You should go at least once! The World Heritage in Okinawa is a superb view

Shuri Castle is characterized by its vivid vermilion and original architectural style, towering over the city of Shuri in Okinawa. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Okinawa!　Shuri Castle was the residence of the King for about 450 years from 1429 to 1879, when Okinawa was still Kingdom of ryukyu. It was the center of politics, diplomacy, and culture, and was an indispensable part of the kingdom's prosperity.
Shuri Castle began to be used as a Japanese garrison and school in the spring of 1879 after Kingdom of ryukyu became Okinawa Prefecture, and in 1945 it was burned down by the U.S. Later, it was restored as a national park in 1992.
What many people imagine when you hear Shuri Castle is a building characterized by its massive vermilion color and decorations in various places.　This is called "Shuri Castle Main Hall", and in front of the main hall, "Una", the center of Shuri Castle, spreads out. And there is "Minamiden" on the south side of the main hall and "Northden" on the left side to surround this garden.

※In October 2019, Shuri Castle Main Hall and others were destroyed by fire. Currently, the restoration site and process of the main hall, which is scheduled to be completed in 2026, are open to the public.

When you visit Shuri Castle on a trip to Okinawa, be sure to follow the path from Shuri Castle Park Rest Center "Suimuikan" to Shuri Castle Main Hall!　On the way to the main hall, there are many spots, such as Moriremon, one of the main gates in Shuri Castle, the first main gate in castle, the Ryuhi (Ryuhi), which has long been used as a drinking spring water, and seven stone monuments (Sappoushichihi), which are installed around the dragon gutter. It is also a good thing to make a new discovery to proceed while carefully looking at the masonry, decoration, sculpture, etc. By the way, there is also a restaurant in Shurijo Park where you can eat Ryukyu cuisine, so it is recommended that you finish your meal along with sightseeing.

Katsuren Castle was used around the 15th century as the residence of Influential Anji and Kazutoshi Ama. It is the oldest Okinawan Castle in Okinawa and is said to have been built around the 12th century. It is a shape that makes good use of natural cliffs, and is also called "an impregnable castle".
The features of the ruins of Katsuren Castle are the curvy castle walls that make you feel supple like a woman, even though it is a stone building, and the stairs that make a large turn around the castle. The ruins of Katsuren Castle are made up of a section called "Kuruwa", and connect between the curved ring and the curved ring with long stairs. A curved ring is an area where defense bases and buildings are built separately from the Honmaru, the center of the castle. Depending on the castle, it was used as a place for wives and children to live, or as a storage for supplies.
The altitude difference of the stairs to go up to the "Sanno-Kawawa" at the site of Katsuren Castle is 20 meters!　This was created with the intention of being able to compete when the enemy attacked, so let's go with enthusiasm. If you reach the highest point, "Ichi no Kakuwa", you can see the cityscape of Okinawa, the sky blue sea, the Chinen Peninsula and Kudaka Island beyond the wall. The site of Katsuren Castle is one of the most popular places in World Heritage because of its breathtaking scenery. Please check it with your eyes!
About 10 minutes by car, there is a popular scenic spot "Uminami Road". This is characterized by the fact that the road is built low. The left and right are surrounded by the sea, so you can feel as if you were running in the sea. There is also a roadside rest area (Sea Station Ayahashikan) in the parking where you can eat and buy local specialties.

The history of Nakijin Castle is very old, dating back to the 13th century. Located at an altitude of about 100 meters and surrounded by sturdy walls, Nakijin Castle was used as a key castle to protect the land of Yanbaru (northern Okinawa Island). In the 14th century, it was said to be the residence of the King of Kitayama, but after the destruction of the Kitayama Kingdom in 1416, a guard will be set up to manage the northern region. However, in 1609, he was attacked by Satsuma-gun and burned. After that, he turned into Mitake, which was visited by many worshipers, and was later registered in World Heritage.
The highlight of the site of Nakijin Castle is the 1.5 km long wall. The wall, which winds like a long snake, is designed to compete against enemy attacks. It is said to be the key castle to protect the land of Yanbaru, so the high-mounted wall is a masterpiece, and you can proceed while enjoying various historical mystery such as "How did you pile up?" In addition, the superb view from the castle ruins on a small hill is one of the highlights!　Please enjoy the lush view of Yanbaru to your heart's content.

