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Shurijo Castle Park

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Shurijo Castle Park

A breathtaking castle and symbol of Okinawan history and culture on the path to reconstruction.

3.51 12

Last update :
Supervised by :  Shurijo Castle Park Management Center

Shurijo is a proud Okinawan icon whose brightly-painted vermillion walls also make it the only red castle in Japan.
The castle served as the esteemed seat of politics, trade and culture for the Ryukyu Kingdom that existed during the 450 years between 1429 and 1879.
It sits atop the hill overlooking Naha City, surrounded by curving walls.
The castle was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for the rich culture and history visible in its unique stone-masonry and construction, which fuses both Chinese and Japanese architectural influences.

Unfortunately, Shurijo was ravaged in a fire in 2019, causing 8 of the castle buildings to burn down. Many people wept at the devastation, but support from Japan and around the world allowed the beginning of restoration and reconstruction efforts that are now underway. Part of the grounds were reopened with admissions rates as of June 2020.

Highlights

  • A strikingly beautiful castle and symbol of Okinawa.
  • Registered UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • While currently under reconstruction, visitor access is still available.
  • Many restaurants and souvenir shops nearby.
  • There is a free audio guide app for phones. (Japanese, English and Chinese available)

Videos

Photos

  • Shurijo Castle prior to the devastating fire.

    Shurijo Castle prior to the devastating fire.

  • Shurijo Castle prior to the devastating fire.

    Shurijo Castle prior to the devastating fire.

  • Shureimon Gate

    Shureimon Gate

  • Kankaimon Gate

    Kankaimon Gate

  • Shurijo Castle after the 2019 fire.

    Shurijo Castle after the 2019 fire.

  • View from Shurijo castle.

    View from Shurijo castle.

Reviews

12

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 楊雅雯
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    If you're visiting Okinawa, I highly recommend making time to visit Shurijo Castle. This historic castle symbolizes Okinawa's history and culture. Although it was damaged by fire, it is now gradually being rebuilt. As you walk through the grounds, you can get a sense of the former splendor of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The red-tiled buildings, stone walls, and surrounding scenery are all very distinctive. Even though some areas are still under construction, you can see the reconstruction in progress, giving you a deeper sense of how important this castle is to Okinawa. I look forward to visiting again and seeing a more complete and vibrant Shurijo Castle.

  • wendy
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    Shurijo Castle Park in Naha is definitely worth a visit. It was once the political, economic, and cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Inside the castle grounds, the red buildings, red-tiled roofs, and traditional gardens come together, and you can feel the rich Ryukyuan character everywhere.

    The four Chinese characters meaning “Land of Propriety” at the entrance also reflect the historical influence of Chinese culture and Confucian thought at the time. Although Shurijo Castle was destroyed by war and fires, it continues to be rebuilt step by step. Walking through the grounds isn't just about admiring the architecture; it also feels like experiencing Okinawa's history and culture through the years.

    If you enjoy historic sites and traditional architecture, Shurijo Castle is definitely a stop you shouldn't miss on a trip to Okinawa.

  • 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
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    Shurijo Castle is an iconic World Cultural Heritage landmark that symbolizes the glorious history and unique culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It combines the best of Chinese and Japanese architecture with the deep-red style of a Ryukyuan palace, making it both stately and elegant. Although many areas are still being rebuilt after the 2019 fire, it's worth a visit.

    While you're there, I recommend visiting the teahouse inside the castle. In the historic palace setting, you can enjoy traditional Ryukyuan court sweets—chinsuko—and fragrant jasmine tea while admiring the lush garden. It feels like traveling back in time and immersing yourself in the elegance of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

  • Gina C
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    Shurijo Castle Park is one of Okinawa’s most iconic historical attractions. As soon as you enter the grounds, you can feel the strong culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The red gates and traditional architecture are very distinctive and quite different from typical Japanese castles. There are beautiful photo opportunities all along the way.

    This time, I visited in person and took a leisurely walk through the castle ruins, admiring the vermilion buildings and surrounding scenery while also learning quite a bit about the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Although some buildings are being reconstructed, you can still sense Shurijo Castle’s former splendor and importance.

  • 王小鈞
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    The first time I saw Shurijo Castle, I honestly couldn’t stop taking photos! The whole castle is such a vivid red and has so much character. It feels completely different from other castles in Japan, and it looks great from just about any angle.

    Walking along the castle walls and around the grounds, you can enjoy views of Naha while feeling the historic atmosphere left behind by the Ryukyu Kingdom. Even though Shurijo Castle is still under restoration, it’s still well worth seeing in person.

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Details

Name in Japanese
首里城公園
Postal Code
903-0815
Address
1-2 Kinjo-cho, Shuri, Naha City, Okinawa
Tel
098-886-2020
Closed
On the first Wednesday and the following day in July.
Business Hours
[Free Area]April-November 8:00am - 7:30pm
December-March 8:00am - 6:30pm
[Paid Area]April-November 8:30am - 7:00pm (Last Admission 6:30pm)
December-March 8:30am - 6:00pm (Last Admission 5:30pm)
Admission(Paid Area)
Adult 400yen, High School Student 300yen, Elementary/Jr. High School Student 160yen, Aged 6 & Younger Free
Access
(1) Approx. 25 min. drive from Naha Airport
(2) Approx. 15 min. walk from Shuri Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail)
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa