A Recommended Trip to Kudaka Island, the "Island of the Gods," by Rental Bicycle

Kudaka Island is a sacred place where, in ancient times, Amamikiyo, the goddess who created the Ryukyu Kingdom, is said to have descended.
On the island, religious ceremonies that have continued since the Ryukyu Kingdom era are still performed today.

Yes, this is a special place that has been protected and nurtured by the prayers of its people. Kudaka Island, where the entire island is considered a sacred site, has a unique atmosphere and a special way of life that is different from other remote islands.

Why not take a leisurely bicycle trip to explore the mysterious charm of Kudaka Island, the "Island of the Gods"?

<Table of Contents>
1. Essential Knowledge about Kudaka Island
2. Tips for enjoying rental bicycles
3. Manners on Kudaka Island
4. Recommended rental bicycle routes by duration:
4-1. [1-hour course]
4-2. [2-hour course]
4-3. [3-hour course]
5. Recommended souvenirs from Kudaka Island
6. Access to Kudaka Island
7. Summary

1. Essential Knowledge about Kudaka Island

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Kudaka Island is located about 5 km east of the Chinen Peninsula, where Seifa Utaki is located, in the southern part of Okinawa Island.
The only way to get to the island is by ferry. It's a small island, and you can get from one end to the other in about 15 to 20 minutes by bicycle.

The entire island is considered a sacred place, with numerous places of worship and ritual sites scattered throughout for offering prayers.
First, let me introduce some of the most representative places, including some must-see spots!

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■ Cape Kabeer (Habyan)

The place where Amamikiyo is said to have descended.
One of Kudaka Island's most spectacular views unfolds before your eyes. Remember that this is a sacred place for prayer, and observe it quietly.

■ Fubo Utaki (Upugami)

One of the seven major sacred sites (utaki) of the Ryukyu Islands.
Although it was known as a place where men were forbidden, now women are also prohibited from entering.

©OCVB

■Osato family, Gotenniwa, Sotomaden

An important ceremonial site where island events are held.
Although it is located very close to the village, access may be prohibited during events.

■Ishiki Beach

This beach is said to be where the ship of the gods, who came from Nirai Kanai, beyond the sea, is anchored.
Swimming is prohibited on this sacred beach, which was also visited by successive kings of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

■Romance Road

This is a beautiful walking path with a great location.
There are gazebos and benches that are perfect for taking a break while enjoying the view.

■ Upama (Star Sand Beach)

This is the longest beach on Kudaka Island.
As the name suggests, there is "star sand" here. The star sand that is a familiar souvenir is actually a living thing. Be careful, as you cannot take it home even if you find it.

2. Tips for enjoying rental bicycles

On Kudaka Island, which has many places you'll want to visit, cycling is the most convenient way to get around.
There are three bicycle rental shops around Tokujin Port, where ferries arrive and depart.

This time, I rented a bicycle at the "Kudaka Ferry Waiting Area," which is located right in front of the port after climbing the hill. As the name suggests, this is a ferry waiting area.
With coin lockers and restrooms available, it's also a very convenient base for exploring Kudaka Island.

Here, you can rent a regular city bike for 300 yen per hour, and electric bicycles for 500 yen per hour.
While Kudaka Island isn't particularly hilly, there are many unpaved areas, so electric bicycles are recommended for those who aren't confident in their physical fitness or who want to explore the island at a leisurely pace.

Once you leave the village, there are no shops or vending machines, so don't forget to buy drinks before you set off! Also, there are few shady spots, so sun protection and heatstroke prevention are essential.

3. Manners on Kudaka Island

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To reiterate, the entire island of Kudaka is a "sacred place."
Before you depart, be sure to check the manners and precautions so that you don't forget to be humble and remember that you are "visiting" an island where people have lived and protected!

■The route goes through narrow roads and villages. Safe cycling is paramount!

■Beautiful scenery can make you feel relaxed, but loud voices and noise are a no-no.

■ There are areas where entry, swimming, and camping are prohibited. Please read the map and signs carefully.

■ You cannot take any of the island's plants, animals, or rocks home. Keep your memories in the album of your heart.

■Keep skin exposure to a minimum. Walking around in a swimsuit is absolutely forbidden!

*Detailed etiquette and precautions can also be found in the video shown on board the ferry.
It's also indicated on maps and signs. Don't assume it'll be okay!
If you feel uneasy exploring on your own, it's safer to book a guided tour.

■Details of the Kudaka Island guided tour:http://www.kudakajima.jp/taiken.html　

4. Recommended rental bicycle routes by duration:

Now that we're ready, let's go!
This time, I'd like to introduce some recommended courses based on the time required!

