Perched on a hilltop in Naha City, Shikina-gu is one of the prestigious “Ryukyu Eight Shrines” (Ryukyu Hassha) dating back to the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Legend holds it was founded following the successful prayer for a prince’s birth by King Sho Seni, son of King Sho En who established the Second Sho Dynasty, giving the shrine approximately 500 years of history.
Adjacent to the World Heritage Site “Shikinaen Garden,” this shrine harmoniously blends lush green grounds with Okinawa’s distinctive red-tiled shrine buildings. Known for blessings of fertility, safe childbirth, and matchmaking, locals affectionately call it “Shichinanu Udun.”
About 15 minutes by car from central Naha, it’s conveniently located for combining with visits to Shuri Castle and Shikinaen Garden. Won’t you experience Okinawa’s unique spiritual power at this sacred site where Ryukyuan deities dwell?
Spiritual Benefits and Effects
Fertility and Safe Childbirth: Shikina-gu’s greatest blessing. Given the origin story of successful prayer for a prince’s birth, many couples hoping for children visit.
Matchmaking: Many worshippers seeking good relationships visit, and the shrine enjoys particularly strong support from younger generations.
Recovery from Illness: Kumano Gongen is also known as a healing deity, and many visit for health prayers.
Family Safety: Local people regularly worship to pray for family happiness and safety.
Protection from Evil and Good Fortune: Many visit at life turning points to ward off misfortune and invite new luck.
Shikina-gu is a place filled with energies of “birth” and “new beginnings.” As evidenced by its strong fertility blessings, it is said to have power that supports new life, new paths in life, and new challenges.
Shikina-do (the limestone cave) in particular is considered the source of energy welling up from the earth, and offering prayers nearby is said to make wishes more likely to come true. The sacred water of Shikina-no-I is believed to have the power to purify the body and refresh both mind and body.
Many worshippers report feeling the distinctive “ki” (energy) unique to Okinawan sacred sites, making this known as a place offering spiritual experiences different from mainland Japanese shrines.
“I visited when we had been married 5 years and struggling to have children. After rubbing the fertility stone and praying from my heart, we were blessed with a child within that year. Now I come every year to give thanks.” (Woman in her 30s, Naha City)
“When I was uncertain about a job change, a friend recommended visiting. In the quietness of the grounds, I had time to face myself and made my decision. Okinawan shrines have a different atmosphere from the mainland—it cleanses the heart.” (Man in his 40s, Tokyo)
Visitor Reviews and Experiences
“Really Felt Fertility Blessings” (Woman in her 30s, Osaka)
“I visited while continuing fertility treatment during an Okinawa trip. I rubbed the fertility stone, purified my hands with Shikina-no-I water, and prayed. A few months after returning, pregnancy was confirmed. It may be coincidence, but I believe my prayers that day were answered.”
“Okinawan Shrines Have Unique Atmosphere” (Man in his 50s, Fukuoka)
“Visited on a Ryukyu Eight Shrines pilgrimage. Unlike mainland shrines, there’s a bright, tropical atmosphere. Visiting together with Shikinaen gives good understanding of Ryukyu Kingdom history and culture.”
“A Shrine Loved by Locals” (Woman in her 40s, Naha City)
“We visited for our child’s Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3 festival). It’s not overly touristy, and I love the warm atmosphere where locals worship daily. We also had our miyamairi (first shrine visit) here when our baby was born.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a combined ticket with Shikinaen?
A: No combined ticket. Shikina-gu is free; Shikinaen requires separate admission of ¥400.
Q: Is there parking?
A: The shrine has dedicated parking for approximately 20 cars (free). Shikinaen also has parking.
Q: Can I receive goshuin?
A: Yes, available at the amulet office for ¥500. May be pre-written; please inquire in advance.
Q: Can I visit Shikina-do?
A: The interior of Shikina-do is currently off-limits. Offering prayers near the entrance is possible.
Q: Is it easy to visit with children?
A: Yes, the grounds are relatively flat and easy to visit with children. Strollers can be used, though some areas have gravel paths.
Summary
Shikina-gu is one of the “Ryukyu Eight Shrines” with approximately 500 years of history from the Ryukyu Kingdom era, and one of Okinawa’s premier power spots known for fertility and safe childbirth blessings. This shrine, with origins in successful prayer for a prince’s birth, particularly empowers those wishing for new life and new beginnings.
With Okinawa-style red-tiled shrine buildings, Shikina-no-I with its welling sacred water, and the mystical Shikina-do cave—and its location adjacent to the World Heritage Site Shikinaen—visitors can experience both Ryukyu Kingdom culture and faith.
About 15 minutes by car from central Naha with convenient access combining with Shuri Castle sightseeing. When visiting Okinawa, please refresh your body and mind at this sacred site where Ryukyuan deities dwell.
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*Information in this article is current as of December 2025. Please verify the latest details via the official website before visiting.*
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