The dense forest of Kyo-no-Uchi covers the southwestern part of Shuri-jo Castle. The presence of such a large forest within the castle grounds shows just how much the people of Ryukyu respected and worshiped nature. In fact, while we are not sure exactly when Shuri-jo Castle was built, what we do know is that it started with Kyo-no-Uchi and the rest was built around this forest.
By the way, it’s said that there are ten Utaki spots in Shuri-jo Castle, four of which are here in Kyo-no-Uchi. We don’t know much about these spots, not even their location or how we should worship them. All we know are the names. But we can imagine the ways, and the kinds of prayers that were sung back then.
But the fact of the matter is, you don’t need these details to feel the energy of a spiritual hot spot like Utaki. After listening to this guide, we suggest you walk around freely, listening to the leaves swaying in the wind, feeling the sunlight through the trees, and gazing at the strange shapes of the Gajumaru and Akō trees.
