Mar 14, 2013 - 1 min read

Naha's World Heritage Shuri Castle

Capital of an Island Kingdom

By Yui Yamaguchi

Community writer

Climb the many steps to Shuri Castle a world heritage site in Naha Okinawa

Inside the courtyard of Shuri Castle a world heritage site in Naha Okinawa

Inside the Shuri Castle a world heritage site in Naha Okinawa

Shuri Castle a world heritage site in Naha Okinawa

The Red Royal Court at Shuri Castle a world heritage site in Naha Okinawa shows the Chinese styling influence

Ancient Shisa Statue guards Shuri Castle a world heritage site in Naha Okinawa

An old gate at Shuri Castle a world heritage site in Naha Okinawa

One of the many gates at Shuri Castle a world heritage site in Naha Okinawa

Shuri Castle a world heritage site in Naha Okinawa is a popular spot for tourists

Shuri Castle a world heritage site in Naha Okinawa is often used as a setting for historical dramas on TV

Traditional Court Dancers at Shuri Castle a world heritage site in Naha Okinawa

Shisa Dolls T Shirts and Okinawan food for sale at the souvenir shop next to Shuri Castle its bright colors reminescent of a Taipei or Mongkok Market

Shisa Dolls for sale at the souvenir shop next to Shuri Castle a world heritage site in Naha Okinawa

What Shuri Castle a world heritage site in Naha Okinawa would have looked like a few hundred years ago

Notice

The main buildings of Shuri Castle were destroyed by fire on the night of October 31, 2019. The government plans to reconstruct the Seiden (main hall) by autumn 2026. In the meantime, tourists are encouraged to visit the castle and watch the reconstruction work.

Latest on Shuri Castle

At the Eastern end of the Silk Road was Okinawa, or the Ryukyu Islands. A confluence of Japan and Chinese interests, the rulers at Shuri Castle skillfully balanced patronage from both nations, while weaving their own style and culture, evidenced in their arts and music.

Today you can watch the royal court dancers or the uniformed gatekeepers in the grounds of Shuri Jo Castle Park, or even witness the making of a TV drama series, such as "The Tempest" from NHK.