# Kudaka Island

> A small, flat island about 8 km around off the south-east coast of Okinawa Island, revered since the Ryukyu Kingdom as the island of the gods, where rites tied to the creation of Ryukyu and the origin of the five grains are still held. Boats run six times a day from Azama Port, and some sacred sites, including Fubo-utaki, are closed to everyone.

- Prefecture: Okinawa
- Type: Island
- Address: Nanjo, Okinawa, Japan
- Official site: https://kudaka-island.com/

Seen from the Kudaka Island worship spot at Sefa-utaki, the island is a low green line on the sea. Up close it is about 8 km around and almost flat, with roughly 230 people, most of them elderly, in one village by the harbour. The land is considered borrowed from the gods rather than owned, and the north of the island beyond the village is kept as sacred space. Rites linked to the creation of Ryukyu and the origin of the five grains are still held through the year. Most visitors rent a bicycle at the port waiting room (no bookings) and ride the unpaved tracks north to Kaberu Cape, tied in legend to the creator deity Amamikiyo, passing Ishiki Beach on the east coast. The rules matter here. Fubo-utaki is closed to everyone all year, as is the inside of Hokamadun, and other sites close during rites. Do not take stones, sand, coral or plants; swim only at Megi Beach by the port, which has no lifeguards; and cover up in the village. Leave no coins, flowers or incense. There is no convenience store and no ATM, only two small shops, so bring cash. A guided walk with a local guide, booked ahead, explains far more than the signs do.

## FAQ

### How do I get to Kudaka Island, and how much is the boat?

Boats leave Azama Port in Nanjo six times a day. The high-speed boat takes about 15 minutes and costs 770 yen one way (1,480 yen return); the ferry takes about 25 minutes for 680 yen (1,300 yen return). Pay in cash.

### Which places on the island are off-limits?

Fubo-utaki is closed to everyone all year, and you may not go inside Hokamadun. Other sacred sites close during rites, when entry north of the village is restricted. Swimming is banned at Ishiki Beach; Megi Beach by the port is the only place to swim.

### Do I need a car or bicycle on the island, and how long should I stay?

No car is needed; most visitors rent a bicycle at the Kudaka port waiting room, which does not take bookings. A day trip works: arriving on a morning boat leaves time to cycle to Kaberu Cape and back before the last boat at 17:00.

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Source: Kudaka Island — Japan Voyage