Chunnagā: Okinawa's Sacred Stone Springs — A National Important Cultural Property

Tucked away in the Kiyunna district of Ginowan City, Okinawa, lies Chunnagā (喜友名泉) — a pair of exquisitely crafted stone springs that once served as the lifeblood of an entire Ryukyuan village. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1992, these springs stand as one of the finest surviving examples of traditional Okinawan stone masonry and water engineering, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the intimate relationship between the people of the Ryukyu Islands and their most precious resource: water.

What Is Chunnagā?

Chunnagā is a collective term for two stone-built communal springs — Ufugā and Kāgwā — along with their surrounding waterways, stone walls, and a 120.7-meter access path. The springs are located at the base of a steep slope, approximately 100 meters down a winding path with a 25-meter elevation drop from the Kiyunna settlement above. Built during the late Edo period (approximately 1751–1829), these springs were the primary water source for the people of the Kiyunna community for generations.

In the Okinawan language, "kā" (or "gā") means a well or spring, and these communal water sources — known as "mura-gā" (village springs) — were the heart of every Ryukyuan settlement. Okinawa's unique geology, composed of porous Ryukyu limestone over impermeable Shimajiri mudstone, creates natural springs where the two geological layers meet, and the people of the islands developed sophisticated stone construction techniques to harness these precious water sources.

Why Was Chunnagā Designated as an Important Cultural Property?

Chunnagā was designated as a National Important Cultural Property (Building category) on August 10, 1992, in recognition of several outstanding qualities. The primary stonework dates to the early 19th century and demonstrates exceptional mastery of large-stone construction techniques characteristic of Ryukyuan craftsmanship. The precision and aesthetic sensibility with which the massive stones were fitted together represent the highest level of traditional Okinawan stone engineering.

Beyond its technical excellence, Chunnagā is considered a representative example of Okinawa's stone-built communal springs. The site preserves the complete infrastructure of a traditional Ryukyuan water supply system — from the spring enclosures and water outlets to the surrounding channels, retaining walls, and the sloping access road — providing invaluable insight into how island communities organized their most essential resource.

Highlights and What to See

Ufugā — The Men's Spring

Ufugā, the larger of the two springs, was primarily used by men and livestock. After long days of labor in the fields, men would come here to wash and cool down, and horses and cattle were also bathed at this spring. The basin is notably wider and more open than its counterpart, reflecting its practical use for larger-scale washing. Ufugā also held deep spiritual significance: water drawn from this spring was used for "wakamiji" (young water) — the ceremonial first water of the new year — and "ubumiji" (birth water) — water used to bathe newborns in a purification ritual.

Kāgwā — The Women's Spring

Kāgwā was reserved for women and children. It features a specially designed spout (樋口/higuchi) that made it easier to fill water containers, and was used for drawing drinking water, washing vegetables, doing laundry, and bathing. The more intimate scale and thoughtful design of the water outlet reveal a deep consideration for the daily needs of the women who relied on this spring.

The Access Path

The 120.7-meter stone-paved path that winds down from the village to the springs is itself part of the designated cultural property. The steep, winding descent — with its 25-meter elevation change — is a vivid reminder of the daily effort required to secure water in pre-modern Okinawa. Villagers, particularly women, would make this journey multiple times each day carrying heavy water containers, a testament to the vital role these springs played in community life.

Stone Masonry

The most remarkable feature of Chunnagā is its stonework. The walls surrounding each spring are constructed from massive blocks of Ryukyu limestone, fitted together with remarkable precision. The construction technique reflects the high level of stone masonry skills developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom, and the walls have withstood centuries of tropical weather. Visitors with an interest in traditional architecture and engineering will find much to admire in the careful craftsmanship on display.

Historical Context: From Village Lifeline to Cultural Heritage

For centuries, the springs of Chunnagā sustained the Kiyunna community through every aspect of daily life. In a subtropical island environment with no major rivers and rainfall concentrated in specific seasons, these springs were not merely convenient — they were essential for survival. The Kiyunna settlement itself was established on the elevated plateau above, with its grid-like village layout dating back to the Ryukyu Kingdom era.

Following World War II, the Kiyunna area was partially absorbed into Camp Zukeran (also known as Camp Foster), a U.S. military installation. The springs and much of the surrounding area fell within the base boundaries, limiting public access for decades. In March 2015, the West Futenma Housing District — the area encompassing the springs — was returned to Japanese administration. Since then, the site has been carefully preserved as part of the broader redevelopment of the area, which now includes the relocated University of the Ryukyus Hospital and is being developed as the "Nishi-Futenma Wellness Town."

The Living Culture of Okinawa's Springs

Chunnagā is part of a broader cultural tradition of spring veneration in Okinawa. Across the islands, more than 1,000 springs have been documented, and many remain active sites of prayer and ritual. In Okinawan tradition, springs are sacred places where the spiritual and physical worlds meet. Ceremonies such as "kā-ugami" (spring worship) are still performed at many springs throughout the year, and the water from these sources continues to hold spiritual significance for local communities.

Visiting Chunnagā offers an opportunity to understand a dimension of Okinawan culture that goes far deeper than the beaches and resort experiences for which the islands are famous. It is a chance to connect with the daily rhythms and spiritual practices that shaped Ryukyuan life for centuries.

Surrounding Attractions

The Kiyunna district and wider Ginowan City offer several other points of interest for visitors exploring Okinawa's cultural heritage.

• Kiyunna Stone Lion Group (喜友名の石獅子群) — Seven stone guardian lions (shīsā) are positioned around the Kiyunna village perimeter, designated as a Ginowan City Folk Cultural Property. These lions were placed to ward off evil spirits from the settlement, and having this many surviving in a single village is rare even by Okinawan standards.
• Futenma Shrine (普天間宮) — One of Okinawa's most revered Shinto shrines, featuring an impressive natural limestone cave beneath the main hall. Located along Route 330 in Ginowan.
• Mori no Kawa (森の川) — A spring designated as a Prefectural Scenic Site in the Mashiki district of Ginowan, associated with the famous Hagoromo (Feathered Robe) legend of Okinawa.
• Kakazu Takadai Park (嘉数高台公園) — A hilltop park offering panoramic views of Ginowan and central Okinawa, with historical significance as a battle site during World War II.
• Ginowan Tropical Beach — A popular public beach adjacent to the Okinawa Convention Center, perfect for a leisurely stroll along the coast.

Visiting Chunnagā: Practical Information

Due to the site's status as a protected cultural property, advance arrangements are required to visit Chunnagā. Visitors must contact the site managers at least one week before their intended visit date. Please reach out to either the Ginowan City Board of Education, Cultural Division (Tel: 098-893-4430) or the Kiyunna District Community Association (Tel: 098-892-3649), available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The path down to the springs involves a steep descent with uneven stone surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are strongly recommended. The site is outdoors and largely unsheltered, so visitors should prepare for sun exposure and carry water, especially during the hot summer months.

While there is limited English-language signage at the site, the physical beauty and craftsmanship of the springs speak for themselves. Visitors who arrange their visit through the tourism office may be able to request a guided tour with a local cultural heritage guide from the "Satto-no-kai" volunteer guide group.