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.