Where It's Located
The Okinawa Japan Temple is located at 7-11-32 Matsumoto, Okinawa-shi, Okinawa 904-2151, Japan, in Okinawa City near Kadena Air Base. The temple sits on a 0.55-acre (0.2-hectare) site adjacent to the Okinawa Ward meetinghouse, which was remodeled to include a patron arrival area. The temple grounds feature a distribution center, but there is no visitors' center, arrival center, or patron housing. The location provides easy access from the Okinawa Expressway, allowing members from across the island to attend temple worship.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Naha Airport (OKA), located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of the temple. Travelers from the United States can reach Okinawa through connections in Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, or Taipei, with some seasonal flights also available through other Asian hubs. From the airport, the temple is typically a 35- to 45-minute drive, depending on traffic.
A Bit of History
The Okinawa Japan Temple was announced by President Russell M. Nelson during the April 2019 General Conference on April 7, 2019. It became the fourth operating temple in Japan and the 186th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Before its construction, members in Okinawa traveled to temples in Fukuoka, Taipei, Manila, and earlier even farther away to participate in temple ordinances.
The temple site and official rendering were released on May 25, 2020, and groundbreaking services were held on December 5, 2020, with Elder Takashi Wada presiding. Following a public open house from September 23 through October 7, 2023, nearly 8,000 visitors toured the temple. Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the temple on November 12, 2023, in both Japanese and English sessions. For many members, the temple stands as a powerful symbol of peace and hope on an island deeply shaped by the events of World War II.
Design and Architecture
The Okinawa Japan Temple contains approximately 12,437 square feet (1,155 square meters) of floor space. Its exterior is clad in Sunset Gold Chinese granite from Wenshang, Shandong Province, and features a single attached end spire rising approximately 105 feet (32 meters) above the ground.
The architecture draws inspiration from traditional Okinawan and Japanese design. Segmented window arches reflect the stone gateways found at historic sites such as Shurijo Castle and Nakagusuku Castle, while decorative floral patterns echo the traditional karamon gates seen throughout Japan. Inside, the temple includes one instruction room, one sealing room, and one baptistry. The interior also incorporates floral motifs inspired by Okinawa's abundant blossoms, creating a peaceful atmosphere for worship.
Final Thoughts
The Okinawa Japan Temple represents a historic milestone for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Japan. As the first temple on Okinawa and the fourth operating temple in the country, it has brought sacred temple ordinances much closer to members living on the Ryukyu Islands, including both Japanese Saints and English-speaking military members. Since its dedication in 2023, the temple has become a lasting symbol of faith, peace, and the continued growth of the restored gospel throughout southern Japan.
Scott & Riah
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