Seifa Utaki located in Nanjo City, Okinawa Pref. is the most sacred place in Okinawa. It is a designated National Historic Site and was registered with the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The legend on the creation of Ryukyu Islands refers to the 7 Utaki as the place where gods descend and reside. Among them Seifa Utaki is the most sacred because it was created by Amamikiyo, the founding god of the Ryukyu Islands. This was where the enthronement ceremony of Kikoe Ogimi (the highest ranked priestess) called “Oaraori” was held. On this day, the priestess showed herself accompanied by 200 followers including lower-ranking Noro priestesses.
Seifa Utaki also functioned as the “Otoshi Utaki,” where prayers were offered to Kudaka Island, the island of the creation god Amamikiyo. This is a scenic spot with Kudaka Island seen through the triangular passageway between two huge rocks. Seifa Utaki is a sacred place filled with mysterious atmosphere even today.