Shurijo Castle was the center of politics, diplomacy, and culture during the Ryukyu Dynasty.
Shuri Castle is a place that visitors to Okinawa are likely to visit at least once.
Shuri Castle was the political, diplomatic, and cultural center of the Ryukyu Dynasty.
The beautiful vermilion-lacquered Shuri Castle, a fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Ryukyu cultures, gives a completely different impression from castles outside the prefecture.
On October 31, 2019, the Shuri Castle main hall and six surrounding buildings caught fire in the early morning.
Shurijo Castle is under construction, with reconstruction scheduled for 2026.
In consideration of safety, not only the free areas that have not been affected but also the toll areas are open to the public as a “showcase reconstruction.
Point 1: Think of the glamorous Ryukyu Kingdom
Shureimon is a beautiful vermilion-lacquered gate famous for its depiction on the 2,000 yen bill. It has been used as a filming location for dramas and movies such as the morning drama “Churasan. Shureimon is not a World Heritage site.
Sono Hiyan Utaki Ishimon is a World Heritage Site. It is a sacred place where the king prayed for safety on his way to the capital.
This is “Ryuhi. It got its name from the spring water coming out of the dragon’s mouth. Because fresh water was available, it was possible to build the castle on high ground. Around the castle are stone monuments with titles praising the beauty of the water from the dragon’s mouth.
Point 2: Shuri Castle is like a phoenix that comes back to life again and again, even if it catches fire.
Once you pass through the Hoshinmon gate, the atmosphere changes completely and you realize that the beautiful main hall is no longer there.
As part of the “reconstruction for show,” walkways and observation decks have been installed in the tolled areas.
You can safely see the reconstruction work and the broken busts and burnt red tiles.
The remains are a World Heritage Site. It was open to the public until May 22, 2010.
Point 3: Great view from Azana to the west.
The free area “Azana of the West” is an observation deck, which offers a panoramic view of Naha Harbor and the Kerama Islands on a clear day. You can see that Ryukyu was surrounded by the sea and was a kingdom that prospered through diplomacy.
It is also famous as one of the best evening view spots in Naha. Looking in the direction of Naha Airport, you can see airplanes taking off and landing with the evening view in the background, and you can even see silhouetted airplanes. Please check the sunset time and stop by.
