Castle / Ruins of Castle Spots in Okinawa Area

Area

Okinawa
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  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Castle / Ruins of Castle

Shurijo Castle Park (Shurijo Castle)

4.0

205 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Shurikinjouchou 1-2

Shuri Castle, built in the early 15th century, was the residence of the kings beginning with King Shobashi, who unified the Ryukyu Islands. Along with the restored buildings, some of the walls still retain the stone masonry from those days.

Beautiful castle, lucky to be still standing after multiple fires over the centuries. There were dancers/entertainment in the grounds when we were there. A couple of gift shops and a cafe...
Zakimi Castle Ruins

4.0

31 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Nakagamigunyomitanson Zakimi 708-6

Gosamaru was renowned as a master castle architect, and these are the ruins of a castle he built at the start of the 15th century. It is replete with amazing sights, including the smooth curve of the castle walls and the elegant arch gateway, said to be the oldest in Okinawa. It is also a registered World Heritage Site. From the top of the castle, you can enjoy a splendid view of the East China Sea, and the sight of the sun sinking into its beautiful blue depths is one you won’t want to miss.

Very quick yet very cheap. A very good place to go for someone who enjoys learning history and culture Not a good place if that is your only plan for the day.
Nakijin Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunnakijinson Imadomari 5101

Before the establishment of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the king of Hokuzan controlled the area from the northern part of the main island to the Amami region. These are the ruins of the castle he occupied, and they were designated a World Cultural Heritage site in 2000. Situated on a peak 100 meters above sea level, Paleozoic limestone was stacked to form a beautiful wall that took advantage of the natural surroundings. The view from “Uchibaru” is especially recommended.
Nakagusuku Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Nakagamigunkitanakagusukuson Ogusuku 503

Nakagusuku Castle Ruins, located on a hill overlooking Nakagusuku Bay, is a Renkaku enclosure-style consisting of six enclosures. The Ryukyu Kingdom is said to have had as many as 300 castles, and Nakagusuku Castle is in the best state of preservation among those castles as well as having a high historical value. The splendid castle wall drawing a beautiful curvy line with laid stones utilizes the natural terrain, and it is registered as a World Heritage Site as well as one of Japan’s top 100 famous castles.
Katsuren Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Urumashi Katsurenhaebaru 3908

Amawari is said to have brought prosperity to Katsuren in the 15th century, and this is the castle where he resided. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000. It stands on a hill between 60 and 98 meters above sea level, and it makes clever use of the natural cliff, featuring walls that form a graceful curve. The “Ichi-no Kuruwa (1st enclosure) ,” the highest point, offers an amazing view of the mountains and outlying islands that surround Kin Bay.
Nago Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Nagoshi Nago

These castle ruins are located in Nago, Nago City. It was the site of Nago Castle, which is believed to have been the castle of Nago Aji, who ruled the region in the early 14th century. Currently, the entire area around the castle has been developed into Nago Central Park. It is well-known for having Japan's earliest-blooming Kanhi-zakura cherry trees. The park's more than 20,000 Kanhi-zakura cherries bloom starting around mid-January. The Nago Cherry Blossom Festival is held during the blooming season.
Tamagusuku Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Nanjoushi Tamagusuku

The site of a natural stronghold situated on a 180-meter-high hill a short drive from the Haebaru-Minami Interchange on the Naha Airport Expressway in Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture. The castle is said to have been created by Amamikiyo, the god who created Ryukyu (Okinawa), and the Tenson clan, alleged to be the god's descendants, ruled the castle. Still considered a place of worship to those taking a pilgrimage in the sacred land of Agariumai, the site sees an unending line of worshipers. The castle has a natural gate created by boring a hole into limestone rock, and from here visitors can get a sweeping view of Kudaka Island and the south central side of Okinawa Island. When visiting, note that the road leading to the site is quite steep; please watch your step.
Ue Gusuku Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Shimajirigunkumejimachou Uegusuku