In addition, many other events are held at the site of Nakijin Castle, such as the Sakura Festival and the Sanshin Day Event. The site of Nakijin Castle is located at the northernmost point of World Heritage in Okinawa. At the Nakijin Okinawan Castle Cherry Blossom Festival, you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms unique to the northern part, known as a famous place for cold scarlet cherry blossoms. Only the ruins of Nakijin Castle can enjoy the collaboration of the castle walls illuminated by the light-up and the cherry blossoms that emerge vaguely!　"I've never seen such a romantic World Heritage!" It's a very popular event every year, so if the schedule is met (usually from late January to early February).

Zakimi Castle is a castle built around 1420 by Yomitan San Anji and Gosamaru. Gosamaru, who was recognized for his achievements, will do his best to support the king's unification of Ryukyu as an Anji of Mt. Yomitan. And Zakimi Castle will be used as the residence of Gosamaru.
However, in 1945, Zakimi Okinawan Castle was used as a gunshot base for the Japanese army in the Battle of Okinawa, and then the U.S. military radar base was set up. It was in 1972, when Zakimi Okinawan Castle returned to Okinawa again.
The ruins of Zakimi Castle, which is characterized by advanced and beautiful curves. The arch gate, which is the castle gate, is the oldest form in Okinawa. As you pass through the gate, you can enjoy a mysterious feeling as if you have slipped back in time to a place you don't know, with a neat passage and a short lawn.

If you look at such a Zakimi Castle ruins from the top of the castle wall, the shape is like a modern dam!　It seems that this unique structure was intended to be able to monitor enemies coming from outside. When sightseeing, why don't you walk while imagining your predecessors, "Isn't you monitoring the enemy from here?"
By the way, there is Yachimun no Sato about 10 minutes by car from the site of Zakimi Castle. Yachimun no Sato is a secret spot in Okinawa where you can get your proud works made by popular Yachimun artists!　In addition to checking the works at workshops and shops, there are also galleries and cafes, so you can enjoy them without getting bored. It is also perfect as a souvenir for your trip to Okinawa, so please feel free to stop by.

Nakagusuku Castle was built in the middle of the 14th century by Anji Nakagusuku for several generations, and was completed in 1440 by Anji and Gosamaru of Yomitan Village by royal life. The details are not yet known, and it is reported that it was the residence of Anji Nakagusuku, but the theory that castle owner is Gosamaru is influential.
It was Gosamaru, who was changed from Yomitan Village Anji to Nakagusuku by the king's life, but in 1458, both his wife and children will harm themselves according to the plan of Amawari, aiming for the world. After Gosamaru died, Nakagusuku Castle was ruled by the royal government, and in 1470 it became the residence of Prince Nakagusuku. After that, an elementary school was opened or used as a government office, but it was burned down in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. However, the damage caused by the war was less than other Okinawan Castle, and the original form was not greatly damaged. After the war, it became the first park in Okinawa and will be used as a place for citizens of the prefecture to relax.
One of the features of the ruins of Nakagusuku Castle is its stone architecture that boasts an overwhelming beauty using Ryukyu limestone (made of coral reefs), a stone familiar in Okinawa. It is a convincing stone architecture registered in World Heritage, such as arches drawn in masonry, and its splendor was praised by the famous American Admiral Perry!　Of course, the view from the castle is also great, and you can take a commemorative photo with the Pacific Ocean, the East China Sea, the Katsuren Peninsula and the Chinen Peninsula in the background.

