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Futenma Shrine Okinawa

4.5
·2k reviews·Ginowan, Japan

An ancient Okinawan Shinto shrine featuring a sacred cave with an altar and impressive natural formations, offering spiritual solace and historical ch...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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普天満宮

Futenma Shrine Okinawa

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An ancient Okinawan Shinto shrine featuring a sacred cave with an altar and impressive natural formations, offering spiritual solace and historical charm.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"The cave tour is a must-do, offering a unique spiritual experience with ancient formations."

Vertical photo
TIP

📅 Book Cave Tour On-Site

Apply for the free cave tour at the counter. Tours are frequent but photography is forbidden inside .

🚗 Parking Availability

Free parking is available, but can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays. Consider arriving early .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sacred Cave Altar

Sacred Cave Altar

Underground cave

Explore a hidden cave with an impressive altar and ancient stalactites. A unique spiritual experience, but no photos allowed!

Historic Wooden Architecture

Historic Wooden Architecture

Main shrine building

Admire the old wooden structure, a testament to the shrine's Ryukyu Kingdom origins, offering a glimpse into Okinawa's past.

Peaceful Shrine Grounds

Peaceful Shrine Grounds

Main shrine area

Wander through the serene grounds, observe worship ceremonies, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this beloved local spot.

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Planning Your Visit

Cave Tour Reservations

The cave tour at Futenma Shrine is a must-do, but requires an on-site application. Tours run every 20 minutes and are free, but photography is prohibited inside. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up quickly.Reddit

Best Time for Fewer Crowds

While Futenma Shrine is popular year-round, visiting on a weekday morning can offer a more serene experience. Weekends and holidays see a significant increase in visitors, impacting parking availability and wait times for the cave tour.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
New Year's Eve/Day
Why
Festive celebrations
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

วันนี้ (วันพุธที่ 24 กันยายน 2568) เวลา 10.30 น. . พล.ต.ท.นิธิธร จินตกานนท์ ผบช.ศ. ได้เดินทางมาตรวจเยี่ยม มอบพระเครื่อง เสื้อการ์ดเซฟตี้ และเงินบำรุงขวัญ . แก่ ด.ต.วัชรนนท์ คงสินจีราภัทร์ ผู้บังคับหมู่งานปฏิบัติการจราจรตามโครงการพระราชดำริ 3 กก.6 บก.จร.ที่ได้รับบาดเจ็บระหว่างปฏิบัติหน้าที่อำนวยความสะดวกการจราจรนำอวัยวะ (ปอด) . โดยมี พ.ต.อ.จิรกฤต จารุนภัทร์ รอง ผบก.จร. , พ.ต.อ.ประทีป ศรีหรั่งไพ...
@chephaakic_116
115.7K likes • 1.7M views

📅 Book Cave Tour On-Site

Apply for the free cave tour at the counter. Tours are frequent but photography is forbidden inside.Reddit

🚗 Parking Availability

Free parking is available, but can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays. Consider arriving early.Reddit

@tnnworld
8.7K likes • 174.6K views
Spent last NYE with my friend Hiro from @foodmonstersathome hiking in Nago, Okinawa and checking out Seikinomori beach, Ryukyu Lantern Festival and Futenma-gu Shrine to usher in the new year… . . #okinawa #nago #fukugawafalls #seikinomoribeach #ryukyulanternfestival #futenmagushrine
jellyboarder
8 likes • 435 views

🙏 Respectful Visit

Observe worship ceremonies and be mindful of the sacred nature of the shrine. Photography is not allowed in the cave.Reddit

✨ New Year's Wishes

A popular spot for making wishes and celebrating the New Year with local festivals.Instagram+1

⛩ 普天満宮📍 沖縄県宜野湾市普天間 . . . ⛩ Futenmangu Shrine 📍 Futenma, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture . . . #自然 
#自然が好き 
#神社 
#神社巡り #神社参拝 #旅行 #ドライブ #沖縄県 #宜野湾市 #普天満宮 #love #beautiful #Nature #photography #trip  #landscape #travelphotography #travel
tarochin369
122 likes • 3.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📅 Book Cave Tour On-Site

Apply for the free cave tour at the counter. Tours are frequent but photography is forbidden inside.Reddit

🚗 Parking Availability

Free parking is available, but can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays. Consider arriving early.Reddit

🙏 Respectful Visit

Observe worship ceremonies and be mindful of the sacred nature of the shrine. Photography is not allowed in the cave.Reddit

✨ New Year's Wishes

A popular spot for making wishes and celebrating the New Year with local festivals.Instagram+1

📸 Capture the Exterior

While photos are restricted in the cave, the shrine's architecture and grounds offer beautiful photo opportunities.Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Futenma Shrine is praised for its beautiful, historic grounds and the unique, spiritual experience of its sacred cave. Visitors appreciate the free cave tour and the sense of peace. However, parking can be challenging on busy days, and the no-photography rule in the cave is a common point of note.

