[2024 Naha Attraction] Travel Guide for Shurijo Castle (Updated Nov)

A Journey Through Time and Splendor: Shurijo Castle in Okinawa

Stepping into Shurijo Castle in Okinawa feels like traveling back to the prosperous era of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The castle walls, predominantly red, stand magnificently against the blue sky. The ancient architectural style harmonizes with the surrounding lush greenery, creating a sense of solemn yet harmonious beauty. As you ascend the stone steps, you can feel the weight of history and the marks of time, as if each brick is telling a story of the past. Entering the main hall, the dazzling decorations leave you in awe. This place once gathered royalty and nobility, and the intricate wood carvings and color combinations showcase the unique beauty of Ryukyu culture. Through these delicate crafts, one can glimpse the prosperity of the dynasty and the cultural confidence of Ryukyu. Standing at a high vantage point, you can overlook the entire Okinawa cityscape, with the wind carrying a faint salty scent from the distant sea. This visit to Shurijo Castle not only allows you to feel the breath of history but also the profound cultural heritage of this land.

Okinawa's Sea.

This time, I visited a place in Japan that has a slightly different vibe compared to other locations. Unlike Osaka or Tokyo, Okinawa feels like a place full of youthful energy, where you can enjoy the sun and the beach. A must-visit spot in Okinawa is Shuri Castle. Although a fire in 2019 destroyed most of the buildings, I still went there to satisfy my curiosity and for the sense of ritual. The place was crowded with visitors, and many well-preserved structures could still be seen. As for the main castle, we could observe its restoration progress from outside the fence, witnessing the meticulous craftsmanship of Japan. For travelers interested in exploring Japanese history, it remains a worthwhile destination. Okinawa's beaches are among the best in Asia. The endless sea paired with vast grasslands makes it perfect for family outings and relaxation. During sunset, you can witness a perfect sunset as the sun slowly dips into the horizon, accompanied by various aircraft taking off and landing, making it a truly dreamy experience.

Shuri Castle: A Symbol of Power in the Ryukyu Kingdom

Revisit Okinawa and its Tiramisu-colored Shuri Castle, once the symbol of power for the Ryukyu Kingdom. Surrounded by a vast moat and towering walls, the castle stands majestically. Passing through the red and yellow outer courtyard, the fiery red palace stands prominently, dazzling in its splendor. The main hall, a wooden structure, was highly susceptible to fire in the hot weather. After my visit in 2019, it was almost entirely destroyed by a fire later that year. The complete restoration is expected to be finished by 2026. Ryukyu's limestone geology was used for the stone gates and walls, and while thatched stone houses were common, wooden structures were rare. Only the Shuri Castle palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom used wood on such a large scale, showcasing its wealth and prosperity. The entire Shuri Castle Park is quite large. Besides the palace complex under restoration, the surrounding areas are free to enter. It's conveniently accessible by taking the monorail to Shuri Station and walking for about 15 minutes. The Shurijo-kan at the entrance has strong air conditioning in its shops and restaurant rest areas, making it a comfortable place to rest after a long walk.

Shuri Castle, Okinawa - Japan: This is one of the famous attraction in Naha, Okinawa. We can walk inside and outside which may take over an hour. However, this castle was just got fired in Novemver 2019 which shocked the lical tourism industry!

Shuri castle is a red castle located at Naha, Okinawa, Japan. If you are in Naha for a day, this is your must visit place. Very easy to get to on the Monorail. Get off at the Shuri Station and then it is a short 0.5 mile walk. The grounds and palace are nice. You take a self-guided tour by following signs. Limited information is provided but it is enough. There is a good amount of stairs involved to see everything. You can also walk the ramparts. At the main gate, you can dress up in traditional costumes for a fee and get your photo taken. After you are done, take the short walk to the family mausoleum. It is a separate smaller fee and takes about 15 minutes to see. The castle is worth to visit. It is also a nice experience to walk around during night that castle a surrounding areas a nicely lighted. From the surrounding area there is a nice view of the city. #givethanks #givethanks

