This article covers Miigusuku, also known as the Mie Castle Ruins, a quiet corner of Naha with a good deal of history behind it.
The fortress that once guarded Naha Port now lives on as a quiet place to visit.
It is close to Naha Airport, so it is easy to fit into a trip.
Miigusuku (Mie Castle Ruins) ratings
*Ratings are the personal view of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, based on comparison with other castles and castle ruins in Okinawa
Miigusuku (Mie Castle Ruins) at a glance
| Hours | None in particular |
| Closed | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | About 15 minutes |
| Parking | None |
| Restroom | None |
| Address | 3-2-35 Nishi, Naha, Okinawa |
| Official website | None |
Highlights of Miigusuku (Mie Castle Ruins)
The torii gate at Miigusuku
The torii gate does more than mark the entrance to Miigusuku: it carries the traditional Ryukyuan style of building into the present.
Step through it and you may feel as though you have slipped back in time.
The shrine at Mie Castle
The small shrine standing inside the castle site is still carefully looked after by local people.
Put your hands together in front of it and you may sense something of what this place has meant to the people of Ryukyu.
Mie Castle Furusato Coast
Mie Castle Furusato Coast, spread out below Miigusuku, is a fine spot with a full view over Naha Port.
You can take your time here, listening to the waves and taking in what is left of the old fortress.
At dusk there is a beautiful sunset to be had as well.
The Loisir Hotel is right next door
The Loisir Hotel stands immediately beside Miigusuku.
History of Miigusuku
Miigusuku was built in 1546 by King Sho Sei of the Ryukyu Kingdom as a defensive post for Naha Port.
At the time it guarded the port together with Yarazamori Gusuku, as a stronghold against the threat of wako pirates and raiders.
It served its defensive purpose during the Satsuma invasion of Ryukyu in 1609, though its role changed as the centuries passed.
Today it is preserved as a historic site and draws visitors as a piece of Okinawa’s history.
Nearby Information
Activities in Naha
Naha, in the southern part of Okinawa’s main island, offers plenty of activities including diving and snorkeling.
You can book through GetYourGuide or Viator, so do take a look at what is on offer.
Loisir Hotel Naha
The Loisir Hotel is a large hotel with good facilities, including a pool and open-air baths.
There is a wide choice of rooms, from ocean-view rooms looking out over the East China Sea to rooms facing the Naha night skyline.
Naminoue Beach is about a 15-minute walk away.
A rental car is the way to go in Okinawa
A rental car is by far the best way to get around the main island of Okinawa.
The places worth seeing are scattered across the island, from Shuri Castle in Naha to the beautiful beaches of the north and American Village in Chatan, and with a car you can take them at your own pace. Buses are infrequent and do not always run on time, so having a car or not makes a real difference to the trip.
Cars fill up quickly in the peak season, so we recommend booking early once your travel dates are set. One important note for overseas visitors: to drive in Japan you must obtain an International Driving Permit (Geneva Convention) in your home country before you depart, and remember that traffic in Japan drives on the left.
Summary
Miigusuku is an appealing spot where Ryukyuan history and culture come together in a small space.
With the torii gate, the shrine and the coastline below, there is plenty to see — something of a hidden gem in Naha.
There is no parking, though, so we would recommend coming by public transport.
It suits anyone with an interest in history, and equally anyone looking for somewhere quiet.
If you are in Naha, do stop by Miigusuku and take in a little of old Ryukyu.
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