What to know
Built around the early 1500s, Tamaudun Mausoleum (玉陵) served as the royal burial site for the Ryukyu Kingdom's ruling family. Heavily damaged during the war, it was later restored and now stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, part of the "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu." It's just a short walk from Shuri Castle.
The mausoleum has three stone chambers: the left for kings and queens, the right for princes and princesses, and a central chamber where bodies were stored before a bone-cleaning ritual a few years later. This follows Okinawan tradition of large stone tombs, but the scale here is particularly grand to honor the royal family.
Admission includes entry to a small museum in the reception building's basement. While the museum is compact and English explanations are limited, you can see pre-war photos of the mausoleum and models of what lies behind the sealed chamber doors.
Tamaudun Mausoleum is a short walk from Shuri Castle. How to get to and around Naha
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 18:00 (entry until 17:30)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 300 yen (~$1.92)
- English name
- Original name
- Tamaudun Mausoleum
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.