A design which can be seen on Japanese and Chinese wooden architecture is expressed with stone on Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate.
The center part of its roof is high and features smooth flowing curves. Also, an arabesque pattern was engraved on the center part of the
roof, and flaming jewel and killer whale-shaped roof tiles are placed on top of it. The arch door seems like an interlocked structure with rock,
but it is actually elaborately whittled with rock. Also, a perspective with optical illusion is used for the gate, thus there were difficulties in its restoration.
The way of praying in Ryukyu is a little bit different compared to Japan. Temples or shrines are not sacred places for people in Ryukyu.
Their sacred places are called Utaki where gods are enshrined. These gods exist in/on rocks and trees, and each Utaki was formed
naturally while enshrining gods. Utaki is located behind Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate, and the divided spirit of the legendary god on Iheya
Island “Tanoue no Sonohiyabu” was enshrined here. Iheya Island is familiar to the Royal Family. People pray to the Utaki, not to the stone gate.
