Okinawa Castles & Historic Sites

A guide to the Nago Castle Ruins, also known as Nagogusuku Park, in Nago in northern Okinawa. Once the seat of the Nago Aji, the site is now known for the kanhizakura cherry blossoms that earned it a place among Japan's 100 best cherry blossom spots.

A guide to the Urasoe Castle Ruins in southern Okinawa. Once the centre of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the site still holds the royal tomb Urasoe Yodore and its handsome stone walls.

A guide to the Iso Castle Ruins in Urasoe, southern Okinawa. This is where King Eiso of Chuzan was born, and the stone walls and the quiet Iso Shrine still carry the atmosphere of old Ryukyu.

A guide to Futenma-gu in Ginowan City, central Okinawa. One of the Ryukyu Hachisha shrines, with a vast limestone cave on the grounds. History, legends, highlights and parking explained.

A guide to Kin Kannonji Temple in Kin Town, central Okinawa Main Island. Founded in the 16th century by the monk Nisshu, it is a rare wooden temple that survived the Battle of Okinawa. Here are the blessings, the Nisshu Cave, the 350-year-old fukugi tree, access, and parking.

Nakijin Castle Ruins, a World Heritage Site in Nakijin Village on the northern part of Okinawa's main island. Long, sweeping stone walls and the kanhizakura cherry blossoms are the main draw. Here are the admission fees, free parking, time needed, what to see, and the history behind it.

Asumui Utaki in northern Okinawa is one of the seven utaki said to have been created first by Amamikiyo in the Ryukyuan creation myth. Here is the mythology behind it, the prayer sites on the slopes and summit, the panoramic view from the top, and how to get there.

ASMUI Spiritual Hikes sits at the northern tip of Okinawa's main island, built around Asumui Utaki, the sacred site at the heart of Ryukyuan creation myth. Tropical karst formed 250 million years ago, the nature of Yanbaru National Park, admission, and how long to allow.

A complete guide to Miyako Shrine, the southernmost shrine in Japan. Founded in 1590 with Ryukyu red-tiled halls and koma-shisa guardians, it is a Miyako Island power spot for wealth and safe travels, with hilltop views of the Miyako-blue sea and the Irabu Ohashi Bridge. Covers access, parking, goshuin, history and nearby info.