As you set sail across the turquoise waters from Azama Port to Kudaka Island, the journey itself becomes a meaningful transition. This short 30-minute ferry ride offers more than just transportation—it is the symbolic crossing from the everyday world to a sacred realm steeped in Ryukyuan mythology. The gentle sway of the boat and the horizon ahead set the tone for the spiritual experience to come. Your guide will use this time to introduce the significance of Kudaka Island in Ryukyuan belief, including its association with the mythical land of Nirai Kanai and its role in ancient state rituals. The sea route you travel mirrors the journeys once taken by Ryukyu kings and high priestesses as they approached the island for sacred observances.

Kudakajima Island

Kudaka Island is often called the “Island of the Gods,” and the moment you set foot on its serene shores, it becomes clear why. Unlike many other destinations, Kudaka is not simply a place of scenic beauty—it is an active spiritual landscape, revered for centuries in the Ryukyuan faith. The tour takes you through sacred groves, historic sanctuaries, and untouched beaches, each holding deep cultural and religious significance. Sites such as Udunmyā, where the initiation rites of local priestesses were once held, and Fukamaden, a solemn worship hall with ancient ties to royal rituals, offer insight into Okinawa's spiritual heritage. The highlight of the journey is Ishiki-hama, the island’s most sacred shoreline, where prayers are offered to Nirai Kanai—the mythical birthplace of life across the sea. Guided with deep respect, this exploration offers a rare connection to the spiritual lifeblood of the Ryukyu Islands.