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Utaki - Sacred Sites
 LEGENDARY BIRTH
It is said that the origin of all life in Okinawa is the legendary Nirai Kanai a gods' island far out in the seas.
The gods come from this island every year to bless their people. An ancient myth by which the creator goddess Amamikiyo
set foot on Kudaka island is believed to explain the birth of the Ryukyus. Kudaka island is situated offshore the Chinen
peninsula in the southeast district of Okinawa's main island.
The goddess eventually placed foot upon the soil of the main island to set up seven sacred sites, called utaki, for gods to settle and reside.
The site where Amamikiyo descended first is today a beach in Tamagusuku Village.
A small memorial stone  inscribed "Yaharazukasa" is placed on the Hyakuna beach to memorize the ancient event.
Utaki is a variation of gusuku (castle or fortress), however, utaki, better described as a spiritual groves, were created for the sole purpose of religious ceremonies, prayers and nature worship. 
Two of the seven utaki are World Heritage sites since December 2000, while one of these two is considered the most sacred site of the Ryukyus,
the Seefa Utaki, located in the Chinen, Nanjo City.
THE MOST DIVINED UTAKI
Seefa-Utaki lies on a hill and forest where the guardian deities and nirai gods, who bring happiness, are believed to live.
The site is known by its triangular opening formed by rocks, a natural shelter for the altars amid other huge rocks and tall trees.
At the right of the opening are two prominent stalactites from which sacred water was collected for the purpose of religious ceremonies and fortune telling, such as the amount of water being an indicator of rich or poor harvest. The place underneath the stalactites was a place for rest.
The opening is an entrance to the most sacred altar, sangui, on a space of three square meters from which prayers for wealth and fertility were sent out to the island of gods, Kudaka. The stunning view towards the island leaves impressions that make you understand the feelings of the people at that time. During the flourishing second Sho dynasty in the early 15th century, Seefa Utaki raised up to an indispensable sanctuary tightly related to Shuri Castle officials in need for religious and moral support. Since most Ryukyuan gods have been female, only women were believed to have the power of protection. Seefa Utaki's highest ranking priestess was Kikoe Ogimi who conducted the sacred ceremonies. In fact, she held great authority banning men, even kings, from special ceremonies (including her enthronement) which only women were granted to attend. Today, the name of the Ogimi Village in the northern part of Okinawa honors the supreme priestess. Seefa Utaki remained as a place for worshippers through the present time. On pilgrimages, such as the agari umai in September of the lunar calendar believers praying for fortune follow the ancient path of the legendary creator Amamikiyo on a journey from one holy site to another with their deep respect for their ancestors in mind. The exact foundation date of Seefa Utaki is unknown. The memorial can be seen in full at low tide while it is entirely swallowd by sea water at high tide.
 MOVIE: Seefa Utaki, the most sacred site of the Ryukyu's (Media Player WMV 10MB)
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