Futenma Shrine (Futenma Gongen)
11 Apr
It rained for about an hour and I thought my Saturday was ruined again. Luckily enough the rain cleared up and I decided to pack my camera and take a little trip to the Futenma Shrine located in Ginowan.
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Futenma Gongen is a Shinto shrine that was built roughly 500 years ago by King Sho Kinpuku during the Sho dynasty. Today the Futenma shrine is a place of worship for many Okinawans. An interesting fact is that the Futenma shrine is one of eight major shrines on the Ryukyu Islands. Behind the main building is another smaller structure that only the priest have access to and have been trusted not to reveal the contents.
In addition to the beautiful shrines are some historical caves. The caves are said to be very sacred and date back thousands of years. I didn’t have the opportunity to visit the caves but you can gain access by asking a priest or female attendant for admission.
There is no entrance fee to visit Futenma Gongen but donations are welcome. While you are there you can purchase charms, amulets, and fortunes in both Japanese and English.
If you are looking for a way to spend 45 minutes to an hour and you are in the Ginowan area, stop by the Futenma Shrine and enjoy some local history.
Check out all of the photos from the Futenma shrine.
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Directions:
The Futenma shrine is located on RT 330 in Ginowan outside of Camp Fosters gate 6.
To get there from Kadena’s Gate 1 you will take a left and head down HWY 58 past the Camp Foster commissary gate. After passing the commissary gate you will take a left when you see a sign for Futenma and RT 81. Drive straight and 81 will turn into RT 330. The shrine will be on your left side. If you make it to Camp Foster’s legion gate then you have passed it.
From Camp Fosters Gate 6 (American Legion Gate) take a right and head down RT 330. Futenma shrine will be on your right side. It is roughly a ten minute walk from Camp Fosters Gate 6.
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Very nice pics.
Billy,
Thanks for the comment! The location really makes it easy to take wonderful photos. I am sure you would have similar results!
A big beautiful wooden shrine. You don`t see those too often.
This place was just rebuilt in the last few years and it looks amazing!!
Hi, Jay,
While I was looking for Okinawan recipes, I stumbled onto your site somehow and thought to say “HI”
I was born and raised in Oki but left the island some 24 years ago. I still miss it big time. You don’t know how surprised I was to see the pictures of Futenma shrine….I used to live in Futenma town so I walked by there almost every day.
I hope you don’t mind I save the pics…Thanks. And I’m enjoying the other pictures of Oki you have, too…
vz,
I am glad you found my site and enjoy my photos. I hope the photos can bring back some great memories for you. I have lots of other pictures, just let me know and I might be able to help you out. I do ask that you not use my photos for anything unless stating my copyright information….© Jason Kimball.
Hi, Jay,
I promise I will not use your photo for anything other than just for my personal viewing once in a while.
Yes, the pics brought back lots and lots of memories.
My mom used to dress me up in a kimono every new years’ eve when I was little and, some years, she kept me awake past midnight to go to that Futenma shrine to pray. LOL, of course, by the time we were back in the car and ready to go home, I was passed out in the back seat of the car with no care about winkling the kimono or messing up my “hair-do” So she had to do it all over again the next day, the new year’s day. 
Thanks again, Jay.