Like the days of old, you should also make your way to Shurijo Castle where it served as the proud and dignified centre of Ryukyu Kingdom and its politics, foreign affairs and culture.
Okinawa ♛ Shurijo Castle Park
Shurijo Castle. Photo Credit The Japan Times
For first timers to Okinawa, usually you will find yourself exploring the many gems of capital city, Naha in your first few days here. Like the days of old, you should also make your way to Shurijo Castle where it served as the proud and dignified centre of Ryukyu Kingdom and its politics, foreign affairs and culture. It was given a World Heritage Site ranking in December 2000, joining as the 11th World Heritage Site in Japan.
The Imperial Throne
Present day “Sui Gushiku” in the local dialect for Shurijo Castle, has been reconstructed as recent as 1992. It’s ground has seen many a kings and leaders rise and fall. From the facade outside you are able to tell that Shuri Castle is very different from the other castles famous in Japan. Instead of the traditional highrise rooftops in tiers and colours of traditional Japanese castles, Shuri Castle’s architecture is designed with outer and inner courts of just two levels, with scarlet, golden colours and dragon motifs. A testament to its diplomatic ties with China in the past while retaining Japanese influence in some.
Dragon motifs on the many panels.
History begins for the Ryukyu Kingdom dating back to the 13th and 14th century. On records, its first King Satto of Chuzan (1372) send an envoy to Ming Dynasty for the first time. During the 16th century under King Sho Nei the castle came under siege and it fell to the Satsuma clans of Japan during Edo era. Leading to the Meiji era is where Okinawa Prefecture was declared and the Ryukyu Kingdom era comes to an end. 1945 is significant as it is the last time for Shurijo Castle to be burned in the Battle of Okinawa. Leading to progressive restoration of the castle until today.
The castle grounds has an excellent view point.
One can easily spend half a day or maybe more, as the castle grounds are vast, divided into three main sections. The first is the administrative area called “Una” – the beautiful royal gardens is at its core, walking along you will come to the most sacred area known as “Kyo-no Uchi” the Ceremonies and Rituals and towards the end is where the “Ouchibara” or Residential Area for the King and his his royal family. Take your time to stroll and admire the beautiful gardens, ancient artifacts, scrolls or even Royal Bingata worn by past Kings. Besides Shurijo castle, the Shurijo park situated nearby is a perfect place for exploration.
Traditional Bingata. Noticed the difference on its pattern comparing to the Kimono’s worn by royalty on the main island of Honshu,Japan.
There is an annual event called Shurijo Castle Festival which takes place every autumn. It is a three days event, Okinawans will bring alive the splendour and colours of the Ryukyu Kingdom era right here in the castle. Located not far from the Naha township. Easy to access by car, bus or train. There is a Shuri train station situated nearby just 12 minutes walk.
Shurijo Castle Festival recreates the past.
The procession starts from the castle unto the streets …
The Gate leading to Shurijo Castle.
Do you notice it?
You even can fold it and it is exactly the same!
Shurijo Castle has been built with many gates.
Shurijo castle park, the view when strolling towards the castle.
Shurijo Castle Park Info
Business Hours:
Open Hours(Jul.- Sep.): 8:30～20:30
Last entry at 20:00
Open Hours(Dec.- Mar.): 8:30～18:30
Last entry at 18:00
Address:
1-2, Shuri Kinjyo-Cho, Naha-City, Okinawa Prefecture, 903-0815
How to get there?
Approximately 15 min. from Okinawa Expressway: Naha I.C. by Car (open road)
Approximately 5 min. from Nearest bus stop: Shurijo-koen Iriguchi by Walk
Approximately 15 min. from Shuri-Eki Monorail Station by Walk
