From 1429 to 1875, through the Ryukyu Kingdom, Shuri Castle was the centre of the kingdom’s politics, diplomacy and culture.

In 2000 it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site as part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

Allow about 80 minutes; pick and choose what you see and you can get round it faster.

There is paid parking, and with Naha Airport close by it is an easy place to reach.

*Following the fire in 2019, the main hall and the north and south halls burned down and cannot be seen. (Restoration is due for completion in 2026.)

Shuri Castle ratings

*Ratings are the personal view of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, based on comparison with other castles and castle ruins in Okinawa

Shuri Castle at a glance

Shuri Castle is a symbol of Okinawa, and through the Ryukyu Kingdom it was the centre of the kingdom’s politics, diplomacy and culture.

In 2000 they were inscribed as part of the World Heritage Site “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu”.

Highlights of Shuri Castle

The main hall — the vivid vermilion symbol of Okinawa

The main hall is the emblem of Shuri Castle, and its vivid vermilion is what most visitors remember.

The throne and the finely carved interior are a valuable record of Ryukyuan history.

*Following the fire in 2019, the main hall and the north and south halls burned down and cannot be seen. (Restoration is due for completion in 2026.)

Shureimon — the gate on the 2,000-yen note

Shureimon appears on Japan’s 2,000-yen banknote.

It stands for the Ryukyuan ideal of shurei-no-kuni, a land that observes propriety, and it carries that with some dignity.

The Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate — a World Heritage gate for worship

The Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate was never an entrance for people to pass through: it is a sacred place where the Ryukyuan king prayed for safe passage.

The woodland behind it is an utaki, a sacred grove, and was a centre of Ryukyuan faith.

Standing before this gate brings you into contact with something of old Okinawa.

*The Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate is part of the World Heritage Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate | Highlights, history and parking

A guide to the Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate in Naha, southern Okinawa. Inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2000, this Ryu...

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Kyukeimon

Kyukeimon was a service gate, said to have been used mainly by women.

Kankaimon — with a shisa on either side

A pair of imposing shisa flank Kankaimon, the gate that welcomes visitors in.

Their distinctive shapes are as Okinawan as it gets.

Zuisenmon — a historic entrance

Before Kankaimon and Kyukeimon were built, Zuisenmon was the main gate to Shuri Castle, the entrance used by royalty and by visiting envoys.

Rokokumon and Hikagedai — telling the time the old way

Between Rokokumon and Hikagedai stand ancient timekeeping devices that work from the movement of the sun.

It is a good place to feel time passing at its own pace.

The Bridge of Nations Bell — a symbol of a maritime kingdom

The Bridge of Nations Bell stood at the heart of trade, culture and faith in the Ryukyu Kingdom, and it carries into the present the part Okinawa played across East Asia.

The building housing the bell is currently closed to visitors.

Beautiful stone walls with their sweeping curves

The stone walls at Shuri Castle are known for both the skill behind them and their looks.

Those long curves are what hold the eye.

Nishi-no-Azana (lookout) — a fine viewpoint

Nishi-no-Azana is the viewpoint that takes in the surroundings of Shuri Castle.

You can see as far as the East China Sea, and dusk is the time to be here.

Higashi-no-Azana — Shuri from about 140 metres up

From Higashi-no-Azana the whole of Shuri opens out below you.

Standing in the wind up on the castle, it is the kind of view that stays with you.

Suimuikan — where to learn the history

Suimuikan serves as an exhibition and study space.

For anyone wanting to get into the culture and history of the Ryukyu Kingdom, it is worth the time.

Allow about 80 minutes

To do Shuri Castle properly, plan on at least 80 minutes.

For the free area alone, 30-60 minutes is enough; add the paid area and you will want 80-120 minutes.

Take your time at each of the highlights and let Okinawa’s history and culture sink in.

Shuri Castle admission

You can buy tickets for Shuri Castle on site, or in advance through GetYourGuide or Viator.

If you are planning a visit, it is worth a look.

History of Shuri Castle

Shuri Castle is one of the most important sites in the story of Okinawa.

The castle was once the political centre of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and excavation suggests it already existed by the late 13th or 14th century.

After Sho Hashi unified the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1429, Shuri Castle became the seat of its government.

It burned down and was rebuilt many times over.

In 1945, during the Second World War, it was destroyed entirely by American attack, and after the war the site was used as the campus of the University of the Ryukyus.

Once the university moved, restoration work went ahead, and in December 2000 the site was inscribed as a World Heritage Site as part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

The restored castle is modelled on its 18th-century form and was rebuilt from what remained of the walls and building foundations.

Not only the architecture but the decoration and the techniques used show the influence of East and Southeast Asia, which says a good deal about the kingdom’s international ties.

It is also said to have been a sacred place where the kings of Ryukyu offered prayers.

Visitors come away with more than a handsome building: there is the historical weight of the place, and a sense of how people lived under the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Shuri Castle leaves an impression on everyone who visits Okinawa.

Knowing this background before you go makes what you see there considerably richer.

Shuri Castle is where the past and the present of Okinawan culture meet.

