Protector of the Country Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. Dedicated to the protection and well-being of the Ryukyu Kingdom's rulers and people, the shrine is also associated with the Shikinaengū, a mythical sea serpent said to protect the kingdom from foreign invaders.
This shrine is dedicated to the spirits (kami) of local soldiers and civilians who died in service to Japan during various wars, particularly from the Meiji period through World War II. As a gokoku shrine, it serves as a place where the souls of the war dead are venerated and honored for their sacrifice to the nation. Visitors come to pay respects to fallen heroes, pray for peace, and seek protection for the country, with many families of the deceased making regular pilgrimages to honor their ancestors' service.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Sho Nei no Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Sho Nei no Okami, King Sho Nei
- Coordinates
- 26.2032647, 127.6759785
Visitor tip
To honor the shrine's significance as a symbol of Okinawan identity, visitors are encouraged to remove their shoes before entering the shrine grounds and wear traditional Ryukyu clothing or accessories.
Cultural notes
The Shikinaengū is said to have appeared during a time of great turmoil in Okinawa, when the kingdom was threatened by Mongol invasions. According to legend, the serpent's roar scared off the invaders, allowing the Ryukyu Kingdom to maintain its independence.
Historical note
Built during the late Heian period (10th century) in memory of King Sho Nei of Chūzan