Very touristic as many tours will come by, but the historical value is well worth it. It is children and elderly friendly. It starts with a climb up 6 gates before you reach the castle main grounds. Inside the castle, you will now go back centuries ago where many stories will unfold. Finally at the end of the castle, there is another few more steps up the observatory deck for a final majestic view and scenic view of the city of Okinawa. Highly recommend if in Okinawa. #GiveThanks

Long-distance Okinawa 2nd must play attractions! After coming to Japan, I went to Okinawa no more than 4 or 5 times, but my friend who came to Okinawa for the first time may still be confused and I dont know where to play. The best way to practice is to swim. Okinawa, almost all the lines can be used to punch all the Okinawa must-have attractions, but because Okinawa attractions are far away, so it basically takes two days to play, the route from south to north is relatively smooth, and relatively speaking It's easier! Here, I recommend 5 Okinawa must-have attractions. I have not been to these points. I have never been to Okinawa! If you are at Naha Airport, start playing in the south of Okinawa DAY1

Okinawa-Shuri Castle is in reconstruction process

On October 22, 2024, I had the opportunity to visit Shuri Castle in Okinawa. It was very easy to get there by monorail, starting from Makishi Station and getting off at Shuri Station. Along the way, we stopped for coffee at rokkan COFFEE SHURI, which had a great vibe. Then we walked to the entrance of Shuri Castle, where the admission fee is 400Y. The main castle, which was damaged by fire in 2019, is currently under reconstruction. We could observe the progress through the structures surrounding the castle. The work is very detailed and meticulous. We look forward to the day when the castle will be beautiful again, which is expected to be around 2026.

Visit of Shuri Castle in japan 🇯🇵

#japantrip During my vacations in Naha, I had the delightful opportunity to explore the famous Shuri Castle S Perched on a hill in the city center, this iconic landmark offers stunning panoramic views of the area. The entrance fee was reasonable, reflecting the historical and cultural significance of the castle. Stepping through the gates felt like stepping back in time to the Ryukyu Kingdom era. The architecture of Shuri Castle is truly impressive, featuring vivid red walls, intricate wooden carvings, and grand roofs. As I wandered through the castle grounds, I was captivated by the Main Hall, Seiden, and other ancient buildings. The serene gardens and peaceful ponds added to the magical ambiance, creating a serene escape from the bustle of the city below. After exploring the castle, I also took time to visit nearby points of interest like the Shuri Kinjo-cho Stone-paved Road and Shikina-en Garden. These sites provided further insight into Okinawa's rich cultural heritage. My visit to Shuri Castle was a truly unforgettable experience that deepened my understanding and admiration for Okinawa's history and traditions. This enchanting castle is a definite must-see for anyone visiting Naha.

Shurijo Castle.

Shurijo Castle was once the capital and palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, where national affairs were handled, envoys were received, and important ceremonies were held. Shurijo Castle has been burned down and rebuilt several times. Its architectural style is different from traditional Japanese castles and is a replica of Tang Dynasty-style architecture. Not far from the entrance is the Shureimon Gate, which was built in accordance with Chinese archway-style architecture. The plaque on the gate with the inscription "Shurei no Kuni" was given by the Chinese emperor when he conferred the Ryukyu Kingdom. After that, you will pass through the Kankaimon Gate, the Roukoumon Gate, and the Houshinmon Gate to reach the main hall. The main hall was destroyed by a fire in 2019 and is currently being repaired. They have built a large warehouse similar to a color steel plate, and you can watch the repair process through the glass. They also display the remains of some buildings that were burned down before. Shurijo Castle is located on a high ground about 120 meters above Naha City, so at the highest point, you can overlook the surrounding buildings, see the monorail, and see the distant sea.