Access & Parking

There is paid parking for Shuri Castle.

Several lots serve the area; here we cover the Shuri Castle Park prefectural parking.

Nearby Information

Tamaudun

Tamaudun, also known as Tamaudun or Reiudun, is the mausoleum where the kings of the Second Sho Dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom are laid to rest.

The great stone tomb stands in Shuri Kinjocho, Naha, and was built by King Sho Shin in 1501.

It is a World Heritage Site and a national treasure, and the weight of history is unmistakable.

The Kinjocho stone-paved road

The Kinjocho stone-paved road is a roughly 300-metre stretch of old paved slope running down from Shuri Castle, part of the Madama Road laid in the 16th century.

Paved with Ryukyuan limestone, the walk retains a great deal of the old kingdom and is a designated prefectural cultural property.

It is listed among Japan’s 100 best roads, and the history is close at hand as you walk it.

Shuri Kinjocho Stone-Paved Road | How long to allow, parking and what’s nearby

A guide to the Shuri Kinjocho stone-paved road in Naha, southern Okinawa. Laid in the 16th century and still in place to...

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Shikinaen

Shikinaen is a strolling garden drawing on Chinese, Japanese and Ryukyuan styles, built in 1799 as the largest of the Ryukyuan royal villas.

The garden sits on a plateau about 2 km south of Shuri Castle and is inscribed as part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu. Walking the path around the pond, the view shifts as you go, which has a quietly settling effect.

Shikinaen | Highlights, how long to visit, parking and more

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

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Activities in Naha

Naha, in the southern part of Okinawa’s main island, offers plenty of activities including diving and snorkeling.

You can book through GetYourGuide or Viator, so do take a look at what is on offer.

Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa

Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa connects directly to Asahibashi Station on the Yui Rail monorail, and is as little as five minutes by car or about ten by monorail from Naha Airport.

A Japanese-Western-Ryukyuan buffet breakfast at Dining 19 on the top floor, a welcome drink in every room and valet parking all add up to a genuinely comfortable stay.

You can check it on Booking.com, so do take a look.

A rental car is the way to go in Okinawa

A rental car is by far the best way to get around the main island of Okinawa.

The places worth seeing are scattered across the island, from Shuri Castle in Naha to the beautiful beaches of the north and American Village in Chatan, and with a car you can take them at your own pace. Buses are infrequent and do not always run on time, so having a car or not makes a real difference to the trip.

Cars fill up quickly in the peak season, so we recommend booking early once your travel dates are set. One important note for overseas visitors: to drive in Japan you must obtain an International Driving Permit (Geneva Convention) in your home country before you depart, and remember that traffic in Japan drives on the left.

Summary

This article introduced Shuri Castle.

Shuri Castle is a symbol of Okinawa Prefecture and one of its best-known places to visit.

In 2000 it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site as part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, which speaks to its historical importance.

Following the fire in 2019 the main hall and the north and south halls burned down and cannot currently be seen, but restoration is due for completion in 2026 — something to look forward to.

Thank you for reading to the end.

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The post Shuri Castle | What to see, how long to allow, parking and what’s nearby first appeared on Okinawa Bookmark.

It is a man-made beach, but the clean white sand, blue water and well-kept facilities make it a genuinely appealing place.

It is also the only beach in Naha with sand, and it is a favorite with visitors and residents alike.

Showers, restrooms and other facilities are all in place, and there is plenty to do in the water, from diving and snorkeling to SUP.

Naminoue Beach ratings

*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.

Naminoue Beach at a glance

Naminoue Beach has lifeguards and a jellyfish net, so everyone from adults to children can enjoy the water safely.

There is a good range of water sports, and barbecues are possible too.

[Water sports]
・Intro diving & snorkeling
・SUP & SUP yoga
*For prices and details, please see this page

[Barbecue]
・Several operators run barbecues here, so pick the one that suits you
*For prices and details, please see this page

The Highlights

Clear Water

For a beach in the middle of a city, the water at Naminoue is remarkably clear.

It sits beneath a bridge and does look man-made, but it is a lovely spot all the same.

White, Beautiful Sand

The sand is clean and beautifully soft.

You can walk on it barefoot without any discomfort at all.

The beach is wide, and we saw people sunbathing and playing on the sand.

Well-kept facilities

There are benches facing the water, and plenty of people were sitting and watching the sea.

Naminoue Beach has restrooms and showers.

There is a charge, but the showers and coin lockers are available to use.

There are swings and a horizontal bar too, so there is space for children to play.

Plenty of places to rest

Covered pavilions and benches are in place, and people were taking their time resting there.

Trees planted in the middle of the benches throw a natural patch of shade, which is a nice touch.

Points to Note

There are posted rules for using Naminoue Beach, so please follow them.

Access & Parking

The Wakasa Seaside Park parking lot is close to Naminoue Beach.

There is a charge, but you can leave your car here and spend the day at the beach.

The rates are shown in the photo above.

Please check the map below for the location of the parking.

Around Naminoue Beach

Activities in Naha

Naha, in the southern part of Okinawa’s main island, offers plenty of activities including diving and snorkeling.