(※Click to enlarge on smartphones)

4-1. [1-hour course]

Departure from Naruhito Port
↓ (approximately 20 minutes)
Cape Cabert: 10-minute visit
↓ (approximately 5 minutes)
Fubo Utaki: 5 minutes for viewing
↓ (approximately 15 minutes)
Arrival at Tokujin Port

To fully enjoy the charm of Kudaka Island, you'll want at least 1 hour and 30 minutes just for sightseeing.
However, this course is recommended for those who say, "I only have one hour due to ferry schedules and other commitments!"

4-2. [2-hour course]

Departure from Naruhito Port
↓ (approximately 20 minutes)
Cape Cabert: 15-minute visit
↓ (approximately 5 minutes)
Romance Road: 20 minutes for sightseeing
↓ (approximately 5 minutes)
Fubo Utaki: 5 minutes for viewing
↓ (approximately 10 minutes)
Osato Residence and Palace Garden: 15-minute tour
↓ (approximately 10 minutes)
Arrival at Tokujin Port

This tour takes you to some of the most famous sacred sites on Kudaka Island. You can enjoy the sights at a leisurely pace, taking breaks along the way!

4-3. [3-hour course]

Departure from Naruhito Port
↓ (approximately 10 minutes)
Osato Residence and Palace Garden: 15-minute tour
↓ (approximately 5 minutes)
Sotomaden: 5 minutes tour
↓ (approximately 10 minutes)
Fubo Utaki: 5 minutes for viewing
↓ (approximately 5 minutes)
Cape Cabert: 15-minute visit
↓ (approximately 5 minutes)
Romance Road: 20 minutes for sightseeing
↓ (approximately 10 minutes)
Upama: 10-minute tour
↓ (approximately 15 minutes)
Ishiki Beach: 20 minutes for sightseeing
↓ (approximately 15 minutes)
Arrival at Tokujin Port

This course allows you to leisurely soak up the island's atmosphere while visiting sacred sites.
It's a luxurious way to spend time, gazing at the sea while letting your thoughts wander to the distant land of Nirai Kanai.

The recommended itinerary I've presented is designed for those who want to take their time and enjoy their visit.
Especially if it's your first time, you might get lost in the village or have trouble finding your destination right away.

Also, there are many unpaved roads, so when you plan your own route, be sure to anticipate that it will take longer than riding a bicycle in the city!

5. Recommended souvenirs from Kudaka Island

The perfect way to end a trip is with souvenirs!
At the Kudaka Ferry Terminal, where we rented bicycles this time, you can also purchase souvenirs unique to Kudaka Island!

There are plenty of intriguing items, such as amulets containing "Hamamasu," a type of salt said to be used to ward off evil spirits, island shallots, and "Irabu" (sea snakes), a specialty of Kudaka Island.

6. Access to Kudaka Island

To get to Kudaka Island, you take a ferry from Azama Port in Nanjo City, in the southern part of the main island.

[From Naha Airport to Azama Port]

■ Access by car
From Naha Airport, take the Naha Airport Expressway to Haebaru Kita Interchange. Then take National Route 329 to National Route 331. Estimated travel time: approximately 50 minutes.

■ Access by bus
From Naha Bus Terminal, take bus number 38/Shikiya Line and get off at "Azama Sansan Beach Entrance". The port is a 5-minute walk from there. Fare: 780 yen
*Since the number of buses is limited, it's a good idea to check the schedule.

[Ferry fare]

There are six round trips per day between Azama Port and Kudaka Island (Tokujin Port) by ferry and high-speed boat combined.
It's more economical to buy a round-trip ticket when you depart.

■High-speed ferry New Kudaka
Time required: about 15 minutes
Fare: Adult one-way/760 yen, round trip/1,460 yen
Child one-way: 390 yen, round trip: 750 yen
■Ferry Kudaka
Time required: about 20 minutes
Fare: Adult one-way/670 yen, round trip/1,280 yen
Child one-way: 340 yen, round trip: 650 yen

*For both fares, the adult fare applies to junior high school students and older. Children under 5 years old ride free with one paying adult.

Since there isn't much difference in travel time, you can decide your departure time based on your schedule.
You can check the operating hours and status on the Kudaka Shipping website below.

[Kudaka Shipping (Ferry)]
■ Homepage:http://kudakakaiun.web.fc2.com/

Furthermore, there are no toilets or other facilities at Tokujin Port on Kudaka Island. The only facilities in the vicinity of the port are at the Kudaka Ferry Waiting Area.
Please note that the only public toilets on the island are located at "Hotama-den" and "Kudaka Island Accommodation and Exchange Center," and there are no toilets once you leave the village.

7. Summary

Kudaka Island, known as the "Island of the Gods," has many rules that must be followed, and it is not a convenient tourist destination.

But that's necessary to continue protecting what the islanders have cherished and protected for generations.

To the sacred island where a pleasant breeze gently welcomes you—the "precious things" that Okinawa has nurtured will surely bestow a mysterious power upon you as well.