Culture
Shuri-jo Castle
Peter SidellA blend of Japanese and Chinese cultures, Shuri-jo castle was the seat of Ryukyuan royalty before the Okinawan islands became part..
Shuri Castle
Shuri Castle was built in the 14th century and was the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It was neglected for almost 400 years and suffered great damage during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. After the war, the castle was used as a university campus, but from 1992 it was rebuilt through extensive reconstructions based on historical records and photographs.
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.
The castle served as the administrative center for several centuries until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. The castle is listed as one of the Ryukyu Kingdom's castles declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Overview
Address
1 Chome-2 Shurikinjocho, Naha, Okinawa 903-0815 (Map) (Directions)Phone Number
098-886-2020Website
Highlights
Seiden
The Seiden, or “West Hall,” is also called the State Palace. It was located east of the Una and faced west toward China. The Great Dragon pillars were crafted from sandstone and were symbolic of the king. These dragon motifs are replicated throughout the castle.
Shureimon Gate
Together with 13 other gates, Shureimon Gate was the second ceremonial gate to the Shuri-jo Castle complex. Following the design concepts of the rest of the majority of the castle complexes, the gate also has a distinct Chinese feel to its structure.
Shrines and Temples
Shuri-jo Castle was also home to several shrines (~utaki) and temples (~ji). Three of which played a role of significant importance to the functions of the castle. Kyo-no-uchi, where prayers by high priestesses were made; Sonohyan-utaki where the king prayed for order and safety; and the Suimi-utaki, which was supposedly created by the gods and is the theme of many songs and prayers in Ryukyu’s oldest music collection.
Sonohyan-Utaki Ishimon
Royal stone gate used by the former King as a placer of prayer and exit of the castle grounds – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover Sonohyan-Utaki Ishimon
What's unique
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Access
Shuri-jo Castle is a 5-minute walk from Shuri Station.
Related Articles
4 articles
15
Historical
Naha's World Heritage Shuri Castle
Yui YamaguchiShuri Jo Castle Park is an UNESCO World Heritage site and the capital of the proud Ryukyu empire.
7
Historical
Sonohyan Utaki World Heritage Site
Michael FlemmingSonohyan Utaki was the stone gate used by the Ryukyuan King as a prayer point and exit when departing Shuri Castle. It is one of..
6
Culture
Ryukyu King and Queen 2020
Sherilyn SiyThe grandeur and romance of the Ryukyu Kingdom is best celebrated in the once a year Shurijo Castle Festival. The royals for the..
Reviews
Help rate this location
Your experience helps others planning their trip
Shuri Castle
Near Shuri Castle
Western
Route-Inn Naha Tomariko
Hotel Route-Inn Naha Tomariko has a fantastic location in Naha city. One of my favorite places in the hotel is, with no doubt,..
Accommodation
APA Hotel Naha, Okinawa
APA Hotel, Naha. A mid range hotel in the centre of Naha, Okinawa, Japan.
Food
Ashibiuna
Speaking of life and death, this is an eatery from another world. The annual festival of Obon, or All Souls day, is when the Japanese..
Food
Sakaemachi After Dark
Being in Sakaemachi is like being in your teenager’s bedroom. At midday it looks lifeless, abandoned, and unkempt. At dusk the..
Culture
Naminoue Shrine
Naminoue Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. It is located on a high cliff overlooking Naminoue Beach and the ocean. Any boat..
Culture
World Uchinanchu Festival 2027
November 1st is Ryukyu History and Culture Day. Okinawa has a tradition of respect for ancestors and a reverence for nature, one..
Historical
Kinjo-cho Ishidatami-michi, Naha
Kinjo-cho's ishidatami michi, a stone-paved path near Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa.