 Hamahiga Island is a small landmass located off the Katsuren Peninsula on the eastern coast of Okinawa Honto. Roughly 2.5 square kilometers in area, Hamahiga?s small size belies its importance in Ryukyu mythology. The island?s name comes from the two communities on opposite sides of the small mass: Hama and Higa.
According to Okinawan lore, Hamahiga was the home of husband and wife Shinerikiyo and Amamikiyo (sometimes spelled Shirumichu and Amamichu), the god and goddess (respectively) assigned by their superiors to create the island of Okinawa. Having dutifully completed their assigned task, the duo settled on Hamahiga. Following a fruitful life, including raising three boys and two girls, the pair died. They are enshrined on a narrow speck of rock known as Amanji off Hamahiga?s coast. Every New Year, a noro (local priestess) comes to the grave and, together with the local population, prays for protection, good health, and prosperity. To get to Amanji, cross over the bridge leading to Hamahiga and turn left. Amanji is down and on the left.
Shinerikiyo and Amamikiyo purportedly lived in Shirumichu Cave, which is located atop 108 steps leading up a hill on the eastern coast of Hamahiga. Noro also come here during their New Year?s visit to Hamahiga, pray at the altar in front of the cave, and place a stone in the cave.
The bridge connecting Hamahiga Island to the Kaichu-doro (literally, ?Road through the Sea?, also known as Highway 10) was completed in 1997. Prior to this, the only way to get to Hamahiga was to walk to it at low tide, or to take a boat or other amphibious vehicle from the mainland or a nearby island.
Historically, Hamahiga has been a community of farmers. During the first decade of Occupation, the small island supplied vegetables to U.S. military bases. But by the 1960s, demand declined, and the farmers began to face economic difficulties. Over the years, many sought employment on Okinawa Honto, with many leaving Hamahiga to be closer to their jobs. Today, the island?s population hovers around 400 or 500, with residents involved in traditional land-based farming, fishing, and seaweed farming. A small hotel has also opened near the island?s main beach, attracting tourists and divers.
Interestingly, though the nearby islands of Henza, Miyagi, and Ikei are all part of Yonashiro Town, Hamahiga is part of Katsuren Town.
Hamahiga Photos
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To get to Hamahiga Island, exit Kadena Gate 2 and proceed straight for several kilometers. At the intersection with Highway 85, turn left. (There is a Mos Burger on the corner.) Continue straight. Highway 85 becomes Highway 33. Turn right onto Highway 16. This road merges into Highway 10 just past Katsuren Castle. Continue through several lighted intersections and turn left onto Highway 10 (Kaichu-doro). Follow the signs to Ikei Island. After crossing Kaichu-doro, Hamahiga will be the first island on the right.
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Amamichu
Amamikiyo
Amanji
Amonji
Hamahiga
Hamahiga Bridge
Hamahiga Island
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Ikei Island
Kaichudoro
Katsuren Peninsula
Katsuren Town
Miyagi Island
New Year
Occupation
Okinawa Island
Ryukyu mythology
Shinerikiyo
Shirumichu
Shirumichu Cave
Yonashiro Town
farming
fishing
military bases
noro
seaweed farming
seaweed farms
the Road through the Sea
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