Okinawa Castles & Historic Sites

Shikinaen is the largest villa of the Ryukyuan royal family, in Naha in the southern part of Okinawa Prefecture.The gard...

Gushikami Castle Ruins in Yaese Town, in the south of Okinawa's main island. Said to have been built in the mid-14th century, it is one of the largest gusuku in southern Okinawa, with the Pacific Ocean spread out below the cliffs. This guide covers the highlights, history, access, and parking.

Gushikawa Castle Ruins sit on a cliff at the southern tip of Okinawa's main island, in Itoman. This national historic site is surrounded by sea on three sides. Here are the highlights, time needed and parking.

The Himeyuri Monument in Itoman honors the students and teachers of the Himeyuri Student Corps who died in the Battle of Okinawa. Here is the time to allow, parking information, and the history of the monument and the Himeyuri Peace Museum.

Tomigusuku Gusuku in Tomigusuku City is said to have been built by the Nanzan king Ōōso, and is known as the birthplace of Okinawa's Haarii dragon boat races. It reopened to the public in February 2026 after about 22 years. Here are the highlights, history and parking.

Sefa Utaki in Nanjo City is the most sacred site of the Ryukyu Kingdom and a World Heritage listing. Covers the highlights, the admission increase from 1 October 2026, current access restrictions and parking.

Chinen Castle Ruins in Nanjo City, Okinawa, is a national historic site made up of two enclosures - the older Kuu Gusuku and the newer Mii Gusuku. A sacred stop on the Agari-umaai pilgrimage.

Tamagusuku Castle Ruins in Nanjo City, Okinawa, is a national historic site famous for its Sun Gate, carved from a single natural rock, and as the final stop on the Agari-umaai pilgrimage.

Shimashii Ohzato Gusuku in Nanjo City, Okinawa, was built in the 14th century by the Shimashii Ohzato aji and became a national historic site in 2012. Now Ozato Castle Ruins Park, with walking paths and a lookout.

Sashiki Ue Gusuku in Nanjo City, Okinawa, was the seat of Sho Hashi, who unified the three Ryukyuan kingdoms, and of his father Sho Shisho. Designated a national historic site in 2013 as the Sashiki Castle Ruins.