Okinawa, Japan Trip 2020 - Day 2 - Naminoue Shrine (Travelled in January 2020)

After visiting Fukushen Garden, we walked about ten minutes to Naminoue Shrine. From the map, can see how we walked to the shrine. It took us ten minutes to walk from our Hotel Gracery to Fukushen Garden and another ten minutes to walk to Naminoue Shrine.

According to legend, it was founded after a fisherman, who had come to that spot to fish everyday, caught a mysterious stone. He began to pray to it, and began to receive better hauls in his fishing; the stone glowed, and the man treasured it. However, the gods (kami) stole the stone, and the man fled. From then on, there was an oracle at that spot, until the time when it became known as Nanminsan. Other stories tell that the man was visited by an avatar of Kumano [ja], who commanded the spiritual protection of the nation, and that, the man having related such to the royal government, the shrine was erected. Source wikipedia.

Interesting place to visit.

Some rules to follow.

A monk blessing the owner's car. It was the new year (Janaury 2020) so I guess the owner want good luck and safety when driving the car. People writing their wishes on the paper and tied to the wishing board.

From the shrine, we could see Naminoue Beach, so after visiting the temple, we walked to the beach.