Join a half-day sightseeing bus tour to visit the World Heritage Site Sefa Utaki, Valley of Gangara, or Okinawa World.
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 2 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
[Travel conditions]
Departure/Destination: Okinawa main island
Length of trip: Day trip
Transportation: Company-operated bus
Bus company: Chuo Kotsu
Meal conditions: Breakfast 0, Lunch Varies depending on plan, Dinner 0
Available accommodation: None
Minimum number of participants: 2
Tour conductors: 0
Guides: 1
Support staff: 0
[Travel planning/implementation]
Company name: HIS Okinawa Co., Ltd.
Address: 1F JR Kyushu Naha Building, 2-3-15 Kume, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Registration number: Tourism Agency Travel Agency Registration No. 2041
Travel industry association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
[Consignment sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Inc.
2nd floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Tourism Agency Commissioner's Registered Travel Agency No. 2045
Member organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
A minimum of 2 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
If you do not make it to the meeting time, you will be considered to have missed the bus and will have to depart.
All seats on the bus are non-smoking. There are no toilets on the bus.
The itinerary may be subject to change depending on traffic conditions, weather, temporary facility closures, etc. on the day.
There will be no tour conductor. The bus guide will guide you.
If there is an odd number of participants, you may be seated with other guests. Thank you for your understanding.
Wheelchairs and strollers can participate in the bus tour, but they will be stored in the trunk of the bus. Please note that we will not be held responsible for any damage that may occur. Please note that wheelchairs and strollers cannot enter Sefa Utaki.
Participation is subject to the condition that you are accompanied by a wheelchair user.
If you are getting off at Naha Airport, we recommend departing on a flight that is at least an hour and a half after your scheduled arrival time at Naha Airport.
Depending on the number of participants, a medium or small bus may be used.
It is recommended to allocate approximately 60 to 90 minutes for your visit to Sefa Utaki. This allows ample time to explore the main sacred sites, such as 'Sanguri' and 'Yugachima', and to absorb its spiritual ambiance. Please note that the path includes some inclines and stone pathways, so comfortable footwear will enhance your experience.
Sefa Utaki is the most sacred Okinawan Utaki (sacred site) of the Ryukyu Kingdom and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It served as the venue for the enthronement ceremonies of the highest priestess, 'Noro', and for national rituals, embodying the Ryukyuan people's unique worship of nature rather than traditional temples, holding immense historical and religious value.
Guides will provide in-depth explanations of Sefa Utaki's crucial role during the Ryukyu Kingdom period, including its status as the sacred ground for the high priestess Noro and the kingdom's belief system of communicating with nature deities through rituals. You will gain an understanding of the unique Ryukyuan matrilineal theocratic culture and its historical context, enriching your knowledge of Okinawa's past.
When visiting Sefa Utaki, please maintain silence and respect the sacred atmosphere. It is advisable to wear comfortable and lightweight shoes as the paths are natural trails. Certain areas are off-limits or not to be touched; please follow the on-site instructions. Furthermore, to protect the environment, please do not litter and take all your personal belongings with you, helping to preserve this World Heritage site.
Sefa Utaki features several important sites. Must-see spots include 'Sanguri', a triangular rock formation from which you can glimpse the sacred island 'Kudaka Island' through a gap; this area is considered the most energetically potent. Additionally, 'Ouguri' and 'Yugachima' were sites for important rituals, and their natural rock formations and sacred aura are deeply impressive.
The walking paths at Sefa Utaki are primarily natural trails, including stone paths, dirt paths, and some slopes, and are not entirely flat. While handrails are provided in some sections, seniors or individuals with mobility issues may require more stamina or assistance. It is recommended to wear non-slip, comfortable shoes and to assess your own physical condition before visiting.
Visiting Sefa Utaki in the morning usually means fewer crowds, allowing for a more tranquil experience of the sacred atmosphere, and the lighting is also good for photography. In the afternoon, there might be more visitors, but if you wish to avoid intense sunlight, the late afternoon light might be softer. It is advisable to check the weather conditions for the day and choose a time based on your preferred pace of visit.
For your visit to Sefa Utaki, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, as most paths are natural trails. During summer, please take precautions against the sun (hat, sunglasses) and bring drinking water to stay hydrated. In case of rain, please bring rain gear. As this is a sacred site, it is recommended to dress modestly and appropriately, avoiding overly revealing clothing.