"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"

Juan Ángel Hernández

"The cave shrine is really cool, very small but magnificent in its appeal.
If you want to see the cave shrine you must the staff in the administration window and they'll ask you to wait in the room through the sliding door right next to the administration window.
Write your name, country of origin and number of people in your group in the ledger to the left.
The time for the next viewing & offering will be next to the ledger.
The main worship room/hall is regularly performing blessings and worship so please be quiet when looking around the place."

Calvin Barr

"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."

Ben Hsu

What People Like

Beautiful historic shrine
Unique sacred cave tour
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited parking on weekends
No photos in cave

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Futenma Shrine is located in Ginowan City, Okinawa. While public transport options exist, many visitors find it convenient to drive. There is free parking available, though it can fill up quickly on busy days.Reddit Taxis are also an option from various parts of Okinawa.

Yes, you can reach Futenma Shrine using Okinawa's bus system. Several bus routes stop near the shrine. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.

Renting a car is a popular choice for exploring Okinawa, offering flexibility to visit Futenma Shrine and other attractions. Taxis are also readily available. Some visitors enjoy long-distance skateboarding or cycling to explore the island.Instagram+1

Yes, Futenma Shrine offers free parking. However, it is known to get full, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.Reddit

From Naha Airport, you can take a bus or a taxi to Futenma Shrine in Ginowan City. The journey time will vary depending on traffic conditions.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Futenma Shrine grounds is generally free. However, the popular cave tour requires an on-site application and is also free of charge.Reddit

The shrine grounds are typically open during daylight hours. The cave tour has specific timings and runs every 20 minutes after an on-site application.Reddit It's best to check for any seasonal variations, especially for the cave tour's winter hours.Reddit

You need to apply for the cave tour in person at the shrine. Staff will then lead you to the underground shrine every 20 minutes.Reddit Photography is not permitted inside the cave.

The cave tour at Futenma Shrine is free of charge. You just need to apply on-site to join a guided tour.Reddit

Yes, Futenma Shrine is open during holidays. It's a popular spot for New Year's celebrations and other festivals.Instagram+1 Be prepared for larger crowds and potentially full parking on these occasions.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors can explore the main shrine building, admire its historic architecture, and participate in worship ceremonies. The highlight for many is the guided tour of the sacred cave with its impressive altar and natural formations.Reddit The grounds themselves offer a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.Instagram

Photography is generally allowed on the shrine grounds, allowing you to capture the beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.Instagram+1 However, photography is strictly prohibited inside the sacred cave during the tour.Reddit

The underground cave houses a sacred altar and is believed to be where two Kami (gods) reside. It's considered a very spiritual place, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites formed over centuries.InstagramReddit

Futenma Shrine hosts various religious festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including significant New Year's events.Instagram+1 These events can be a vibrant cultural experience for visitors.

Yes, families can visit Futenma Shrine. The grounds are safe to explore, and the cave tour can be an interesting experience for children, provided they understand the no-photography rule. The shrine also hosts baby photo sessions and other child-related celebrations.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Futenma Shrine itself may not have extensive dining facilities, the surrounding Futenma area in Ginowan City offers various local eateries and restaurants. Visitors have enjoyed local food after their shrine visit.Instagram

Typically, eating is not permitted within the main worship areas of the shrine. It's best to consume food outside the sacred precincts. Some visitors have enjoyed food after visiting the shrine.Instagram

Okinawan cuisine features unique dishes like Goya Champuru (bitter melon stir-fry), Okinawan Soba, and Agu Pork. You can find these and other local delicacies in restaurants around Ginowan City.Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The main shrine building, the torii gates, and the surrounding natural scenery offer excellent photo opportunities.Instagram+2 The overall atmosphere of the shrine grounds is very picturesque.

