What other travelers are saying about Futenma Shrine
This is one of the most beautiful shrines in Okinawa and I highly recommend exploring it.
Here besides praying you can also visit a small cave with another altar that is meant for the two Kami (Gods) that reside in the grounds. You only need to tell the nuns at the counter and they will add you to a list and show you the cave for free. It does not have lots of room to explore, but the altar is impressive and so are the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave. No pictures are allowed in the cave.
Free parking available
Futenma-Gu Shrine, located in Ginowan, Okinawa, is a historic Shinto shrine dating back to the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Built above a sacred limestone cave, it is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of wisdom and prosperity. As one of Okinawa’s eight major shrines, it played a vital role in religious and cultural traditions. Despite wartime destruction, it was restored and remains a significant spiritual site. Visitors come to admire its traditional architecture, explore the sacred cave, and seek blessings. Futenma-Gu Shrine stands as a testament to Okinawa’s rich history and enduring cultural heritage.
Futenma shrine, a popular shrine in Futenma area of the Okinawa, with lots of visitors in weekend. It was believed to be built around in 1440 to 1450, in the Ryukyu kingdom period. It is possible that it is one of the oldest Shinto Shrines in Okinawa, and visitors may see its history from its old wooden building structure.
Most visitors and worshippers would worship at above-ground Shinto shrine, but it also has underground cave which also has worship shrine/hall. Visitors can make on-site applications for entering the under-ground worship shrine, and Shrine's clergy would lead visitors or worshippers to underground cave every 20 minutes. It appears that, in winter season, the under-ground visit is generally limited to the morning hours.
The Shrine does hold new year celebration and other religious festivals which are also helpful for the Shrine's financing, in addition to funding from having baby photos and other kid growing celebration to be held in Shrine.
Although shrine has two parking spots, they are often fully occupied in holiday and in weekend.
Jan2025: I had to park on side of the road and walk up. The line to get in was long.
Aug2024 visit: sad to see their year of the dragon painting wasn't up. Still a beautiful shrine to visit.
Lovely shrine to bring in the new year make a wish.
Parking is available. Has a bathroom.