Nakijin Castle (Nakijin-jo) is a castle (gusuku) located on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa Prefecture, an hour and a half drive from Naha City. Located on a hill about 100 meters above sea level, it is also known as Kitayama Castle.
The stone walls are beautifully curved to take advantage of the terrain and are said to be one of the most famous castles in Okinawa. The castle walls are about 1.5 km long and 8 m high at their highest point, making the castle second only to Shuri Castle in terms of overall size. Visitors can learn about the surrounding area and its historical background at the Nakijin Village History and Culture Center, which is located on the grounds of the parking lot.
History of Nakijin Castle
Ryukyu had a period of warring states known as the “Sanzan Period,” during which the Ryukyu Kingdom was divided into the three forces of Hokusan, Chuzan, and Nanzan.
Nakijin Castle was the residence of the King of Kitayama, who ruled from the northern part of the main island to the Amami region, and after it was destroyed by Shobashi in 1416, it became the residence of the officials sent by the Ryukyu Kingdom to guard the castle.
In 2000, the castle was registered on the World Heritage List as “Gusuku and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu. Today, the castle is visited by tourists as well as many Okinawans during the cherry blossom season in January.
The Sanctuary inside Nakijin Castle
Many people come to Nakijinjo to worship at the Utaki or worship site, which is a sacred place.
Utaki is a general term for ritual facilities unique to the Ryukyu Islands and sanctuaries in the Ryukyuan faith.
In Nakijin Castle, many places are highly valued by the local people, such as the Utaki called Tenchigiamachiji, Hinukan (God of Fire), and Kalaukar, a place where the Kamintu (Gods) make a pilgrimage. The buildings of the castle were burned down by the Satsuma army, but the stonewalls remain as they were. The stone walls that protect this land are truly a power spot.
Cherry blossoms at Nakijin Castle Ruins
Nakijin Castle is also known as one of the best places to view the cherry blossoms (Kanbizakura) in Okinawa. Okinawa’s cherry blossoms are at their best from late January to mid-February each year, and the “Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival” held in conjunction with this time is popular among Okinawans as the festival that brings out the best of the Nakijin Castle ruins.
Visitors can also admire the illuminated nighttime cherry blossoms at night. If you visit Okinawa during the winter season, be sure to enjoy the beauty of the castle walls and the cherry blossoms of Nakijin Castle.
