Shiseibyō, Confucian temple in Kumemura, Naha, Japan.
Shiseibyō is a Confucian temple located in Kumemura, with a central worship hall called Taiseiden at its core. Around it stand memorial tablets and separate shrines honoring Chinese philosophers and various deities.
The temple was presented as a gift from Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty to the Ryukyu Kingdom and completed between 1671 and 1675. This royal offering marked a significant moment in strengthening cultural ties between China and the island.
The site served as a learning center for local scholars and reflects how Chinese traditions took root in Okinawan society. Visitors can observe how Confucian teachings and Chinese customs became woven into the region's identity.
The temple is accessible by foot from Asahibashi Station on the Yui Rail, roughly a 15-minute walk, or by bus from Kencho-mae Station. The grounds are easy to walk through with clear pathways throughout the space.
The site blends both Confucian and Taoist worship practices, with shrines dedicated to the Dragon King and the maritime goddess Tenpi. This combination reveals how different Chinese belief systems coexist within this single location.
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