Taketomi Island - Seimei Utaki (Mainuon) -

Ishigaki Island Tourist Information

◆Ishigaki Island for sightseeingRental car required.Oh my god!!!
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.

Ishigaki Island Car Rental Ishigaki Island Tours offers easy comparison and reservation of rental car plans for Ishigaki Island! It takes about 3 hours to go around Ishigaki Island by car. If you want to visit all the sightseeing spots efficiently, you need to rent a car! There are plans that include free pick-up from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, car navigation system, no need to return a full tank of gas, and even child seats. We also introduce other means of transportation other than rental cars! (29 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!

Ishigaki Island Rides (Bike Rental & Bicycle Rental) Activities There are many other ways to get around in Ishigaki Island☆ Ishigaki Island Vehicle Activity Feature Ishigaki Island is dotted with attractive spots such as beautiful ocean, mountains, and observatories where you can overlook the magnificent nature. With such favorable conditions, how can you not go driving touring in Ishigaki Island [...]. (22 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

What is Seimei Ontake (Mainuon)?

Seimei Utaki (Mainuon) is a sacred site located in a village on Taketomi Island that enshrines the god of nation-building. Legend has it that the deity enshrined at Seimei Utaki first created Taketomi Island, and later, at the request of the deity of Mount Omoto on Ishigaki Island, the two deities worked together to create Ishigaki Island. There is also a legend that they subsequently created the Yaeyama Islands.

How to Get to Seimei Ontake (Mainuon)

Seimei Ontake (Mainuon) is located about a 16-minute walk or an 8-minute drive from Taketomi Port.
From Taketomi Port, follow the road straight toward the village. Continue straight even after entering the village. After passing Higashi-Paizashi Utaki on your right, turn right at the next intersection. Pass the first T-junction, then turn left at the T-junction at the end of the road; Seimei Utaki will be on your left.

How to Enjoy Seimei Ontake (Mainuon)

Since Seimei Utaki is located in the center of the village, it’s a great place to stop by while strolling through the village, which retains Okinawa’s traditional landscape. Nearby is the Taketomi Tourist Center, where water buffalo cart tours depart. There are also other utaki, such as Nishitou Utaki, so be sure to visit them as well.

Details on Seimei Ontake (Mainuon)

Seimei Ontake enshrines the god of island creation and the god of Mount Omoto on Ishigaki Island, and is said to have created Taketomi Island for the first time. As mentioned earlier, after creating Taketomi Island, the two gods worked together at the request of the god of Mount Omoto to create Ishigaki Island, and subsequently created the islands of the Yaeyama archipelago.
The road on the west side of Seimei Utaki connects Misaki Beach to Kaiji Beach to the south, and part of that road is called Navindo (Path of the Gods). Along the road are several utaki, including Hazama Utaki, Nakasuji Utaki, and Sachimoto Utaki.
Around the beginning of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, Taketomi Island hosts its largest festival, the Yugan Festival. The Yugan Festival began in Meiji 8 as a festival of thanksgiving after prayers for a bountiful harvest were answered, and during the festival, traditional performances such as the “Shiban Kyogen” and “Imo-hori Kyogen” are dedicated to the gods.
There are 86 places of worship on Taketomi Island, 28 of which are called “Utaki.” Among these, the six most important sites are known as the “Rokuyama” (Mūyama). These six Utaki enshrine the six chieftains said to be the founders of the island. The Mu-yama are Urya-on, Sajion, Kontuon, Kumahara Utaki (Kumara-on), Hanajo Utaki (Hanakku-on), and Hariwaka Utaki (Baiya-on). In addition to these six mountains, there are Seimei Ontake and Kuninaka Ontake
When (Finaon) is added, it is called Yayama.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near Seimei Ontake (Mainuon)

tower of peace and quiet

To get to Nagomi Tower from Seimei Ontake, leave Seimei Ontake and turn right. Turn left at the second intersection—where you’ll see Yununya on your right—and then turn right at the next T-junction; the tower will be on your left.
Nagomi Tower is located in the center of the village on Taketomi Island. It was once known as the highest point on the island, offering a panoramic view of the entire village. Unfortunately, however, access was prohibited in 2016 due to the risk of collapse.

Nishitō Ontake

To get to Xitang Mitake from Qingming Mitake, leave Qingming Mitake and turn right. After passing the right-turn road, turn right at the next intersection. Turn left at the next intersection, then turn left again immediately at the following intersection; you’ll find it on your right.
Seito Utaki is a sacred site dedicated to Seito, a great man and patriot from Taketomi Island. During the Okeyaa Kahachi Rebellion of 1500, Seito was discovered by a general of the Ryukyu Kingdom and went on to pursue his studies in Ryukyu. His skills in civil engineering and architecture were second to none; he designed the Shuri Castle walls and built the stone gate at Sonohyan Utaki. He later became the head of the Yaeyama region and took charge of its governance. Although he spent his final years on Ishigaki Island, because he was so devoted to his homeland, he was buried on Taketomi Island after his death, and his grave is now known as Seito Utaki.

Taketomi Post Office

To get to the Taketomi Post Office from Seimei Utaki, leave Seimei Utaki and turn right. Immediately after the turn, take the next right at the right-turn lane. After passing the T-intersection, turn left at the first intersection. Continue straight for a while, then turn right at the fourth intersection; the post office will be on your left.
The Taketomi Post Office is the only post office on the island. With its red-tiled roof edged in white plaster and shisa figurines placed on the tiles to ward off evil spirits, it exudes a truly Okinawan atmosphere. It is surrounded by stone walls, and in front of the post office, you’ll find a traditional red, round mailbox and a stone wall displaying information about stamps sold exclusively at the Taketomi Post Office. Be sure to pick some up as a souvenir or memento.

Details on Seimei Ontake (Mainuon)