Okinawa Free Travel Guide

How to travel in Okinawa without renting a car or joining a tour? Compared to cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, Okinawa is not particularly convenient for tourists, mainly due to its inconvenient transportation. Most Japanese people come here for summer beach activities like diving and surfing, enjoying a seaside vacation. In terms of cultural attractions, there are indeed fewer compared to other places. So, if you insist on traveling freely in Okinawa, how should you do it? In summary: casually explore the main island city; frequently check bus schedules when traveling in the central and southern parts; for island trips, go anytime, and it's best to rent a car or bicycle upon arrival! Accommodation: 1. In the city, it is recommended to book near Kokusai Street, which is close to the airport and has large shopping areas, making transportation relatively convenient. 2. If staying in the northern part, it is recommended to stay near the Churaumi Aquarium, where transportation and dining are relatively convenient, and you won't have trouble finding open restaurants after 5 PM. Travel Guide + Landmark Check-ins: DAY1: Since you arrive in Okinawa in the evening, after checking in, mainly visit Kokusai Street for shopping and dining. Kokusai Street is mainly a shopping area with a large shopping district and a landmark lion statue for photo ops. DAY2-3: Head to Miyako Island. DAY4: Return to Naha and head north to the Churaumi Aquarium. There is a direct express bus from Naha Bus Terminal to Churaumi, costing 2000 yen and taking 2 hours, no reservation needed. DAY5: Visit American Village in the morning and Shurijo Castle in the afternoon. Honestly, these two places are subjective; after visiting, my personal feeling is that they are not very impressive. American Village is like a trendy street selling second-hand goods, and the food is not particularly special. Shurijo Castle is still under construction after being burned down, and compared to China's Great Wall and various palaces, this small castle is quite underwhelming. It takes about 1.5 hours by bus from Naha Bus Terminal to American Village. If you visit in the afternoon or evening, you can take night photos. DAY6: Visit Naminoue Shrine in the morning. The shrine is near Asahibashi Station, a 10-minute walk away. This shrine is the top of the eight shrines in Okinawa and can be visited in half an hour. The main reason to come here is to buy omamori for safety, with the most popular being the golden luck charm and the triangular safe travel charm. After visiting the shrine, walk out and turn right to reach the bridge opposite, which is the best spot to photograph Naminoue Shrine and is a popular check-in point. After visiting Naminoue Shrine, I booked a whale watching tour in the afternoon through a travel platform. They can pick you up from a hotel in Naha, and whether you see whales in the 2-hour tour depends entirely on luck. I recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, motion sickness medicine, and preferably binoculars. In summary, if you are looking for a quiet seaside vacation with diving in Okinawa, it is quite good. However, if you are interested in cultural attractions, Okinawa does fall short compared to Tokyo and Osaka, so it depends on personal preference.

【Scenery You Can Only See Now】Shuri Castle

I visited Shuri Castle in Okinawa. It was a bit of a walk from the station, but there was a convenience store along the way, so it wasn't too tough. On the way to Shuri Castle, I had the opportunity to talk with some locals, and I was told that the castle is part of their walking route, so they showed me the way. The character of the people in Okinawa was very soothing. The buildings were nice, but the view of the city of Okinawa from the top was also great. The fourth photo shows a statue that was brought from China and is the only one remaining, I was told. The inside of Shuri Castle is under construction, and you can enter, but I didn't go in this time. I was able to see the appearance of a fire and buildings that withstood the fire. I definitely want to visit again.

Shurijo Castle

#2024wish The Seiden, a distinctively Ryukyuan-style structure which has an architectural-style not even found in Japan or in China, is today the most important building that symbolized the reign over the Ryukyu Kingdom. Some of the primer coating used are lacquer, and Chinese wood oil for color. All the structures were reduced to ashes during the Battle of Okinawa; but, some of them have been reconstructed.

Shuri Castle Park

#2024wish Shurjo castle was the central governing structure of the Ryukyu kingdom for approximately 500 years. It was entirely destroyed during WWII, and restored in 1992. Its located in Okinawa’s capital, Naha, and is easily the most visited location in the prefecture. This particular structure is called the Seidan, and is considered the most important part of the castle. Note that the tops of the castle are ornamented with dragons. Dragons which represented the King, were a symbol of power. In 2024, I want to tavel back to Okinawa.