You can book through GetYourGuide or Viator, so do take a look at what is on offer.

Kokusai Street

Kokusai Street is Naha’s best-known shopping street.

Around 600 shops and businesses line it, including department stores, restaurants, souvenir shops and hotels — everything a visitor is likely to need.

It is about 10 minutes by car from Naminoue Beach to Kokusai Street.

Naminoue Shrine

Naminoue Shrine is a shrine in Naha, in the southern part of Okinawa’s main island.

One of Okinawa’s leading shrines, Naminoue is much loved for its history and standing.

It is known as one of the eight Ryukyuan shrines and as a power spot. It is also associated with matchmaking and safe childbirth, and many people come here to make a wish.

Naminoue Shrine | Highlights, parking and more — one of the eight Ryukyuan shrines

A guide to Naminoue Shrine in Naha, southern Okinawa. The foremost of the eight Ryukyuan shrines, long revered as the le...

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Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa

Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa connects directly to Asahibashi Station on the Yui Rail monorail, and is as little as five minutes by car or about ten by monorail from Naha Airport.

A Japanese-Western-Ryukyuan buffet breakfast at Dining 19 on the top floor, a welcome drink in every room and valet parking all add up to a genuinely comfortable stay.

You can check it on Booking.com, so do take a look.

A rental car is the way to go in Okinawa

A rental car is by far the best way to get around the main island of Okinawa.

The places worth seeing are scattered across the island, from Shuri Castle in Naha to the beautiful beaches of the north and American Village in Chatan, and with a car you can take them at your own pace. Buses are infrequent and do not always run on time, so having a car or not makes a real difference to the trip.

Cars fill up quickly in the peak season, so we recommend booking early once your travel dates are set. One important note for overseas visitors: to drive in Japan you must obtain an International Driving Permit (Geneva Convention) in your home country before you depart, and remember that traffic in Japan drives on the left.

In summary

This article introduced Naminoue Beach.

Naminoue Beach is the only beach in Naha with sand, and it is beautifully kept.

There is plenty to do in the water too, from diving and snorkeling to SUP.

A beach this clean in the middle of a city is a rare thing, so do pay Naminoue Beach a visit.

Thank you for reading to the end.

429 Too Many Requests

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The post Naminoue Beach | Naha’s own stretch of sand, with parking and cafés nearby first appeared on Okinawa Bookmark.

It is a beautiful beach with white sand, blue sea, and well-maintained facilities.

This beach is the only sandy beach in Naha and is loved by tourists and locals.

The beach is fully equipped with showers and restrooms, and you can enjoy many marine activities such as diving, snorkeling, and SUP.

Naminoue Beach | Naha’s own stretch of sand, with parking and cafés nearby

A guide to Naminoue Beach in Naha, southern Okinawa. It is man-made, but the white sand, blue water and good facilities ...

okinawa-bookmark.com

Evaluation of Naminoue Beach

[usrlist "Popularity:4.5" "Transparency of the sea:4.0" "Beauty of the sandy beach:4.0" "Rest place:4.5" "Swimming equipment:4.0" "Refreshing feelings:3.0" "Feeling natural:2.5"]

Notes: This evaluation is compared with other beaches in Okinawa by Okinawa Bookmark administrator

Recommended Hotels around Naminoue Beach

Loisir Hotel Naha

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ロワジールホテル那覇　LOISIR HOTEL NAHA(@loisirhotel)がシェアした投稿

The Loisir Hotel is a very large with plenty of pools and open-air baths.

There are a wide variety of rooms, including rooms with an ocean view and rooms with a night view of Naha City.

You can walk to Naminoue Beach in about 15 minutes.

View on Expedia

HOTEL SANSUI NAHA

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This is a hotel where you can enjoy the ocean view, and you can spend a luxurious time with plenty of pools and hot springs so that you can get rid of the tiredness of the day.

There is also a restaurant and lounge, so you can enjoy the night view of Naha while drinking alcohol.

You can reach Naminoue Beach in about 3 minutes on foot from the hotel.

View on Expedia

HOTEL AQUA CITTA NAHA

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It is a hotel with a see-through pool, where you can enjoy the night view of Naha.

There is a bar next to the pool where you can enjoy a very fashionable space.

In addition, the see-through pool can be enjoyed all year round because the water temperature can be adjusted.

Naminoue Beach is about an 18-minute walk away, but it is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy the pool and the night view of Naha City.

View on Expedia

Summary

This time, we have introduced 3 recommended hotels around Naminoue Beach.

• Loisir Hotel Naha
• HOTEL SANSUI NAHA 
• HOTEL AQUA CITTA NAHA

Why don’t you spend your time comfortably at the hotel introduced this time when you visit Naminoue Beach?

Thank you for reading until the end.

Naminoue Beach | Naha’s own stretch of sand, with parking and cafés nearby

A guide to Naminoue Beach in Naha, southern Okinawa. It is man-made, but the white sand, blue water and good facilities ...

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The post Recommended Hotels around Naminoue Beach first appeared on Okinawa Bookmark.