This is the southernmost castle ruins on the main island of Okinawa, about 26 minutes by car from Naha Airport. It is said that there are about 600 castle ruins in Okinawa, both large and small, and this is the southernmost one. It stands on a precipitous cliff, and together with the view of the sea, it offers a wonderful view. The southern gourmet cuisine is also a pleasure.
Point 1: Surprisingly close? What is the location of “Gushigawa Castle Ruins”?
Gushigawa Castle Ruins” is located less than 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport. By car, it can be reached by an almost straight route if you drive National Route 331.
By bus, take Ryukyu Bus No. 189 to the Itoman roundabout, transfer to No. 108 and get off at Kyan, then walk or take a reserved bus “Ito-chan mini”, there is a bus stop in front of the castle ruins.
Gushigawa Castle Ruins (Itoman) is a castle built on a cliff jutting out from the west coast of Cape Kyan Misaki at the southern tip of Okinawa Island, facing the sea on three sides except the east side of the castle gate. The castle is located on a cliff facing the sea on three sides except for the east side of the gate, which offers a spectacular view of the sea.
The castle walls are 5 to 10 meters high, and the eastern gate, which is connected to the land, is built of hewn stone, with fieldstone walls along the cliff. Inside the castle, there is a hole that leads to the sea, locally called “Hiehuchimie.
Point 2: 500 years back? What is the history of “Gushigawa Castle Ruins”?
The exact date of the “Gushigawa Castle Ruins” is unknown (probably 16th century?). According to a legend, the ruins of Gushigawa Castle are said to have been built by an angler of Gushigawa Castle on Kume Island, who was forced to flee his base on Kume Island to Kyanbu in the southern part of Okinawa Island.
That is why there are ruins of Gushigawa Castle on Kume Island as well.
The gently sloping ruins of the castle, which cannot be seen even on the mainland, testify to the high level of technology developed during the period when Japan was still close to the rest of the world and trade with Asia was still thriving.
The castle ruins are built on a cliff and are surrounded by the sea on three sides, so visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the sea, which is rare for a castle ruins. Sunset is especially recommended.
Point 3: What kind of food do you recommend around “Gushigawa Castle Ruins”?
(Photo: OOLOO)
There are no restaurants around the “Gushigawa Castle Ruins”.
Also, please note that there are no restrooms.
If you want to enjoy southern gourmet food, your choices are to go back toward Umikaji Terrace in Tomigusuku City or go a little further east to Yaese Town or Nanjo City.
Yaese Town, known as a tourist air pocket, is a hidden gourmet spot,
You should not miss cafes such as “te” and “CUCURU,” where you can eat stylish and delicious bread, and “Yagiya,” an exquisite Okinawan soba noodle shop in a registered tangible cultural property.
There are also many recommended cafes where you can enjoy the spectacular view, such as “Hamabe no Chaya”, a very popular café in Nanjo City, “Cafe Kurukuma” near Niraikanai Bridge, which serves excellent curry, and “OOLOO”, a stylish and delicious café that looks good.
Please visit one of these cafes and enjoy the spectacular view!
