[2024 Nakijin Attraction] Travel Guide for Nakijin Castle Ruins (Updated Nov)

Ruin of Nakijin Castle, a former Ryukyu Castle on Okinawa, Japan. What's left of the castle ruins are stone walls of the castle, and leaves the visitor to his/her imagination of what the castle would have looked like in its hey days. An artist impression based on historical records would have given visitors a better perspective of the castle. But this was my favorite castle ruins because it has a great ang magnificient view of the ocean and a variety of flowers and butterflies around. Moving around the castle can be challeging for the older folks as there are steps to climb and the journey was a pretty long walk from the entrance. #givethanks #givethanks

Journey Through Time: Exploring the History and Nature of Nakijin Castle

The journey to explore Nakijin Castle is filled with the charm of history and nature. Located in the northern part of Okinawa, this ancient castle was not only an important defensive structure during the Ryukyu Kingdom era but also a great place to enjoy beautiful scenery and learn about local culture. As soon as we stepped into Nakijin Castle, we felt the strong sense of history. The ancient stone walls winding up the hillside bear witness to the changes this land has undergone. Standing on the castle walls, we could take in the magnificent scenery of northern Okinawa, with the distant coastline and the blue sky and white clouds creating a stunning view. We strolled along the paths within the castle, feeling as if we had traveled back in time to an era where war and peace intertwined. The stone steps and ruins within the castle are well-preserved, making us marvel at the wisdom and architectural skills of the ancients. Along the way, we encountered many tourists who were also carefully exploring this historical site. At noon, we enjoyed our packed lunch on a small hill outside the castle. The fresh air and beautiful scenery greatly enhanced our appetite. The simple bento became exceptionally delicious in such an environment. After eating and drinking our fill, we continued to explore other parts of the castle. In the afternoon, we visited the museum located within the castle, which displayed many historical materials and artifacts related to Nakijin Castle. From the exhibited artifacts, we learned about the importance of this castle and its place in Ryukyu history. The museum's guides enthusiastically introduced the background and stories of each exhibit, giving us a deeper understanding of this period of history. This trip to Nakijin Castle not only allowed us to appreciate the magnificent natural scenery but also let us feel the profound historical culture. This journey was full of surprises and emotions, and it will forever remain in our hearts. As we left, we carried with us fond memories and a love for this land, looking forward to our next exploration journey.

Visiting Nakijin Castle.

From the streets of Naha, it took about 3 hours by bus, and I visited after the Churaumi Aquarium. On the way there, I took a local bus right to the entrance of Nakijin Castle and immediately went to tour the castle. The construction is completely different from the many castles in Honshu, and I could feel the culture of Ryukyu. You can capture the beautiful sea and stone walls with your camera. It is a place of great historical value and is also registered as a World Heritage Site. On the way back, I walked to the bus stop for about 20 minutes, but if the timing is right, I think you can easily travel both ways. Please be sure to visit when you go to Okinawa.

if your in the area this site is worth a visit especially during the cooler months, there is a spectacular view from the top looking down over the ocean. one can grab a coffee or a drink from the vendors near the ticket office, my advice go early and admire this site. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway