What makes Futenma Shrine unique?

Futenma Shrine is renowned for its serene and spiritual environment. It is particularly famous for its cave, which is said to house a sacred spring. The shrine is also a center for various traditional ceremonies and festivals, reflecting Okinawa's unique cultural heritage.

Are there any festivals celebrated at Futenma Shrine?

Futenma Shrine hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the annual spring and autumn festivals, which feature traditional performances, rituals, and local food. These festivals are lively, colorful, and offer a deep insight into Okinawan culture.

Are there any accommodations or restaurants near Futenma Shrine?

While there are no accommodations or dining facilities on the shrine grounds, the surrounding area of Ginowan offers various hotels and restaurants. Visitors can easily find places to stay or eat near the shrine, catering to a range of tastes and budgets.

Is photography allowed at Futenma Shrine?

Photography is generally allowed in the outdoor areas of the shrine, but it may be restricted within certain sacred areas or during specific rituals. Always look for signs indicating restrictions or ask a shrine official if unsure.

A traditional Japanese shrine with a red-tiled roof, stone steps, and purple banners. Sculpted trees, lanterns, and a decorative board are visible under a clear blue sky.

Close-up of a traditional East Asian temple roof with ornate carvings and decorative orange tiles set against a clear blue sky.

A traditional Japanese building with a decorative, tiled roof and wooden architecture under a partly cloudy sky, with trees and power lines visible in the background.

A stone guardian lion-dog statue (shisa or komainu) sits at the entrance of a traditional Japanese building with purple and white banners and rope decorations in the background.

A neatly pruned tree stands in front of a traditional Japanese building with a tiled roof. White paper fortunes (omikuji) are tied to strings around the tree, and a stone lantern is nearby. The scene is outdoors, under a partly cloudy sky.

Okinawa

Futenma Shrine

4.5 (2396)Shinto ShrineTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 24, 2026

Futenma Shrine, situated in the heart of Ginowan City, Okinawa, is a venerable site steeped in local tradition and spiritual significance. This shrine is a pivotal cultural landmark for the community and a testament to the island’s rich Shinto heritage. Futenma Shrine stands out for its deep historical roots, with origins that trace back several centuries, making it a storied element of Okinawa's religious landscape.

Enclosed by a lush forest, the shrine's grounds provide a serene environment that contrasts with the urban surroundings. The architecture is particularly noteworthy, featuring the distinctive red tiles and ornate woodwork typical of Okinawan shrine design, which reflects the unique blend of mainland Japanese and indigenous Ryukyuan styles. This mix of influences highlights the cultural syncretism that characterizes much of Okinawa's history.

Futenma Shrine is renowned for its sacred cave, believed to be home to a kami (a Shinto deity), which adds an element of mystique and draws both devotees and curious visitors. People often visit to offer prayers for well-being and success, participating in age-old rituals that have been preserved through generations.

Hours:

9:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Fees:

Free

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Phone

+81 98-892-3344

Website

futenmagu.or.jp

Overview

Address

1-chōme-27-10 Futenma, Ginowan, Okinawa 901-2202, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Traveler reviews

We came here out of curiosity, wanting to understand more about Okinawa’s unique landscape and the spiritual side of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The cave is formed by limestone and a subtropical climate, which allows the stalactites to grow faster than in other parts of Japan This place was once a utaki, dedicated to the goddess Futenma. We visited in the morning, and there were only two of us and another Japanese visitor in our time slot, so it felt especially quiet A miko guided us through a corridor and down into the cave. Inside, there were natural stalactite formations with a small shrine set among them, Shimenawa ropes and paper shide marked the sacred areas, and the whole space felt sacred and well preserved Highly recommend this place if you’re interested in cultural depth and a sense of inner peace

郭嘉欣

Apr 8, 2026

Historic shrine with mythical beginnings and the famous, mysterious cave shrine. Worth the visit if your a history buff.

Town Traveller

May 20, 2026

This is one of the most beautiful shrines in Okinawa and I highly recommend exploring it. Here besides praying you can also visit a small cave with another altar that is meant for the two Kami (Gods) that reside in the grounds. You only need to tell the nuns at the counter and they will add you to a list and show you the cave for free. It does not have lots of room to explore, but the altar is impressive and so are the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave. No pictures are allowed in the cave. Free parking available

Juan Ángel Hernández

Nov 9, 2024

I went here on a weekday, but there were fair number of worshippers. You need to apply to visit the caves. Every few minutes, the staff takes you there. There is no charge for this service. Photography inside the cave is not permitted . There is a large parking space at the back. You can drive from the side of the Torii.

Winston Takahashi

Oct 17, 2023

Futenma shrine, a popular shrine in Futenma area of the Okinawa, with lots of visitors in weekend. It was believed to be built around in 1440 to 1450, in the Ryukyu kingdom period. It is possible that it is one of the oldest Shinto Shrines in Okinawa, and visitors may see its history from its old wooden building structure. Most visitors and worshippers would worship at above-ground Shinto shrine, but it also has underground cave which also has worship shrine/hall. Visitors can make on-site applications for entering the under-ground worship shrine, and Shrine's clergy would lead visitors or worshippers to underground cave every 20 minutes. It appears that, in winter season, the under-ground visit is generally limited to the morning hours. The Shrine does hold new year celebration and other religious festivals which are also helpful for the Shrine's financing, in addition to funding from having baby photos and other kid growing celebration to be held in Shrine. Although shrine has two parking spots, they are often fully occupied in holiday and in weekend.