Japan Travel: Imperial History and Culture at the Shuri Castle, in Okinawa Main Island, Okinawa07

Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Okinawa served an important role in Okinawa’s history. Though presently a district of Naha, Shuri was the former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Until Okinawa became a Japanese Prefecture in 1879, Shuri Castle was both the administrative center as well as residence for the Ryukyu kings for several centuries.

The castle was originally constructed in the late 1300s. Destroyed many times through war and fires, the current buildings are a result of the reconstruction efforts from 1992. To approach the castle, located on the top of hill, visitors need to pass through many gates, including the well known Shureimon Gate.

The castle’s main hall, the Seiden was the former venue for many governmental events. A landmark of Okinawa, the Seiden’s flamboyant decoration, architecture and vermillion color shows the difference in castle style between Okinawa and mainland Japan.

Visitors will find the Una Plaza in front of the Seiden. Here many ceremonies were held. The Una Plaza is enclosed by the Hokuden (North Hall), Nanden (South Hall) and the Hoshinmon (Hoshin Gate). The Hokuden and Nanden were administrative buildings which were also used as venues to welcome visitors from China and mainland Japan.

Visitors are welcomed to view the interior of these historic halls. The interiors of the Hokuden and Nanden are like modern museums with informative displays about Ryukyu Kingdom as well as the Okinawa’s history with the Japanese mainland and China. Visitors can also view local historic artifact as well as cultural replicas received during foreign trade.

The Seiden has been reconstructed in its original style. The richness and fine furnishing the Ryukyu kings were accustomed to are displayed in the Seiden. Visitors can even view a replica of the king’s throne and crown are among the exhibits.　　　　　　　　　　　

Facility Information:
Hours: 8:30 to 19:00 (until 18:00 from December to March, until 20:00 from July to September)
**Last Entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed: First Wednesday and Thursday of July
Admission: 820 yen
Level of English: Good

Access Information:
By foot:
*From Shuri Station, a 15-20 minute walk
Via Bus:
*From Shuri Station, take the number 7 or 8 bus, and disembark at Shurijo-mae (首里城前). The journey should take five minute with a cost of 160 yen.
*From central Naha (Kokusaidori), take bus number 1. Depart the bus at the Shurijo Koen Iriguchi (首里城公園入口) stop. The journey should take about 15-20 minutes and costs 230 yen.
Via car:
From central Naha, about 10 minutes.
From Naha Airport, about 20 minutes.
Note: During rush hour, it will take longer.

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