Okinawa Castles & Historic Sites

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.

Teda Ukka is a sacred spring in Chinen, Nanjo City, Okinawa. Legend says the sun god descended here, and Ryukyuan kings prayed for safe passage before sailing to Kudaka Island. Access and parking details included.

A guide to the Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate in Naha, southern Okinawa. Inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2000, this Ryukyuan limestone gate is where the king prayed for a safe journey.

A guide to Tamaudun in Shuri, Naha, southern Okinawa. The mausoleum where the kings of the Second Sho Dynasty are laid to rest, inscribed as a World Heritage Site and designated a national treasure.

A guide to Naminoue Shrine in Naha, southern Okinawa. The foremost of the eight Ryukyuan shrines, long revered as the leading shrine of the kingdom, and well known today as a power spot.

A guide to Miigusuku, also known as the Mie Castle Ruins, in Naha, Okinawa. Once a fortress guarding Naha Port, it is now a quiet spot close to Naha Airport.

A guide to Okinogu Shrine in Onoyama Park, Naha. One of the eight Ryukyuan shrines, with the main hall, Tentozan Utaki, Sumiyoshi and Yasaka shrines and a monument to Gichin Funakoshi.

A guide to Okinawa Gokoku Shrine in Onoyama Park, Naha. It enshrines those who died in the Battle of Okinawa and other national crises, and is a popular place for the first shrine visit of the year.