Motobu Live Cam

History

Motobu Town, located in the picturesque northern part of Okinawa Island, carries with it a rich and layered history that stretches back centuries. This charming coastal town has played a vital role in the broader narrative of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which once flourished as an independent state before its eventual integration into modern Japan. The ancient Ryukyuan culture still echoes in Motobu’s daily life, traditions, and architecture. In the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Motobu was strategically significant due to its access to the East China Sea and its proximity to key trading routes, which helped facilitate contact with China, Korea, and other Southeast Asian countries.

Traditional Ryukyuan beliefs and customs are deeply rooted in the Motobu area. Many of the local shrines and sacred sites, known as utaki, are nestled within the town’s lush greenery. These places were often reserved for spiritual rituals conducted by female priestesses known as noro, a unique role in Ryukyuan society. One of the most sacred sites in Okinawa, the Bise Fukugi Tree Road, has been revered for centuries and is located in Motobu. These centuries-old Fukugi trees were planted as natural protection against typhoons and now form a serene tunnel that leads visitors back in time.