This castle ruins are located on Mt. Uegusuku, the highest mountain on Kume Island with an elevation of 310 meters. The big 360-degree panoramic view overlooking almost the whole area of the island is just “overwhelming’”. It’s a perfect viewpoint that allows views as far as Hateno Beach, Awakuni Island and Tonaki Island on clear days.
Agena Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Uruma-shi Agena 1045

A 10-minute walk from the Kyuagena bus stop or a 30-minute drive from the Okinawa-Kita Interchange. This historic location is located within Agena Central Park in the central area of Uruma City. In 1972 it was designated as a Cultural Property of Japan. At first glance the area looks like any ordinary forest but as you venture in, you'll find the mountain castle. To the north flows the Tengan River which is also called the Okawa River, which led to the castle also being called Okawa Castle. The castle is said to have been built in the 14th century by Agena Aji. The stone wall that you'll find on the site was built in the 15th century. The castle was a natural strategic position that fell well besieged by the army of the Chuzan Kingdom.
Ruins of Izena Castle

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Shimajiri-gun Izena Mura Izena

The ruins of Izena Castle are located in the Izena, Izena Village, Shimajiri County. It is said to have been built between the 11th and 14th centuries. It was the home of Samekawa Ufunushi, the grandfather of King Sho Hashi, who united the main island of Okinawa and established the first Sho dynasty. Backed by cliffs, it was a natural fortress. It has been designated a Prefectural Historic Monument.
Ruins of Gushikawa Castle

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Shimajiri-gun Kumejimacho Nakandakari

"Ruins located in Nakandakari, Kumejima Town, Shimajiri County. It is not certain when this castle was built, but it is believed that the ""aji"" (ruler) of the region built it at the beginning of the 15th century. A platform surrounded on all sides by the sea and by a stone wall has been preserved. Archeological excavations have uncovered celadon and other artifacts that indicate trade with China. The castle has been designated a National Historic Monument."
Itokazu Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Nanjo Tamagusuku Itokazu 193

These castle ruins are in Itokazu Tamagusuku, Nanjo City. It is considered to be the resident castle of Itokazu Anji, the third son of Tamagusuku Anji. It boasts the largest scale among gusuku on the main Okinawa island, and various remains are preserved today, including the large-scale castle wall piled up with Ryukyu limestone. It is designated a National Ruins.
Chinen Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Nanjo Chinen Chinen 1104-52

"These castle ruins are in Aza Chinen, Chinen, Nanjo City. They represent the residence castle of Chinen Aji (Lord Chinen, consisting of two castles of ""Miigusuku"" and ""Kuugusuku,"" and thi)s area is one of the places of worship for ""Agari Umaai"", a holy land pilgrimage originating in the Ryukyuan creation myth. Ruins such as the stone-piled arch-shaped castle gate are still maintained today, and have been designated as National Historic Site."
Katsuren Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Uruma Katsuren Haebaru 3759
Teruya Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Itoman-shi Teruya
Gushikawa Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Itoman-shi Kyan 1730-1
Kunishiteishisekinakashirojoseki

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Nakagamigunkitanakagusukuson Ogusuku 503
Chibana Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Okinawa-shi Chibana

Okinawa

Okinawa Island (Southern) Naha / Shuri Okinawa Island (Central) Resort Area (West Coast) Nago / Motobu Peninsula Yanbaru Area Miyako Island Ishigaki Island Kerama Islands Yaeyama Islands Kumejima

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour Castle / Ruins of Castle

Okinawa Areas

Let go of your image of a busy, ordered Japan and replace it with crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and relaxing folk music: You’ve arrived in Okinawa. A world away from the high intensity of Tokyo, Okinawans appear to live a laid-back beach life on this paradisiacal tropical island that lies in the middle of the East China Sea almost 1,000 kilometers south of mainland Japan’s most southern tip. Home to a spattering of islands, prepare yourself to discover underwater caves, star-shaped sand, and an island culture sometimes unrecognizable from mainland Japan.