Gushikawa Castle Ruins are a castle site in Itoman, in the south of Okinawa’s main island.
It is a national historic site, and it is also known as a scenic spot at the southern tip of the main island.
This article covers the highlights of Gushikawa Castle Ruins and how much time to allow.
Ratings for Gushikawa Castle Ruins (Itoman)
*Ratings are the personal impressions of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other castles and castle ruins in Okinawa
Gushikawa Castle Ruins (Itoman) at a glance
| Opening hours | No set hours |
| Closed | No set hours |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | About 15 minutes |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | None |
| Address | 1730-1 Aza Kyan, Itoman City, Okinawa |
Gushikawa Castle Ruins are a valuable castle site designated as a national historic site.
Note that there is another castle called Gushikawa Castle outside Itoman, so it is easy to mix them up.
Highlights of Gushikawa Castle Ruins
Set at the southern tip of Okinawa’s main island, Gushikawa Castle Ruins are a national historic site.
The sea on three sides and the unusual structure are what stand out.
Surrounded by sea on three sides
Gushikawa Castle Ruins sit on the west coast of Kyan Cape, with beautiful blue sea on three sides.
The view gives you a sense of the sweeping natural beauty you only get at the southern tip of the main island.
High walls and stonework
The walls stand 5 to 10 meters high, and the stonework running along the cliff uses nozurazumi, a technique of stacking natural stones as they are.
That stonework carries the skill of Okinawan builders of the time through to today.
A sweeping view of clear sea
From the castle site you can take in the wide blue of the East China Sea.
On a clear day the sea runs all the way to the horizon.
Time needed: about 15 minutes
You can walk the perimeter of Gushikawa Castle Ruins in about 15 minutes.
If you want a walk with a sense of history, this castle site is a good choice.
Hiifuchimii
Inside the castle there is a mysterious hole known as Hiifuchimii that opens toward the sea.
The history of Gushikawa Castle Ruins
Gushikawa Castle Ruins stand on Kyan Cape at the southern tip of Okinawa’s main island, and are a national historic site with a long past.
The castle was built on a cliff with beautiful sea on three sides.
Its history is wrapped in mystery, and the exact date of construction is not known.
According to tradition, the aji, a local lord, of Gushikawa Castle on Kumejima was driven off the island, fled here, and built this castle.
The walls stand 5 to 10 meters high, and the east gate is built of cut stone.
Dry-stacked nozurazumi walls run along the cliff, and that impressive structure survives today.
Inside the castle is a hole called Hiifuchimii that opens to the sea, which adds to the mysterious feel of the place.
Artifacts found here suggest the castle was in use only for a short span between the 13th and 15th centuries, but the details are unknown.
Facing the sea on three sides with a view over the East China Sea, this castle site carries both the natural beauty of Okinawa and a deep sense of history.
Getting there and parking
| Access | About 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | 1730-1 Aza Kyan, Itoman City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | None |
Gushikawa Castle Ruins have room for about 5 cars.
See the Google Map below for details.
What’s nearby
Activities in Itoman
Itoman offers a range of marine activities.
You can book diving, snorkelling, SUP and more.
If you would like to try diving or snorkelling, take a look at what is available on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Ryukyu Hotel & Resort Nashiro Beach
Ryukyu Hotel & Resort Nashiro Beach is one of the leading beach resorts in Okinawa.
Built around the concept of understated luxury, it has indoor and outdoor pools, banquet halls and a chapel, and it suits anyone who wants a resort stay.
The hotel connects directly to Nashiro Beach, so a beautiful stretch of sand sits right in front of it.
A rental car is the way to go in Okinawa
For sightseeing on Okinawa’s main island, a rental car is by far the best option.
Shuri Castle in Naha, the beautiful beaches up north, American Village in Chatan – the places worth seeing are scattered across the island, and having a car lets you explore at your own pace. Buses are infrequent and rarely run on time, so having a car makes a real difference to the trip.
Cars book up quickly in peak season, so reserve as soon as your dates are set.
Summary
Gushikawa Castle Ruins are a fine spot that combines the natural beauty of Okinawa with historical interest.
It suits anyone with an interest in history and anyone who loves the outdoors.
Head to this castle site at the southern tip of Okinawa’s main island and see it for yourself.
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