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

Shuri Castle is characterized by its vivid vermilion and original architectural style that stands over the city of Shuri in Okinawa. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Okinawa!　Shuri Castle is a place where the king's residence for about 450 years from 1429 to 1879, when Okinawa was still Kingdom of ryukyu. It was an indispensable presence for the kingdom to prosper, which was the center of politics, diplomacy and culture.
After Kingdom of ryukyu became Okinawa Prefecture, Shuri Castle was used as a camp and school for the Japanese army in the spring of 1879, and was burned down by an attack by the U.S. After that, it was restored as a national park in 1992.
Many people imagine that Shuri Castle is a building characterized by a profound vermilion and decorations applied in some places.　This is called "Shuri Castle Main Hall", and in front of the main hall, there is "Una", which is the center of Shuri Castle. Around this garden, there is "Southden" on the south side and "Northden" on the left side.

※In October 2019, Shurijo Castle Main Building was destroyed by fire. At present, 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 Shurijo Castle Park Rest Center "Shuri Castle" to Shurijo Castle Main Hall!　On the way to the main hall, there are many spots, such as "Morireimon," one of the most famous castle gates in Shuri Castle, the first main gate to enter castle, and the Ryuhi, which has long been used as a drinking spring water for drinking water, and the seven stone monuments around the dragon gutter. If you look closely at the masonry, decorations, sculptures, etc. is also a good thing to make new discoveries. By the way, there is also a restaurant in Shurijo Castle Park where you can eat Ryukyu cuisine, so it is recommended that you finish your meal while sightseeing.

Katsuren Castle was used as the residence of the leading Anji and Kazutoshi Ama Kazutoshi around the 15th century. It is the oldest Okinawan Castle in Okinawa and is said to have been built around the 12th century. It has a shape that makes good use of natural cliffs, and is said to be an "improperty castle".
The characteristics of the Katsuren Castle ruins are the curved castle walls that make you feel supple as a woman, even though it is a stone building, and the stairs that turned largely around the castle. The site of Katsuren Castle is made of a section called "Kuruwa", and connects the curved ring with a long stairs. The curved ring is an area that is set up separately from the Honmaru, the center of the castle, and where defense bases and buildings are built. 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 made with the intention of being able to counter when the enemy attacked, so let's move forward with enthusiasm. If you reach the highest point "Ichino-Kiwa", you can see the cityscape of Okinawa, the sky blue sea, Chinen Peninsula and Kudaka Island beyond the wall. Katsuren Castle Ruins is one of the most popular in World Heritage because of its breathtaking scenery. Please check it with your eyes!
About 10 minutes by car, there is a popular superb view spot "Underwater Road". This area is characterized by the fact that the road is low. It is surrounded by the sea on the left and right, so you can feel as if you are running in the sea. In addition, there is a roadside rest area (Sea Station Ayahashi Museum) where you can eat and buy local specialties.

Nakijin Castle has a very long history and dates back to the 13th century. At an altitude of about 100 meters and surrounded by sturdy castle walls, Nakijin Castle was used as a key castle to protect the land of Yanbaru (Northern Okinawa Island). It was considered the residence of the king of Kitayama Kingdom in the 14th century, but after the destruction of the Kitayama Kingdom was destroyed in 1416, guards were set up to manage the northern region. However, in 1609, he was attacked by Satsuma-gun and burned. Since then, it changed to Mitake, which is visited by many worshipers, and was later registered with World Heritage.
The highlight of the site of Nakijin Castle is the 1.5 km long castle wall. The winding castle wall, which is winding like a long snake, was designed to compete with enemy attacks. It is said to be a key castle that protects the land of Yanbaru, and the high-loaded walls are masterpieces, and you can proceed while enjoying various historical mystery such as "How did you pile up?" . In addition, the spectacular view from the castle ruins on a small hill is one of the highlights!　Please enjoy the lush greenery of Yanbaru to your heart's content.

In addition, many other events are held at the site of Nakijin Castle, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival and Sanshin Day Event. The site of Nakijin Castle is located at the northernmost tip of Okinawa's World Heritage. At the Nakijin Okinawan Castle Cherry Blossom Festival, you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms unique to the northern part, known as a famous spot for Kanhi cherry blossoms. Only the site of Nakijin Castle is the only place where you can enjoy the collaboration between the walls illuminated colorfully by lighting up and the cherry blossoms that emerge dimly!　It is a very popular event every year, "I have never seen such a romantic World Heritage!"

Zakimi Castle is a castle built around 1420 by Yomitanzan Aji and Gosamaru. Gosamaru, who was recognized for his achievements, will do his utmost to support the unification of Ryukyu as an ancestor of Mt. Yomitan. And Zakimi Castle will be used as the castle of Gosamaru.
However, in 1945, Okinawan Castle Zakimi was used as a Japanese artillery base in the Battle of Okinawa, and then the U.S. Zakimi Okinawan Castle returned to Okinawa again in 1972 when it was designated as a historic site.
The site of Zakimi Castle is characterized by its advanced and beautiful curves. The arch gate, which is the castle gate, is said to be the oldest form in Okinawa. As you pass through the gate, you can enjoy the mysterious feeling as if you have slipped back in time to a place you don't know somewhere, with beautifully arranged passages and short lawns.

If you look at the site of Zakimi Castle from the top of the castle wall, the shape looks 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 the ancestors, such as "Is you monitoring the enemy from here?"
By the way, there is Hayachimun no Sato about 10 minutes by car from Zakimi Castle Ruins. Yachimun no Sato is a secret spot in Okinawa where you can get the proud works made by popular Yachimun writers!　Not only do you check your work in the studio or stand, but there are also galleries and cafes, so you can enjoy it without getting bored. It is perfect as a souvenir for your trip to Okinawa, so please feel free to drop in.

Nakagusuku Castle was built in the middle of the 14th century by Zhongcheng Anji for several years, and in 1440 by Anji and Gosamaru of Yomitan Village, Gosamaru in 1440 by royalty. Details are not yet known, and it is reported that it was the residence of Zhongcheng Anji, but the theory that castle owner is Gosamaru is Gosamaru.
Gosamaru, who became Zhongcheng Anji from Anji Yomitan Village due to his royalty, but in 1458, both his wife and children were committed to self-harmed by the plan of Amari, aiming for the world. After Gosamaru's death, Nakagusuku Castle was ruled by the royal government, and in 1470 it became the residence of Prince Nakagusuku. After that, elementary schools were opened and used as a government office, but they were burned down in the 1945 Battle of Okinawa in 1945. However, the damage caused by the war was less than the other Okinawan Castle, and the original form was not greatly damaged. After the war, it will be Okinawa's first park and will be used as a place for citizens to relax.
One of the features of Nakagusuku Castle Ruins is a stone building boasting overwhelming beauty using Ryukyu limestone (made of coral reefs), a stone familiar stone in Okinawa. It is a convincing stone structure to be registered in World Heritage, such as arches drawn with stone masonry, and its splendor was praised by the famous American Admiral Perry!　Of course, the view from the castle is also the best, and you can take a commemorative photo with the Pacific Ocean, the East China Sea, the Katsuren Peninsula and the Chinen Peninsula.

Sefa Utaki, a venerable sacred place in Nanjo City, is the highest sacred place in Kingdom of ryukyu, built by Ama Mikiyo, the god of creation of Kingdom of ryukyu. From here, you can see Kudaka Island, which is known as the island of God. During the Kingdom of ryukyu era, during the national ritual, the white sand of Kudaka Island was spread over this Mitake. The story that Seiba Utaki was once banned for boys is a rather famous story.
Seiba Utaki has a total of six ibises, including "Sangui", which features a triangular space made of multiple megaliths. Each ibis has a unique atmosphere, and if you actually visit it, you will be able to realize that Seiba Utaki is not an artificially built place. Some of the visitors have a wonderful love, find the ideal marriage partner, or have been blessed with child treasures!　Let's take a leisurely walk through World Heritage, taking in the light coming through the gaps between the trees.

Shuri Castle Ruins in World Heritage. On the way to Shurijo Castle, the main building of Shurijo Castle, the Sonohiya Take Mitake 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 Dai, visited when the throne ceremony at Seiba Utaki. It was founded in 1519 by the hands of Nishitang, an official from Taketomijima.
Sonohiya Take Mitake Ishimon is now known as a power spot with a great effect of praying for safety. You can enter freely, so please gently join hands when you want to get energy, sink your feelings, or want to be safe for your trip!　I'm sure you'll be able to get power.
By the way, there are various power spots in Shuri Castle in addition to Sonohiya Take Mitake Ishimon. For example, Ryuhi next to "Zuisenmon" is one of them. Ryuhi was the only power spot in Shuri Castle that was not burned down 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 prayer for safety and prosperity.

Tamaudon is a tomb built by King Shoshinou, who had been the king of Kingdom of ryukyu for 50 years, to bury the remains of his father, King Sangen. The tomb room is divided into three, and at the beginning, it is said that the king and queen after the bones were buried in the east room and the rest were buried in the west room.
The middle room was considered to be a place to store the body before bone washing, but in fact it is said that there is a mysterious kitchen jar in this middle room. A kitchen jar is a pot that contains the deceased's bones. It is said that the kitchen jar in the middle room of Gyoryo is from the loyal lord Kida, who served the Sho family, and there is a legend that it was specially put in by the king of time.
On the roof of such Gyoryo, there are three Shisas of amulet. The Shisa glaring with sharp eyes to protect those sleeping in the tomb is quite powerful! When you visit Gyoryo, we recommend that you pay attention to the expression of Shisa as one.
About 10 minutes from Gyoryo, there are sightseeing spots such as the Kanagicho Stone Paving Road, which has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Roads, and the Kanagicho Dai Akagi Group, where you can feel the power of 200 to 300 years old, so be sure to extend your legs.

Shikinaen Garden was founded in 1799 as the largest villa in the Ryukyu royal family. It was used for 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.

Shiina-en is characterized by the fact that various styles are mixed everywhere, such as the "Kaiyu-shikiden" unique to Japan, and Ishibashi and Rokkakudo. This is a space unique to Kingdom of ryukyu, which has long been interacting with many envoys in order to build good relations with China.

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

Post: January 2017 (Updated July 2023)