Okinawa World Heritage Sites
Up until 1609, Okinawa and the surrounding islands were its own country known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. In 1609, the Satsuma Domain from present day Kagoshima Prefecture invaded Okinawa. After the invasion, the Ryukyu Kingdom was considered a tributary state of Japan. The Ryukyu Kingdom at this point was still ruled by the royal family of Shuri Castle. In 1879, the Ryukyu Kingdom ultimately became a prefecture of Japan known as Okinawa Prefecture.
Okinawa has thousands of years of history. But during the 12th and 17th centuries (about 500 years worth of history), the Ryukyu Kingdom flourished during a time known as the Golden Age of the Ryukyu Kingdom. There are hundreds of historical and cultural sites around Okinawa. But in the year 2000, nine sites were combined into one by UNESCO. These sites were grouped under the name of the “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu”. These Okinawa World Heritage Sites are scattered throughout the main island of Okinawa and include five castles, two stone monuments, and two cultural landscapes. A lot of research for this post was from the UNESCO website and historical markers and signs from all nine sites we’ve visited.
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One of the more scenic castles, due to its locations is Katsuren Castle. Katsuren Castle is located on top of a hill overlooking the coast. Like many of the castles left of the Ryukyu Kingdom, only the walls and some foundation still stand.
According to japan-guide, the castle was for Lord Amawari in the 15th century. He was considered a strong leader and defeated an opponent to take over the castle. Unfortunately, it seemed he got to greedy and tried attacking Shuri Castle, and Lord Amawari was defeated. Since Okinawa, is not that big, you would think that these war lords would unite together to defend against attacks from mainland Japan. But all these warlords who built these castles around Okinawa were at war with each other.
Admission for Katsuren Castle is ¥600 for adults and ¥400 for children.
Nakagusuku Castle
Nakagusuku Castle, is located in the Okinawan district of Kitanakagusuku. The term “Gusuku” is Okinawan for castle or fortress. In the Japanese language a castle is referred to as “Shiro”. To visit Nakagusuku Castle there is an entrance price of ¥400, parking is free at least. This castle is open from 8:30 until 16:30.
Nakagusuku Castle was actually built as a defense fortress to block attacks from neighboring Katsuren Castle. The commander of this castle was Gosamaru, who was a lord at the time of the Ryukyuan Kingdom. In the year 1458, Lord Amawari actually defeated Lord Gosamaru at Nakagusuku Castle. Lord Gosamaru eventually committed suicide at the castle after killing his children and wife because he was being accused of rebellion by the king of the Ryukyuan Kingdom.
Nakijin Castle
The ruins of Nakijin Castle are located on the Motobu Peninsula of Okinawa. This castle was constructed in the late 1200’s.
This castle was a bit different then the others when it comes to history. I read that prior to the Golden age of the Ryukyu Kingdom, there was a period of civil war in the area that divided the Ryukyu Kingdom into 3 separate kingdoms. The 3 kingdoms were the Hokuzan, Chuzan, and the Nanzan. Nakijin Castle was part of the Hokuzan Kingdom but was taken over by the Chuzan Kingdom. After the reunification of the three kingdoms, Nakijin Castle was used as a residence.
Today, visitors can walk the grounds of the castle, view the gift shops, and try local food at some of the nearby stalls. Entrance to this castle is ¥400 and the hours are from 8:00 to 18:00.
Zakimi Castle
Zakimi Castle is a very accessible gusuku (castle), located in Yomitan. This castle is located in a nice city park with plenty of parking and there is no admission to visit this castle.
Zakimi Castle was built in the early 1400’s. It was built to protect the area from rebels located in northern Okinawa. During the war, this castle was used as an emplacement by Japanese forces. Later on, the US used it as a radar station. Like the other sites, Zakimi Castle now belongs to the Okinawa World Heritage Sites and has since been restored.
Shuri Castle
Shuri Castle or Shurijo Castle is perhaps the most well known of the Okinawa World Heritage Sites. Shuri Castle was considered the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom from the years 1429 up until 1879. This castle was heavily destroyed during the war. The castle was rebuilt many times. Sadly, the main hall of the castle and several other structures burnt to the ground on October 31, 2019. This is the fifth time in its history that the castle has succumbed to fire. Shuri Castle is currently being rebuilt and is scheduled to be complete in 2026.
Shuri Castle was the site of residency by the royal family of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shuri Castle was also the core site for religious activities in the area.
Today, visitors can freely walk the castle grounds. Many of the structures that are being restored are off limits, but visitors can watch the progression of the restoration taking place. Like many of the other Okinawa World Heritage Sites, the entrance fee to visit Shuri Castle is ¥400.
Sefa-Utaki
Sefa-Utaki is considered the Ryukyu Kingdom’s most sacred site. According to information read at the site, Sefa-Utaki includes six sanctuaries at this location. The “Oaraori,” was the most important ritual at the site. This ritual included an inauguration of the Kikoeokimi priestess. The Kings and Kikoeokimi would set off on a pilgrimage to Sefa-Utaki.
Two notable sites I found interesting were the Shikiyodayuru and Amadayuru Jugs. These jugs were placed perfectly below two stalactites. The water that dripped from the stalactites were collected in the jugs, this was their “holy water.” The second notable site was the Sangui, which is pictured above. This was the opening between two large rocks used as a place of worship.
Today, Sefa-Utaki is still a place of worship. Admission to the site was ¥300 per person. There is a parking lot near the visitor center. Visitors are required to walk a bit to the site and the trail to get to the sites was somewhat slippery.
Shikinaen Royal Garden
Shikinaen Royal Gardens was considered the second residence of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s royal family. Shikinaen was a place for entertainment and relaxation.
Shikinaen was built at this location around the later half of the 18th century. Udun Palace, is a beautiful palace built in true Okinawan style that overlooks the pond. There are two bridges in the middle of the pond and a beautiful Japanese Garden surrounding the pond.
If you get lucky, there are traditional performances at Shikinaen. We had the opportunity to sit in the palace and listen to traditional sanshin music and singing. The sanshin is an instrument from Okinawa. Traditional sanshin’s consist of a body made from snake skin, a long narrow neck, and three strings (Sanshin = three strings). After the sanshin performance, we got to see a traditional Ryukyu dance known as kumi-odori.
Sonohyan-Utaki Stone Gate
Probably the least exciting but just as important site is the Sonohyan-Utaki Stone Gate. I actually had to revisit this site as the first time, I just walked right by it without noticing.
The Sonohyan-Utaki Stone Gate was build in 1519 and was used by the royal family as a site for prayer. The king would pray here for safe travels when leaving Shuri Castle.
The architecture of the gate is unique. The design was common at the time in both Japanese and Chinese architecture. The gate was made using limestone from the area. During the war in 1945, the gate was severely damaged but has since been restored.
Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum
Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum is a mausoleum that was built in the year 1501, by King Sho Shin to re-entomb his father, King Sho En.
According to the museum at the location, there are three separate rooms at the mausoleum. One room was used to store the remains and wash the bones. The room located on the eastern side was created for the kings and queens, and the third room to the west was for the rest of the Royal family members.
The Mausoleum was almost entirely destroyed during WWII, but through restoration projects it has been almost completely restored.
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5 Comments
Sasha
I never realised that Okinawa was home to so many World Heritage Sites. I love walking around castle ruins so I’ve bookmarked this post for my next visit to Japan. Thanks!
zimminaround
I had no idea either before coming here. Outside of the Heritage Sites, there are hundreds of other ruins and other sites to explore. Quite a few for an island of its size.
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