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Stone Gate of the Sonohyan Shrine
This Utaki or sacred grove is located in the rear of Shurei-mon Gate outside of Shuri Castle.
This area was used by the king to pray for a safe journey and for important ceremonies. The highly advanced masonry
construction techniques which were used in construction have been passed down from the kingdom era.
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| There is an Utaki (sacred place) in the woods behind the stone gate |
Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum
Tamaudun is the royal mausoleum for the Second Sho Dynasty and was built in 1501 by king
Sho Shin to inter the remains of his father, King Sho En. The names of the kings interred inside are inscribed on the
stone out front.
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| Tamaudun is the royal mausoleum for the Second Sho Dynasty |
Shikinaen
The gardens are the location of the largest detached villa of the Ryukyuan royal family.
It was utilized as a rest house and to entertain foreign diplomats and envoys. Within the garden, there are the Chinese
style pavilion Rokkaku-do and two stone bridges, one large and one small.
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| Shikinaen, which is about 41.997 square meters, was built in 1799 |
Sefa Utaki
The creator goddess of Okinawa, Amamikiyo, is said to have made this sacred area where all
males were once prohibited from entering. The sacred island of Kudaka can be seen through the triangular space of the
stones.
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| Amamikiyo, the creator goddess of Okinawa, is belived to made this Utaki (sacred place) |
Nakagusuku Castle Remains
Located on a limestone hill about 160 meters tall, this castle was constructed using
an extraordinary method of piled stone masonry and stone arches. There is a splendid view from the castle's six walls.
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| Nakagusuki Castle was built during 14th to 15th century by Gosamaru, the warrior |
Katsuren Castle Remains
This castle was destroyed by the royal court because of fears of revolt caused by the ill-fated
lord, Amawari. It has a view of Kin Bay and Nakagusuku Bay.
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| Katsuren Castle was the residence of the lord, Awamari |
Zakimi Castle Remains
This castle was built at the begining of the 15th century by Gosamaru. The arch-shaped
stone gates are the oldest in Okinawa. There is a spectacular view of the East China Sea from the Castle.
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| Zakimi Castle was built around 1420 and has the oldest arch-shaped stone gates in Okinawa |
Nakijin Castle Remains
Next to Shuri Castle, this is the second largest castle in the prefecture and was said to
be impregnable. It was the castle of the Hokuzan (northern) Kingdom and enjoys a wonderful view of the surrounding deep
green forests and East China Sea. It is also well known for its Hikan cherry trees.
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| Nakijin Castle was built sometimes during 13 century and was destroyed in 1416 |
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