Sefa Utaki, a historic sacred place in Nanjo City, is the highest sacred place in Kingdom of ryukyu, which is said to have been built by Ama Mikiyo, the founder god of Kingdom of ryukyu. From here, you can see Kudaka Island, known as the island of God. During the Kingdom of ryukyu era, during the national ritual, the white sand of Kudaka Island was laid on this Mitake. The story that such Seiba Utaki was a ban on boys in the past is a relatively famous story.
Seiba Utaki has a total of six ibi (sacred areas), including "Sankai", which features a triangular space made of multiple megaliths. Every ibi has a unique atmosphere, and if you actually visit, you will be able to realize that Seiba Utaki is not a place where it was artificially built. Some of the visitors have had wonderful love, found an ideal marriage partner, or were blessed with child treasures!　Let's walk slowly and leisurely through World Heritage in the light coming in through the gaps between the trees.

The ruins of Shuri Castle in World Heritage. On the way to the main building of Shuri Castle, the main building of Shuri Castle, Sonobiyatake Ontake Ishimon is a place of worship where the king prayed for safety before going out. It is said that this was the first place where Kingdom of ryukyu's highest goddess, Montoku Daikun, held the coronation ceremony at Seiba Utaki. It was founded in 1519 by the hand of Saitang, an official from Taketomijima.
Sonobiya Takemitake Ishimon is now known as a power spot with a great effect for praying for safety. You can enter freely, so gently join your hands when you want to get energy, sink, or when you want to be safe on your trip!　I'm sure you'll get the power.
By the way, there are various power spots in Shuri Castle besides Sonohiya Take Mitakeishimon. For example, the dragon gutter next to "Zuisenmon" is one of them. Ryuhi was the only power spot in Shuri Castle in the Battle of Okinawa, so it is said to be a recommended power spot when you want to attract good luck. In addition, "Shuri Mori Mitake" and "Hoshinmon" are power spots for praying for safety and prosperity.

Tamaudon is a tomb built by Shoshinou, who had served as a king in Kingdom of ryukyu for 50 years, to reburial the remains of his father, King Shoen. The grave room was divided into three, and at the beginning, the king and queen after washing were buried in the east room, and the rest were buried in the west room.
The Nakamuro was supposed to be a place where the body before the bones were washed, but in fact it is said that there is a mysterious kitchen jar in this Nakamuro. A kitchen jar is a pot that contains the bones of the deceased. There is a legend that the kitchen jar in the middle room of Gyokuryo belongs to the loyal minister, Kida, who served the Sho family, and was specially put in by the king of time.
There are three amulet Shisa on the roof of Gyokuryo. Shisa glaring with sharp eyes to protect those sleeping in the tomb is quite powerful! When you visit Gyokuryo, we recommend that you pay attention to the expression of the Shisa integrated unit.
About 10 minutes from Gyokuryo, there are sightseeing spots such as Kanagicho's Cobblestone Road, which has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Roads, and Kanagicho's Dai-Akagi Group, where you can feel the power of 200 to 300 years old.

Shikinaen was founded in 1799 as the largest annex of the Ryukyu royal family. It was used for the recuperation of the King's family and entertaining foreign ministers. Because it is located on the south side of Shuri Castle, it is sometimes called Nanen.

The distinctive features of Shikinaen are the Kaiyu-en Garden, which is unique to Japan, as well as various styles such as Ishibashi and Rokkakudo that incorporate Chinese-style designs. It can be said that it is a space unique to Kingdom of ryukyu that has long been interacting with many envoys to build good relations with China.

In this way, you can see that Okinawan Castle in Okinawa is often surrounded by masonry walls. When visiting World Heritage, it may be fun to look for different points between the castle ruins and buildings on Okinawa and the mainland.
And as a one-point advice, we recommend that you choose shoes that are easy to walk when visiting World Heritage.
Please feel the mysterious atmosphere unique to World Heritage, which is a bit different from famous spots such as Kokusai Dori and Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.

Post: January 2017 (Updated July 2023)