Shuri Castle in Naha: A historical treasure and cultural heritage

Shuri Castle, located in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, is an ancient city full of historical and cultural connotations. It was once the political center of the Ryukyu Kingdom and has now become one of the historical attractions in Okinawa. Shuri Castle was the palace and government institution during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, possessing a rich historical and cultural heritage. The architectural style here is unique, blending Ryukyu traditional architecture and Japanese architectural elements, showcasing the unique charm of Ryukyu culture. The architectural complex within Shuri Castle includes the palace, government institutions, temples, and city walls, each building has its unique significance and historical background. Visitors can appreciate the exquisite architecture and sculptures here, and understand the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In addition, Shuri Castle is also a place for the inheritance of traditional Okinawan culture. The traditional culture here includes music, dance, painting, sculpture, etc., showing the wisdom and talent of the Okinawan people. Visitors can experience the unique cultural atmosphere of Okinawa here and feel the charm of traditional culture.

Shuri Castle is one of the main sights of the okinawa island. It is one of the wonders inherited from Ryukyu Kingdom. Unfortunately on the night of October 30th 2019, a violent fire fed by strong winds destroyed large parts of Shuri Castle. I was lucky enough to see this castle before the fire accident.#wintergetaway #wintergetaway

The charming grounds of Shuri Palace in Japan. These pictures were taken before the fire in October 2019 that destroyed much of the Shuri Palace. Such a tragic loss. Parts of the palace have re-opened now. #happynewyear #happynewyear

Okinawa must punch card: How can I go to Shuri Castle to the Okinawa in the Sakura Castle Go to Okinawa from the 15th to the 19th century is the location of the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the Royal Palace, the political and power of the Ryukyu Kingdom The center, which was destroyed four times, was last rebuilt in 1992. It seems that although the scale is not large, the land in Okinawa was already quite authoritative. The current Shuri Castle is a Tang Dynasty style building with replicas of the prototypes after the war. Shuri Castle is the palace building of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It was the place where the King handled state affairs, interviewed envoys and held important celebrations. It blended the architectural features of China, Japan and Ryukyu Island. The old castle has the North Palace, the South Palace, the Shuri Gate and many gates. The main hall can be photographed in order, and there are quite a lot of people visiting. It is recommended to go early~

No tickets are required to enter Shuri Castle Park. In fact, only a small area of the main hall needs tickets, the whole park is very large, and the non-fee area can be visited for a long time. Passing through the door above is the real toll area. The park has a lot of angles overlooking Naha and the blue shores in the distance. I thought that coming here is just to appreciate architecture and humanities, which really brings a lot of surprises. Shuri Castle was built at the end of the 14th century AD, and the Ryukyu Kingdom was not established until 1429, which was the 15th century. It is said that "there is a Shuri Castle first, and then a Ryukyu country." Shuri Castle is the residence of the kings of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It is the political center of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the witness of the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The authenticity of Shuri Castle was burned down during World War II. Today it is rebuilt in 1992, which combines the architectural features of China and Japan and Okinawa. The essence of Shuri Castle is not entirely in the main hall itself, but the real ancient city remains on the periphery, a city gate, and a stone monument, may have been baptized for a hundred years. The main hall is the core building of the entire park and the largest wooden monument in the Ryukyu Kingdom. The double-decker building on the top of the main hall of the main hall is very similar to the Taihe Temple in the Forbidden City in Beijing. Although it is everywhere in our country, the miniature Okinawa is indeed a giant. The front of the Tang Dynasty windbreaker decoration, engraved with a flame orb, painted with Jinlongxiangyun, is the most eye-catching part; such a design can also be found in Japanese shrines, but it is seamlessly combined with the Chinese building's cornice. After entering the main hall, the rigor and humanity of the Japanese business is undoubtedly revealed. The shoes need to be taken off the shoes, and the staff will provide visitors with clean thick bags to hold the shoes and recycle them at the exit after completing the tour. And there is a clear indication of the tour route, do not have to go back to the road; many places in the hall for the protection of culture and copyright, can not take pictures, can be prompted when taking pictures, very human. After going out of the main hall, follow the instructions to visit the outdoor Yuihara, the world known as the inner city of Shuri, is the living space of the king and his family, and it is also the commanding height of Shuricheng. From the city wall, you can overlook the city of Naha. If you don't have a towering skyscraper, the light-colored buildings such as the small grain Lego are seamlessly spliced and densely packed. The sea breeze blowing from a distance seems to be mixed with a touch of salty taste, which is the most amazing place in the entire Shuri Park.

