Okinawa Castles & Ruins

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 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 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.

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.