Okinawa Shrine, Shinto shrine in Japan
Okinawa Shrine is a small Shinto shrine in Naha that was originally built in 1923 near Shuri Castle. The grounds feature traditional Japanese elements like torii gates, stone lanterns, and a purification basin, while simple wooden structures create a quiet setting.
The shrine was founded in 1923 as part of Japan's effort to establish Shinto religion in Okinawa and connect Ryukyu royal history with Japan. It was heavily damaged during the 1945 Battle of Okinawa and remained abandoned after the war until the community began rebuilding efforts in the 1960s.
The shrine was originally part of Japan's effort to establish Shinto religion in Okinawa, yet local people preserved their own beliefs rooted in sacred natural places and ancestor veneration. Today, the October ceremonies show a blend of both traditions, where visitors can see how the community keeps their spiritual practices alive despite these historical tensions.
The shrine grounds lie near the Shuri Castle ruins and are accessible on foot, with free access at any time of day. The site is compact, so visitors can explore the various structures in a short time and take time for rest and reflection.
The shrine grounds exist today mainly as a modest site with a small temporary structure in a forest area called Benigadake, since the original building was never restored after the war. This simple form shows the community's resilience in preserving their spiritual practices despite destruction and neglect.
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