Divine Trees, the ‘Great Akagi Trees of Shuri Kinjo’

Within the grounds of Uchikanagusukutachi, which is in Shuri Kinjo, are 6 great akagi trees estimated to be over 200 years old. Before the Second World War, it is believed that similar large akagi trees could be found in Shuri Castle and the castle’s surrounding areas, but most of them were lost in the war.
It is said that these remaining great akagi trees which withstood the flames of war are divine trees.

Among the large trees, the Great Akagi stands out in particular for the large gaping hole at its base. Looking up, one can feel its godliness while taking in the overwhelming height and the sunbeams filtering through the leaves.
There is a legend about the Great Akagi that a god will come down and listen to your wishes.

On the sign it says,
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Sometime during the last 300 years a small shrine was created naturally,
and there is a legend among the elders that in this place a god comes down on the 15th day of the 6th month of the lunar calendar and listens to people’s wishes. Please come here and make a wish for something very important once per year.
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This place is a spot famous for its mystical energies.
It might be a good idea to try making a wish with a pure heart in this space overflowing with nature.

It is close to famous tourist spots such as Shuri Castle and the Cobblestone Road,
so I recommend taking the extra time to go there and take your time in enjoying the town.

Okinawa CLIP Photo Writer Reina Chinen (0173)