Asumui: Northern Okinawa’s Sacred Mountains

Clusters of limestone stand like forests of stone. (© Ōsaka Hiroshi)

Moss on the stone collects moisture and makes the soil fertile. As a result, trees seem almost deliberately to wrap their roots around the limestone. (© Ōsaka Hiroshi)

Many of the giant stones at the site are almost lifelike. (© Ōsaka Hiroshi)

Beyond the lush green forest is Cape Hedo, the northernmost point on the main island of Okinawa. (© Ōsaka Hiroshi)

The view from Cape Hedo across to the four craggy rock formations traditionally regarded as a sacred site. (© Ōsaka Hiroshi)