🇯🇵 Okinawa Travel Guide | Naminoue Shrine

#OkinawaTravel Today, I would like to recommend a small but powerful tourist spot in Okinawa. That is Naminoue Shrine (波上宮) ⛩️ 🌟 This shrine is considered the number 1 important shrine among the 8 shrines of Ryukyu (琉球八社). During the Ryukyu Kingdom, it was honored as the "royal shrine of the country". This is a popular place for fishermen passing through Naha Port (那覇港) to pray for a safe journey and a prosperous return. 🛶 ⛩️ This shrine is located on a cliff by the sea. You can clearly see the sea and the ships passing by. Although it is a small tourist spot, it only takes 5 minutes to walk around. But it has its own charm that many people love. 💙 🔆 Points of interest of the shrine 🧽 Steps for washing hands before worshiping (purifying the mind) ➊ Use a ladle to scoop water only once (Make it full) ➋ Wash your left hand with your right hand → Switch hands to wash the other hand ➌ Pour water into your left hand to rinse your mouth → Wash your left hand again ➍ Lift the ladle slightly, wash the handle before returning it 🙏 Japanese worship steps ➊ Insert a coin (5 yen is recommended because it sounds similar to the word “good luck” in Japanese) ➋ Bow twice → Clap your hands twice → Put your hands together and make a wish ➌ Say your wish in your heart → Bow again to conclude 🎒 The most popular souvenir here is the “school bag charm”. Don’t forget to buy it before you leave. 📸 Secret photo spot at the popular angle “Shrine on the Cliff” Many people visit but miss this iconic angle! If you walk from the shrine for about 10 minutes, you will find a viewpoint where you can clearly see the shrine on the cliff by the sea. This is an angle that you shouldn’t miss! Naminoue Shrine, although small, is full of faith and peace. Perfect for those looking for a place to recharge during their Okinawa trip 🌿