Okinawa Castles & Historic Sites

A guide to Amekugu Shrine in Naha, Okinawa. One of the eight Ryukyuan shrines, it is built into a cliff on three descending levels, with a cave shrine at the very bottom.

A guide to the Shuri Kinjocho stone-paved road in Naha, southern Okinawa. Laid in the 16th century and still in place today, with the ishigantou, the great akagi trees and Kinjo Ohijaa along the way.

A guide to Shikina Shrine in Hantagawa, Naha. One of the eight Ryukyuan shrines, with a founding story rooted in a king's prayer, the cave the shrine grew from, and deities carrying on the Kumano faith.

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.