The Shisa Dogs of Okinawa World

Lion Dog Talismans Protect Okinawa's Largest Theme Park

Michael Flemming May 07, 2013 - 1 min read

Shisa dogs at the entrance of Okinawa World demand that visitors walk around them to gain entrance to the park

The female shisa dog has an open mouth while the male shisa has a clenched jaw

Rooftops usually are adorned with one shisa dog made of red clay to match the Ryukyuan-style red roofing tiles

Its unusual to see two shisa dogs on a roof and rare to see them placed next to each other

Shisa dogs can be placed on walls like this one found in the Gyokusendo Cave

A shisa dog head can be found near entryways throughout Okinawa

Walls are another popular location for shisa dogs especially at corners and entryways

Traditionally shisa dogs are made of red clay but its not unusual to see colorful versions of the lion dog in Okinawa

This shisa - located along Route 17 in front of Okinawa World - is perhaps the largest on the park

Shisa dogs are available in an endless array of styles, sizes and prices throughout Okinawa

Its impossible to go anywhere in Okinawa without seeing shisa dogs perched atop rooftops, crouching on walls, or gracing entryways. Shisa's are lion dogs of chinese origin that were adopted by Okinawans in the 15th Century to guard against evil spirits and misfortune. Okinawa World theme park in Nanjo City just 17 kilometers southeast of the Naha Airport features shisa dogs of differing sizes and colors. While Okinawa World is predominately known for its Shuri Castle Village, Gyokusendo Cave, and a live snake show, don't forget to look up and around to enjoy these fine talismans made of stone and clay. Okinawa World is located on Route 17 in Nanjo City; bus lines 51, 54, 81, 82 and 83 stop at the Gyokusendo-mae stop near the park. Entry to the park is 600 yen for adullts and 300 yen for children - up to 1,600 yen and 800 yen respectively for an unrestricted pass. The park is open 09:00 ~ 18:00 daily.

Michael Flemming @michael.flemming

I'm a wanderer in Okinawa turning over every stone I can find. I write, photograph and blog about my favorite finds here in Japan's southernmost prefecture.