Shuri Castle, the former Ryukyu Dynasty Shuri Castle is a typical Ryukyu castle, but in fact it is completely Chinese-like style. It is said that the entire Shuri Temple was originally built by China, and the layout is in accordance with the Tang Dynasty. The style building is based on a blueprint and combines the architectural features of China, Japan, and Okinawa. In order to make the history and culture look less boring, the scenic spot also came up with the idea of knocking on the medals for gifts. When you enter the park, the stamped map at the reception desk, before each building with historical meaning, there is a Knock the chapter and keep it as a memorial. Students who have a chapter interest, remember to bring a book to knock. Stepping into the gate of the city, it is the atrium of the palace. The people scattered around me can't help but think of the scene of the officials entering the dynasty and the ceremony. Additional tickets are required to enter the main hall, 800 cigarettes for adults, 300 cigarettes for children, and no photos can be taken inside. Arrival: Take Yui-Rail to Shuri Station and walk for 20 minutes. main hall tickets: 820 yen / adult opening hours: 8

From the 15th to the 19th century, as the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Shuri Castle has always been the center of politics and rights of Ryukyu. It witnessed the rise and fall of the Ryukyu Kingdom and was seriously damaged during World War II. Todays Shuri Castle was restored in 1992. Built. It is different from other castles that are common in Japan's main island. This can be felt from the moment you step into the gatehouse. It is like the Chinese archway. The four characters on the plaque on the ceremonial state can't help us. I will smile. After entering the Fengshen Gate, the front center is the main hall, the typical Tang-style gate, the golden roof, the Zhuhong pillar, the golden dragon carving beam, the splendid, familiar, and the appearance of the ancient Chinese palace. Although the treasure display in Shuri Castle is not so shocking and magical, the plaque of "Zhongshan Shitu" hanged by the main hall is very eye-catching. It is said to be given by Emperor Kangxi, but today's furnishings are just a replica. Transportation: Shuri Castle is located in the eastern part of Naha City. It takes 15 minutes on foot from the terminal to the Seri-ri Station. Tickets: 800 yen for adults, 140 yen for the two-day ticket for the subway. Gourmet: A tea room called "Between the Locks" is a great place. It used to be a place where the royal family rested. Now it has become a tea room and requires an additional charge of 310 yen per person. Note: You need to take off your shoes after visiting the inner palace of Shuri Castle.

Seeing the great architecture of our heavenly dynasty, there is not much so-called shock and stunning in the 820-mile Shuri Castle. However, Shuri Castle was once known as the center of politics, diplomacy and culture of He Yuqiu Kingdom. It combines the unique architectural style of China and Japan's fortified culture and its superb stonework technology, with a high cultural and historical value. In December 2000, Shuri Castle was also recognized as Japans 11th World Cultural Heritage. Seeing such a savvy "CV", it is still necessary to go in and walk! If you don't enter the main hall, it is free to go sightseeing alone. You only need to enter the main hall to give tickets. The red palace architectural style has both obvious Japanese style and Chinese style, full of momentum.

