Kingdom of Ryukyu

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Facts & Figures

The Gusuku sites and related properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu are a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Okinawa Island. In total 9 places are part of the heritage site. It includes 5 castles (Katsuren Castle, Zakimi Castle, Nakijin Castle, Shuri Castle, Nakagusuku Castle), ruins of 2 stone monuments (Tamaudun mausoleum, Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate) and 2 cultural landscapes (Shikinaen garden, Sefa-utaki). These places are scattered all over the island and capture a moment in time when the unique culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom flourished. The intense trade of the Ryukyu Kingdom and Asian countries like China, Japan, Korea had a strong influence on its architecture, culture, art and politics. Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country.
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My tips for local activities

How about exploring the highlights and hidden gems of the fascinating city Naha (capital of Okinawa prefecture) with a local guide. Check out this page > for more details.

History

In the year 2000 Gusuku sites and related properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu became part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. These properties symbolize 500 years of ethnic and cultural history from the 12th till the 17th century.

Sightseeing spots

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Katsuren Castle - is one of the oldest castles in Okinawa located 98m above sea level on the Katsuren Peninsula, one of its most famous owners was Ryukyuan Aji (lord) Amawari in the middle of the 15th century, enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean view from the top of the castle ruins Read more

Zakimi Castle (Zakimi-jo Gusuku) - the construction of the gusuku fortress under the guidance of Gosamaru took from 1416 till 1422, this tourist attraction is located in the Yomitan Village

Nakijin Castle - located on the Motobu Peninsula, it was built during the 14th century, the castle ruins are an impressive site especially the amazing view over the East China Sea from the top

Shuri Castle - one of the most important buildings to visit in Okinawa, it was for many centuries the Ryukyu kings residence and its a must-see during your Okinawa trip Read more

Tamaudun Mausoleum - located near the Shuri Castle, was built in 1501 and is the Royal Mausoleum of the Second Sho Dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom

Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate - the gate was built in 1519 on the grounds of Shuri Castle and stands at the entrance of Sunuhyan-utaki (sacred forest)

Shikinaen Garden - the beautiful garden was established in the year 1799 on the Shuri Castle grounds and served as one of the residences of the Sho family (royal family of the Ryukyu Kingdom)

Sefa-utaki - is located on the Chinen Peninsula, it was the most sacred place in Ryukyu Kingdom, several rock formations were worshiped as objects representing god

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

January

Shurijo Castle Park New Year's Celebration (1st - 3rd)
It is an reenactment of the traditional ceremony. Court dances and other Ryukyuan dances are performed. Visitors are offered free amazakei (made from fermented rice, a traditional sweet, low- or non-alcohol drink) and tea to celebrate the New Year.

October

Shurijo Castle Festival (25th till Nov. 3rd)
The festival celebrates the traditional culture of the ancient capital Shuri. It is one of the biggest annual events on Okinawa. A grand procession with over 1000 participants is a must-see on your trip to Naha. Traditional dances are performed on a huge stage in the castle park.