I went to Futenma Shrine for my first shrine visit of the year (2026).
This year, we went to Futenma Shrine for our family’s first shrine visit of the year.
Usually, a free shuttle bus runs from the Ginowan City Hall parking lot, but it wasn’t operating this year. Checking multiple websites confirmed “No service this year.” So, we decided to use a private coin-operated parking lot.
🚗 The parking lot had a 15-minute wait, and the fee was 200 yen for the day.
We parked around noon and waited about 15 minutes to get a spot.
The fee was a reasonable ¥200 per day.
There are several other parking lots closer to the shrine, but most charge around ¥600 per hour and seemed full with long wait times.
I was driving, so I couldn’t take good photos, but here’s a link:
Futenma City Parking Lot (1831 Nogatake, Ginowan City)
I couldn’t take good photos while driving, but I’ll include the link below.
🏪 Taking a break at Ryubo Store before walking
Since my mother was with us, we stopped at the “Ryubo Store” along the way for a bathroom break before heading to the shrine.
When we reached the street leading to Futenma Shrine, there was already a line forming near the Sanei intersection, so we joined it there.
Food stalls lined the side of the queue, and people were buying snacks while waiting.
Last year, the area in front of the shrine was narrow due to construction, but this year the park renovations were complete, and food stalls were set up inside the park too. However, seating is limited, so it seems better to get takeout.
We walked past the Futenma High School building under reconstruction and headed towards the Futenma intersection.
Futenma High School
Futenma High School was my father’s alma mater; he passed away last year. He was part of the third graduating class.
Next to it, reconstruction work is underway on the memorial hall for “Shinzan Yamada,” the sculptor of the Peace Memorial Statue. Shinzan Yamada was my grandfather’s cousin. My father mentioned before he passed away that he had met and talked with him several times when he was young.
⛩️ About 30 minutes to the approach path; we were able to visit smoothly.
From when we started lining up until we reached the approach path took about 30 minutes.
It was a bit of walking, then stopping, then walking again… but it went more smoothly than I expected.
We returned last year’s talisman at the stairs along the way, climbed the stairs, and visited the shrine without incident.
Since we visited on the right side, we then bought a talisman for household safety at the shop on the right side.
Returned on foot to Ryubo Store
We walked back to Ryubo Store. While my mother rested, I went to retrieve the car, and we headed home.
✨ Current Status Near Futenma Intersection (February)
The other day, I drove past Futenma High School, and the rebuilding work seemed to have progressed quite a bit.
The shape of the building is more distinct than last year, and the surrounding scenery is gradually changing.
I can feel the atmosphere of the road leading to Futenma Shrine shifting slightly each year as the construction progresses.
Furthermore, adjacent private buildings have been demolished, and it appears the construction is advancing by incorporating them into the school grounds.
Even from inside a passing car, you can sense the entire neighborhood slowly transforming.
A lightweight travel umbrella is very useful when visiting shrines in Okinawa, where the sun can be strong even in winter.
Comfortable walking shoes are very helpful when visiting shrines, as you often walk more than expected. A pair with good cushioning makes the visit much easier, especially on sunny days in Okinawa.
