May 7, 2013 - 1 min read

The Shisa Dogs of Okinawa World

Lion Dog Talismans Protect Okinawa's Largest Theme Park

By Michael Flemming

Community writer

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.

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By Michael Flemming

Community writer

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Jennifer Blakebrough Raeburn 3 years ago

I lived in Okinawa for two years in the late 1960s. I admired to shisa roof tiles, and, although I had Okinawan friends (I taught English as a a second language), I could never find out where I might buy a genuine roof dog, one that actually came from a roof. I didn't care whether it was old and damaged; I simply wanted one of these delightful figures. Unfortunately, no one seemed to know where I could find one (and I didn’t want one from a souvenir shop). I have continued my search online, but I have never been able to locate the the real thing.
I loved Okinawa, and my students. I expect the island has changed enormously since my time there, but I cherish my memories.