No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the sacred cave at Futenma Shrine. This is to preserve the sanctity and spiritual atmosphere of the site.Reddit

The primary restriction is no photography within the cave. Otherwise, general respectful photography of the shrine's exterior and grounds is usually permitted.

Many visitors capture the traditional Japanese shrine architecture, the natural beauty of the cave formations (from the outside), and the serene ambiance of the grounds.Instagram+2

Drone usage is generally restricted at religious sites in Japan to ensure the peace and safety of visitors. It's best to assume drone photography is not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Futenma Shrine offers a blend of cultural exploration and a touch of adventure that can appeal to families. The main shrine grounds are safe for children to wander, and the concept of a 'secret' cave might spark their curiosity.Reddit While photography is forbidden inside the cave, the experience of seeing the natural formations can be captivating. The shrine also hosts events like baby photo sessions, indicating its family-friendly nature.Reddit

Practical tips for families include arriving early to secure parking and managing expectations about the cave tour's no-photo rule. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as dining options directly at the shrine might be limited. The overall visit can be a peaceful and educational experience, offering a glimpse into Japanese culture and spirituality.

🙏 Spiritual Seekers

For those seeking a spiritual experience, Futenma Shrine offers a unique opportunity. The ancient cave with its sacred altar is considered a powerful spiritual site.InstagramReddit The act of applying for and participating in the guided tour can be a meditative experience, connecting visitors to the shrine's long history and the deities it honors. Many find a sense of peace and tranquility within the shrine's grounds and the cave itself.Reddit

Beyond the cave, the main shrine building and its serene atmosphere provide a space for prayer and reflection. Visitors often come to seek good fortune, blessings, or simply to immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance of Okinawa. The shrine's role in local celebrations further underscores its deep spiritual significance in the community.Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

While the sacred cave itself is off-limits for photography,Reddit Futenma Shrine offers plenty of aesthetic appeal for photographers. The traditional Japanese shrine architecture, with its intricate wooden details and torii gates, provides classic shots.Instagram+1 The surrounding natural landscape and the serene atmosphere of the grounds also lend themselves to beautiful compositions.Instagram

Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for softer light and a more atmospheric feel. The shrine's historical significance is also a compelling subject. Remember to be respectful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography, especially during ceremonies. The contrast between the ancient structures and the Okinawan environment makes for unique photographic opportunities.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Sacred Cave: A Spiritual Heart

The most unique aspect of Futenma Shrine is its sacred underground cave, believed to be inhabited by deities. Visitors can apply for a free guided tour, which takes place every 20 minutes. Inside, you'll find an altar and impressive natural formations like stalactites and stalagmites.InstagramReddit The experience is deeply spiritual for many, offering a connection to ancient beliefs. However, it's crucial to remember that photography is strictly forbidden within the cave to maintain its sanctity.Reddit

This cave is not just a geological wonder but a place of worship, reflecting the deep spiritual roots of Okinawa. The guided tour provides insights into the shrine's history and the significance of the deities enshrined within. While the cave itself is not vast, the atmosphere and the natural artistry are profoundly moving. Many visitors describe it as a highlight of their trip, emphasizing the sense of peace and awe it inspires.Reddit

History and Architecture

Futenma Shrine is believed to have been established between 1440 and 1450, during the Ryukyu Kingdom period, making it one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Okinawa.Reddit Its old wooden building structure is a testament to this long history, offering a tangible link to the past. The traditional Japanese shrine architecture, combined with the unique Okinawan setting, creates a distinctive visual appeal.

While the main shrine building is a focal point, the entire complex, including the cave, contributes to its historical significance. The shrine has played a role in local community life, hosting celebrations and ceremonies for generations.Reddit Exploring the grounds allows visitors to appreciate not just the religious aspects but also the architectural heritage preserved over centuries.

Community and Celebrations

Futenma Shrine is an active community hub, hosting various religious festivals and celebrations throughout the year. It's particularly well-known for its New Year's festivities, drawing many visitors seeking blessings for the year ahead.Instagram+1 The shrine also plays a role in marking significant life events for local families, such as baby photo sessions and child-growing celebrations.Reddit

These events not only contribute to the shrine's financing but also highlight its importance in the cultural fabric of Okinawa. Visitors who time their trip to coincide with a festival can experience a more vibrant and lively atmosphere, witnessing traditional customs and community engagement firsthand. The shrine's role extends beyond religious observance to being a place of communal gathering and celebration.

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