Native Okinawan Village and Omoro Arboretum Official Site

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Utaki (Sacred Grove)

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  • Place of worship for the local guardian deity

    Utaki, a sacred site, was the most important part of the village layout. Usually located on a hilltop or mid-slope, the villages traditionally developed around an utaki. Designated to worship gods, most of these sites were the original burial grounds of the founders of the villages, enshrining the ancestral spirits who became guardian gods. The most sacred spot within an utaki, where a god is enshrined, is called an ibi. Often marked by large rocks or trees, only priestesses were allowed to enter the spot. The open section in front of the ibi is called an ibi-no-mae, where incense burners and pedestals were placed.

  • Switch Photo

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  • Entrance

  • Pathway

  • Utaki front view

  • Utaki front view

  • Sacred path to utaki from main house

  • Location

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