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The site began as a sacred space of the traditional Ryukyuan religion, organized around a large natural cave where the various gods or spirits were worshiped. Around 1450-1460, the Japanese worship of Kumano Gongen was incorporated into the site. By the early 17th century, it was considered one of the Ryûkyû Eight Shrines, alongside six other Kumano Gongen shrines, and [[Azato Hachiman-gu|Azato Hachiman-gû]].

The site began as a sacred space of the traditional Ryukyuan religion, organized around a large natural cave where the various gods or spirits were worshiped. Around 1450-1460, the Japanese worship of Kumano Gongen was incorporated into the site. By the early 17th century, it was considered one of the Ryûkyû Eight Shrines, alongside six other Kumano Gongen shrines, and [[Azato Hachiman-gu|Azato Hachiman-gû]].

The cave stretches some 280 meters. Fossilized remains of ancient Ryukyuan deer, boars, and muntjac from over 20,000 years ago have been found there.

The cave stretches some 280 meters, and contains three major open areas where worshippers pray and leave offerings. Fossilized remains of ancient Ryukyuan deer, boars, and muntjac from over 20,000 years ago have been found there.

Historically the shrine faced out over Jinon-nanmachi (J: ''Ginowan nami matsu''), a major road connecting Ginowan and [[Urasoe]] and lined with numerous centuries-old pine trees. Sadly most of these trees were lost in the Battle of Okinawa.<ref>Explanatory plaques, Futenma Shrine.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/49736591023/sizes/l/]</ref>

Historically the shrine faced out over Jinon-nanmachi (J: ''Ginowan nami matsu''), a major road connecting Ginowan and [[Urasoe]] and lined with numerous centuries-old pine trees. Sadly most of these trees were lost in the Battle of Okinawa.<ref>Explanatory plaques, Futenma Shrine.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/49736591023/sizes/l/]</ref>

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==References===

==References==

*Plaques on-site at Futenma Shrine.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/29538905760/sizes/h/]

*Plaques on-site at Futenma Shrine.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/29538905760/sizes/h/]

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