Taketomi Island - Kimo-Gosho-Utaki -

What is Kimo-Gashō Ontake (Shimzation)?

Kimo-Gashō Utaki (Shimuzāshion) is an utaki located in the northern part of Taketomi Island, near other utaki such as Misaki Utaki and Oya-Tomari Utaki.

Seito, a famous architect and distinguished figure from Taketomi Island, had one son named Uza.

It was during the Oyake Akahachi Rebellion of 1500 that Nishitō’s talents were recognized, and he went on to study in Shuri.

Since he was unable to take his wife and children with him to Shuri at that time, he left them behind on Taketomi Island.

Uza loved fishing, so whenever he had free time, he would go out in a small boat to fish.

One day, Uza went out fishing but was caught in a sudden storm and washed ashore on a southern island.

Kaname, who had lost her only son, Uza, could think of nothing but him. Day in and day out, rain or shine, she would stand by the yuna tree in her family’s field and pray all day long for Uza’s safe return.

At that time, Uza had taken up a public office at the place where he had washed ashore and was doing an excellent job. A sailor relayed this news to his mother, Kaname.

Kaname was overjoyed and began to worship the place where he had prayed every day as a guardian deity. This site is now known as Shimuzashi Ontake.

How to Get to Kimo-Gassho-Ontake

Kimo-Gashō-Utaki is located about a 13-minute walk or a 4-minute drive from Taketomi Port.

Head toward the village from Taketomi Port, and turn right at the T-intersection just before the Taketomi Island Bike Rental shop.

Continue straight along the road, and when you reach the first T-intersection, turn left; you’ll find Kimo-Gashō-Ontake on your left.

How to Play at Kimo-Gashō Ontake

As mentioned in the anecdote above, Kimo-Gashō Utaki is a sacred site dedicated to praying for safe voyages. That’s why it’s a great place to visit when taking a ferry or enjoying water activities. Since Oya-Tomari Utaki and Misaki Utaki are also nearby, be sure to take a stroll around those as well.

Details on Kimo-Gashō Ontake

Kibashō Utaki is a sacred site dedicated to maritime safety located in the northern part of Taketomi Island.

As mentioned above, I’d like to share more details about the legends surrounding this Ontake.

Nishitō, an architect and prominent figure who served as the head of the Yaeyama Islands, had a son named Uza.

Nishitō was recognized for his talents during the Oyake Akahachi Rebellion in 1500 and was subsequently sent to the Ryukyu Islands.

He excelled in architecture in the Ryukyu Islands and, after working on various architectural projects, rose to become the head of the Yaeyama region.

When he set out for the Ryukyu Islands, he was unable to take his wife and children with him. His only son, Uza, who remained on Taketomi Island, loved fishing very much and would take a small boat out to fish whenever he had a moment to spare.

One day, as I was out fishing in my little boat as usual, I was caught in a sudden storm and tossed about like a leaf.

Although he managed to survive after washing ashore on a southern island, Kaname—a mother who had lost her only son—had been constantly worried about Uza ever since.

That’s why, whether it was raining or windy, day or night, I would pray near the Yuna tree in my field that Asa-Uza would return safely.

Some time later, a government vessel from the Yaeyama Islands was caught in a violent storm while en route from Okinawa to the Yaeyama Islands and, like the Uza, was washed ashore on a southern island.

At that moment, the crew asked Uza, “Who are you?” and Uza replied in a loud voice, “I am the son of Nishitō of Taketomi Island.”

Seven years ago, I was washed ashore on this island, and thanks to the kindness of the islanders, I rose to a position of considerable authority.

"I’m living a comfortable life. I’d like to return to the Yaeyama Islands, but since I hold an official position, I can’t just leave on my own," he reportedly replied.

A few days later, the sailors returned to the Yaeyama Islands and told Kaname, Uza’s mother, that Uza was doing well and had taken up a public office. Kaname was overjoyed, and from then on, she began to worship the place where she had prayed every day as a guardian deity.

This site is the present-day Shimuzashi Ontake. It is revered as a guardian deity for travelers.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near Kimo-Gashō-Ontake

Taketomi Island Visitor Center Yubu-kabukan

To get to the Taketomi Island Visitor Center Yukabu-kan from Kimo-Gassho-Utaki, exit Kimo-Gassho-Utaki and turn left. Immediately after the turn, turn left at the T-intersection, and then turn left again at the next T-intersection at the end of the road. The Taketomi Island Visitor Center Yukabu-kan will be on your left.
The Taketomi Island Visitor Center, Yukabu-kan, is a facility where visitors can learn about Taketomi Island’s tourist attractions, nature, history, and traditional culture. You can also watch video presentations in the center’s large-screen theater. Since it’s located right next to Taketomi Port, it’s a great place to spend some time while waiting for the ferry.

Morikazu Ogi (Kusukumui)

To get to Kojimori (Kusukumui) from Kimo-Gashō-Utaki, leave Kimo-Gashō-Utaki and turn left. Follow the road for a short while, and you’ll find Kojimori on your right.
Ogi Mori was a signal fire keeper who monitored tribute ships and foreign vessels traveling through the waters near Taketomi Island and raised smoke signals to alert the storehouse officials on Ishigaki Island. Ogi Mori, along with other signal fire keepers, has been designated as a National Cultural Property as one of the signal fire keepers of the Sakishima Islands.

tower of peace and quiet

To reach Nagomi Tower from Kimo-Gashō Ontake, leave Kimo-Gashō Ontake and turn left. Follow the road for a while, then turn right at the first intersection. Continue along the road for a while, then turn left at the second intersection. When you see the Akayama Observation Deck on your left, Nagomi Tower will be on your right.
Nagomi Tower is located in the center of the village on Taketomi Island, and in the past, visitors could enjoy a panoramic view of the entire village from there. However, access was prohibited in 2016 due to the risk of collapse.

Details on Funo-ra-wan