Shuri Castle (Japanese: uri, English: Shuri Castle) is a Ryukyu castle east of Shuri City in the southern part of the Ryukyu Islands in the Ryukyu Islands. It was built from the end of the 13th century to the beginning of the 14th century. Shuri Castle was once the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the seat of the royal palace. At that time, the Ryukyu King handled national affairs, met with envoys and held important celebrations. Shuri Castle was burned and rebuilt several times. The current Shuri Castle is a Tang Dynasty style building with replicas of the prototypes after World War II. Unlike the traditional Japanese city, Shuri Castle is similar in architecture to the architecture of southern Anhui. A closer look reveals that the dragon in the building of Shuri Castle appeared in the image of (four claws, second to the emperor's five-jawed dragon), which is probably because of the fact that the croquet was China's dictatorship. Here is a higher place, you can also take pictures of Naha City. If you go in, you still have to buy tickets. The price of more than ten yuan is not expensive, but the time is a bit tight, and rice has gone in.

The castle of the Ryukyu Kingdom and related heritage groups refer to the monumental group in Okinawa, Japan, which was included in the World Cultural Heritage in 2000. Including the remnants of the city wall of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Mitake (the gods) and the Tombs of the King. The numerous cultural relics preserved on Ryukyu Island vividly illustrate that Ryukyu Island has been the center of economic and cultural exchanges between Southeast Asian countries such as China, South Korea and Japan for centuries. Under the influence of the economic and political environment of different regions and countries, the Ryukyu Kingdom gradually formed and developed a unique cultural system of its own. The religious sites of the Ryukyu Islands are a unique cultural phenomenon in the area, rooted in the local natural environment and the totem worship of the Ryukyu ancestors. Naha is the capital of Okinawa Prefecture and a hot spot for sightseeing. It has both the charm of the ancient capital and the modern atmosphere. The first is an ancient capital, and the "gate of ceremonies" is the second door of the first ceremonial city and is a symbol of Okinawa. The large plaque on the ceremonial gate was built 450 years ago and was given by the ancient Qing Dynasty in China. The archway is divided into two layers, and the plaque is placed in between. The four characters on the gold foil are partially removed from the history. The Yuanjue Temple near the University of Ryukyu, built in 1492, was the Bodhi Temple of the fashion dynasty. It was burned in wartime and now only has the gate part. On both sides of the gate, before the war was the Renwang Gate, which has now become the playground of the University of the Ryukyus. Opposite the Yuanjue Temple, there is a red tile square, which is the place where the Sundial Kings were buried.

The capital city of Ryukyu is headed for the first time in the eastern suburbs of Naha, Okinawa Prefecture. The Shuri Castle and other Ryukyu cultural relics where the Ryukyu King and the royal family lived and handled government affairs in the past were designated as World Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2000. The early history of Ryukyu has not been tested. According to the records of Ryukyu, in the 12th century, the inhabitants of the archipelago have entered the early clan society from the primitive society, called the era of the division. In the 12th century, Ryukyu began to appear in the country, and the history was called the Three Hills era. In the 15th century, it was unified as the Ryukyu Kingdom. The 19th century was incorporated into Japan. Since the ancient times, Ryukyu has maintained close cultural exchanges and overseas trade with China, Japan, North Korea and Southeast Asian countries. Shouri City Wall Site The Ryukyu State is located on the Ryukyu Islands between the northeastern island of Taiwan and the southwestern island of Kyushu, including the islands of the islands of the Ryukyu Islands, the islands of Okinawa and the islands of Amami. It is 3,500 square kilometers, with the east side of the East China Sea and the east side of the Pacific Ocean. The largest island is Okinawa (the Great Ryukyu Island) in the Okinawa Islands, covering an area of about 1,210 square kilometers. In 1609 (the 37th year of Emperor Shenzong Wanli, 14 years of Japanese celebration), after the invasion of Satsuma, Japan, the Ryukyu Kingdom was forced to transfer the big islands, ghosts, quaternary, yongliang, and the five islands in the north to Satsuma. . The northern territories began to take shape and the unique situation of the Japanese occupation.