Shuri Castle

What to know

Today a district of Naha, Shuri was once the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shuri Castle (Shurijō) served as the political and residential center for the Ryukyu kings until Okinawa became part of Japan in 1879. The castle is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites known as the Castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Originally built in the late 1300s, Shuri Castle was key to unifying the island. Over the centuries, it was repeatedly destroyed by war and fire, most recently during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 and a devastating fire in 2019. Reconstruction is underway, with the main hall expected to be restored by 2026. The path to the central buildings passes through several gates, including the iconic Shureimon Gate. The hilltop location offers nice views over Naha along the way.

At the top of the hill stands the main hall, the Seiden (currently under reconstruction). Once the venue for state affairs and ceremonies, the Seiden is the most ornate building and a landmark of Okinawa. Its vermilion color and architectural style differ markedly from castles on mainland Japan.

In front of the Seiden lies Una Plaza, used for ceremonies in the past. It is surrounded on three sides by the Hokuden (North Hall, destroyed in the fire), Nanden (South Hall, destroyed in the fire), and the Hoshinmon (Hoshin Gate, which survived the fire). The Hokuden and Nanden were administrative buildings and reception halls for envoys from China and mainland Japan, respectively.

Before the fire, visitors could explore the interiors of the castle buildings on a circular route starting from the Nanden. Informative exhibits outlined the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom and its interactions with Japan and China. Historical artifacts, both locally made and received through foreign trade, were also on display.

While the Hokuden and Nanden interiors were built like modern museums, the Seiden interior had been reconstructed in its original style. Visitors could experience the splendor that surrounded the Ryukyu kings, with a replica of the king's throne and crown among the exhibits.