Taketomi Island - Higashi Paisaigi Utaki

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What Is Higashi-Paisaji Ontake?

There are 28 utaki on Taketomi Island, and each utaki has its own significance; this Higashi-Paisaji Utaki is believed to be home to the “god who creates and nurtures the island.”

Although various sites within the village, such as places of worship and ceremonial grounds, are still cherished today, the Utaki are considered the most important sacred sites on Taketomi Island, and it is believed that each Utaki is home to deities who protect the island.

How to Get to Higashi-Paisaiji Ontake

Higashi Paisage Mitake is located about a 13-minute walk or a 4-minute drive from Taketomi Port.

Head toward the village from Taketomi Port. When you see the Taketomi Post Office on your left, Higashi Paisaji Utaki will be on your right just past the fourth intersection.

How to Play at Higashi Paisage Mitake

The first Utaki you see when heading from Taketomi Port toward the village.

Although this sacred site looks like a small park, it is a place where the gods dwell, so please do not enter it.

Surrounded by dense trees, Ontake is truly impressive, so be sure to check it out when you pass through the village.

Details on Higashi-Paisaiji Ontake

Higashi-Paisaji Utaki is located within the village on Taketomi Island, and it is said that this Utaki enshrines the deity who created and nurtured the island.

The term “Utaki” refers to places of worship equivalent to shrines on the mainland. On Taketomi Island, these places are called “On,” “Yama,” “Taki,” or “Muru,” among other names.

Taketomi Island is home to nearly 28 utaki, which are sacred sites dedicated to various Okinawan deities.

It’s a place that’s closely intertwined with the lives of the islanders as a venue for festivals.

The Utaki are the most important sacred sites on Taketomi Island, and each Utaki enshrines deities that protect the island.

There are nine Utaki sites along the coast of Taketomi Island, three—Kumahara, Hanashiro, and Harikawa—enshrined to the east of the village, and 16 other Utaki sites.

Higashi-Paizashi Utaki is one of the Utaki shrines located within the village. Since it’s situated along the road leading from Taketomi Port to the village, it’s the first Utaki you’ll see when sightseeing.

The area around Mount Ontake is densely forested and has a mysterious atmosphere.

Although it looks like a small park, it is a sacred place that is very important to the islanders, so please refrain from entering—just observe from a distance.

It’s also a popular power spot, and since it’s easy to get to, you can stop by while strolling through the village.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near Mt. Ontake in Higashi-Paisa

Taketomi Post Office

To get to the Taketomi Post Office from Higashi Paisaji Utaki, leave Higashi Paisaji Utaki, turn left, and 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, and atop its red-tiled roof—edged with white plaster—stand shisa statues, which are believed to ward off evil spirits.

It preserves the traditional landscape of the Yaeyama Islands.

It is surrounded by stone walls.

There are some stamps available only at the Taketomi Post Office, so be sure to check them out.

Former Yonaguni Residence

To reach the former Yonaguni National Housing Complex from Higashi Paisaji Utaki, leave Higashi Paisaji Utaki and turn right.

Turn left at the intersection right after the bend, and you'll find it on your right.

The Former Yonaguni Family Residence, built in 1913, is the former home of the Yonaguni family and serves as a traditional building on Taketomi Island that exemplifies the island’s modern residential architecture and way of life.

For this reason, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2007.

Nishitō Ontake

To get to Nishitō-On from Higashi-Paisaji-On, leave Higashi-Paisaji-On, turn left, and then turn left at the next intersection.

Turn left at the next intersection, then turn right at the following intersection. Turn left at the next intersection, and you'll see Xitang Yutai on your right.

Nishitō Utaki is a sacred site dedicated to Nishitō, a native of Taketomi Island known for his deep love of his hometown.

Nishitō was discovered by a general of the Ryukyu Kingdom during the Okaya Akahachi Rebellion of 1500 and went on to pursue his studies in Ryukyu.

In particular, he demonstrated his talent in civil engineering and architecture, designing the Shuri Castle walls and constructing the stone gate at Sonohyan Utaki.

Because he was deeply devoted to his hometown, he was buried on Taketomi Island after his death, and his grave is now known as Nishitō Utaki.

Details on Higashi-Paisaiji Ontake

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