RAEL’S COMMENT:
A wonderful island in Okinawa… and the main temple access is strictly forbidden to men! I love it. So many religious places on earth are forbidden to women by macho men.
20 minutes away from mainland Okinawa by ferry, it’s where Okinawa starts.
Kudakajima Island is a 7.75 km long flat Island floating 5km from Chinen, the southern part of mainland Okinawa. Among Okinawa’s holy sites, Kudakajima Island is acknowledged by people as a “God’s Island.” The god Amamikiyo landed here first, and created Rykyu Kingdom (current Okinawa). There are still many sacred places in Kudakajima Island that are worshipped by local people. To get there, you can take a 20-minute ferry from Azama port. To get to Azama port is about a 40-minute drive from Naha Airport, so it’s possible to do a day trip from Naha city.
Let’s go for a walk around the Island!
Shortly after riding the ferry, you’ll arrive at the port of Kudakajima Island. I can fully understand the temptation to directly go to the magnificent beach, but please try to first, have a look around the Island by renting a bicycle because it’s a special Island that is worshipped as God’s Island. Feel the mystical energy emitted everywhere. The famous locations are Cape Kabeeru, where the god Amamikiyo landed, Ishikihama beach, and Upaama and Meegihama beaches where you can bathe in the sea. There are many locations on the island thought to be flowing with mystical energy and It’s no exaggeration to say that the whole Island is full of mystical energy. Some of the sites like Fubo Utaki prohibit men from entering, and if you get closer to it, you might feel something mystical.
Don’t forget to pay your respects when visiting Kudakajima Island.
Even though Kudakajima Island is open as a touristic destination, there are about 200 people that reside and worship the nature and sacred places on the Island. Tourists should pay attention to areas like Utaki and forbidden areas around the island when there is no entry. Bringing back coral, stones, or plants from the Island is said to enrage the God, so that’s not allowed either. These strict rules prove that Kudakajima Island is the holy place that is protected by local people and it’s an Island nothing like anything. Please visit if you are visiting Okinawa, because it’s definitely worth it!
Clarification regarding Voodoo