggage storage space and free WiFi. The rooms are fitted with a balcony. Each unit is fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom and a well-fitted kitchen including a dishwasher, oven, microwave and a toaster. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. At the bed and breakfast, units have bed linen and towels. Continental and Asian breakfast options with warm dishes, local specialities and pancakes are available each morning. There is a coffee shop and lounge. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 4.1 km from the bed and breakfast, while Sefa Utaki is 20 km from the property. Naha Airport is 4 km away.View on Booking.com
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Best ever hotel -SEVEN Hotels and Resorts-Best ever hotel -SEVEN Hotels and Resorts- features accommodation within 700 metres of the centre of Naha, with free WiFi, and a kitchenette with a microwave, a fridge and a stovetop. The air-conditioned accommodation is 1.4 km from Naminoue Beach. The accommodation offers a lift and full-day security for guests. At the aparthotel, every unit comes with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 4.7 km from the aparthotel, while Nakagusuku Castle is 20 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from Best ever hotel -SEVEN Hotels and Resorts-.View on Booking.com
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Hotel CollectiveIn a prime location in Naha, Hotel Collective offers an American breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. Offering a restaurant, the property also has a fitness centre, as well as a sauna and a hot tub. The accommodation provides a kids' club, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. Naminoue Beach is 1.8 km from the hotel, while Tamaudun Mausoleum is 3.5 km away. Naha Airport is 5 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom NahaJR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha offers accommodation in Naha. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant during their stay. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and private parking is available on site for an additional fee. JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha is completely non-smoking and fully equipped with barrier-free facilities. Each of the hotel's carpeted rooms is air-conditioned and soundproofed. The rooms have a flat-screen satellite TV. The bed is equipped with a Simmons pocket coil mattress. Rooms are equipped with an electric kettle, clothes rack and refrigerator. The rooms have a private bathroom with a bathtub. Towels, bathrobes, slippers, toothbrushes and free toiletries are also provided. There is also a safety deposit box and a laptop safe. Free luggage storage is available at the 24-hour front desk. Drinks vending machines and a free trouser press are available on site. Paid massages and meeting/banquet facilities can be arranged for an additional fee. JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha is a 1-minute walk from Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping District and a 5-minute walk from Miebashi Monorail Station. Naha Airport is within 30 minutes by train.View on Booking.com
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Living Inn NahakoumaeIdeally located in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, Living Inn Nahakoumae is situated 22 km from Sefa Utaki, 23 km from Nakagusuku Castle and 30 km from Zakimi Gusuku Castle. It is set 5.4 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and offers free WiFi plus a lift. The property is 1.2 km from the city centre and 1.3 km from Naminoue Beach. Some units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, washing machine and a kettle, as well as a fully equipped kitchenette. At the aparthotel, units come with a private bathroom. Katsuren Castle is 32 km from the aparthotel, while Maeda Cape is 34 km from the property. Naha Airport is 4 km away.View on Booking.com
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Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIERConveniently located in the centre of Naha, Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER offers buffet breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Guests can enjoy city views. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER all rooms have bed linen and towels. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 2.8 km from the accommodation, while Nakagusuku Castle is 17 km from the property. Naha Airport is 7 km away.View on Booking.com
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Hotel GrandConsort NahaWell set in the centre of Naha, Hotel GrandConsort Naha is within 1.5 km of Naminoue Beach and 4.2 km of Tamaudun Mausoleum. This 4-star hotel offers a shared lounge, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. Private parking is available on site. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. All units include a wardrobe. Sefa Utaki is 20 km from Hotel GrandConsort Naha, while Nakagusuku Castle is 21 km away. Naha Airport is 5 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Okinawa EXES NahaSet in Naha, 1.2 km from Naminoue Beach, Okinawa EXES Naha offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre and a restaurant. This 5-star hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The property is 4.9 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum, and within 700 metres of the city centre. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Okinawa EXES Naha all rooms come with bed linen and towels. Nakagusuku Castle is 20 km from the accommodation, while Sefa Utaki is 22 km away. Naha Airport is 4 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Ryujin Hotel UkishimaRyujin Hotel Ukishima features accommodation within 600 metres of the centre of Naha, with free WiFi, and a kitchen with an oven, a microwave and a toaster. With city views, this accommodation offers a terrace. The aparthotel has family rooms. All units are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a desk. There is a private bathroom with bath and a hair dryer in each unit, along with free toiletries. At the aparthotel, all units are soundproof. Naminoue Beach is 1.8 km from the aparthotel, while Tamaudun Mausoleum is 3.6 km from the property. Naha Airport is 5 km away.View on Booking.com
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Tokyu Stay Okinawa NahaBoasting a garden, a shared lounge as well as a restaurant, Tokyu Stay Okinawa Naha is situated in the centre of Naha, 1.9 km from Naminoue Beach. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. The property is non-smoking and is set 5 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at Tokyu Stay Okinawa Naha. Sefa Utaki is 21 km from the accommodation, while Nakagusuku Castle is 22 km from the property. Naha Airport is 3 km away.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Okinawa Island
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Blue Cave Free Diving in OkinawaGo on a free diving at the Blue Cave, one of Okinawa’s most popular spots for this exciting sportView on Klook
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Mangrove Kayaking and Trekking with Outdoor Cooking in Iriomote IslandExprole quiet Mangrove river and Waterfall / Jungle streamView on Klook
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2N3D Meditation & Fasting Treatment PackageEnjoy meals with fresh vegetables made in Okinawa and it’s all Vegan.View on Klook
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Okinawa’s Unique Coral Dyeing Experience | Near Shuri CastleUse Okinawa's beautiful local coral as a dyeing tool for making your craftsView on Klook
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Fly Zipline Experience at Matayoshi Coffee FarmEnjoy 5 different Zipline courses with a professional guide.View on Klook
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ATV Adventure in Okinawa(Itoman/Higashi Village/Yomitan)Learn how to ride an ATV with the guidance of a professional coachView on Klook
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Yukata and Kimono Rental in OkinawaCompletely immerse yourself in Japanese culture by dressing up with a kimono or a summer yukataView on Klook
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Blue Cave Snorkeling and Diving in OkinawaExplore the glowing wonders of the Blue Cave on a snorkeling or diving experienceView on Klook
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