Chibana Castle Site

A ruinous relic of the Ryukyuan Kingdom

Michael Flemming Oct 25, 2013 - 2 min read

<p>The Chibana Castle Site is located to the northeast of the intersection of Routes 329 and 16 in Okinawa City; look for this sign while traveling north on Route 329</p>

<p>This lone wooded hilltop is your destination</p>

<p>The entrance to the Chibana Castle Site is at the end of this steeply inclining road</p>

<p>You'll know you're in the right place once you see this memorial which adjoins the site</p>

<p>Park along side the end of this road</p>

<p>The lone sign in English is along main footpath on the hillside</p>

<p>The first set of stairs seen at the Chibana Castle site leads to a small alter and ritual area</p>

<p>This area looks like it was used relatively recently</p>

<p>The city clears the brush and fallen trees a few times each year, but there will likely be a few obstacles in your way</p>

<p>This is the footpath that leads to the observation post at the top of the hill</p>

<p>One of the side paths leads to a blocked off area that is off limits to visitors; its unknown how long this abandoned construction site has existed, but the wooden structure has endured at least a few years without collapsing</p>

<p>Be careful of obstacles in front of you, above you, and beneath you</p>

<p>This large modern tomb is on the southern side of the base of the hill at the Chibana Castle Site</p>

<p>This marker is the starting point up the main path to the top of the Chibana Castle Site</p>

<p>The jungle and time have already claimed the original castle and is slowly taking over the concrete stairs and other improvements at the site</p>

<p>The entire site is relatively dark with many steep inclines, narrow paths, fallen trees and lots of insects</p>

<p>Some of the trails lead to areas reserved only for the brave</p>

<p>These steps are starting to crumble</p>

<p>This area immediately before these steps must be crawled</p>

<p>You are almost at the top once the observation post can be seen</p>

<p>There is not much at the top of the hill other than the observation post</p>

<p>The writing states that this is a new Okinawa Prefecture tourist area and is dated as 1964</p>

<p>Time is slowly reclaiming the improvements at the Chibana Castle Site</p>

<p>This area is between the top of the last stairs and the observation post; it may be a part of the Castle Ruins but it's impossible to be sure</p>

<p>Overgrown trees and nearby power lines obstruct part of the 360 degree view from the observation tower. This view to the west shows the Hotel Royal III love hotel and the Okinawa Expressway with the Camp Shields American Navy Base in the background</p>

<p>Okinawa City shown to the south of the Chibana Castle Site</p>

<p>Giant wood spiders, also known as banana spiders, are everywhere</p>

The Chibana Castle Site in Okinawa City is a great example of the condition which most of the 200 plus Ryukyuan Kingdom historical sites are presently in. It's not intact or restored or even ruinous, it is simply a site with not much more than modern day walk ways and signage to show that it was once the chosen home of the local Lord. Perched high on a hilltop that has been reclaimed by dense jungle vegetation, it absolutely does take an adventurous spirit and active imagination to envision the Okinawa City Site of Importance as something more than just a forgotten relic of Okinawa's past. The site is a great spot for a short visit as it takes no more than an hour to explore the hill, walk the paths, enjoy the views, and trudge through its overgrown boonies. Wear very comfortable hiking shoes and full length clothing as the site is not only overwhelmed by the jungle but much of the improvements to make it accessible by foot have deteriorated over the years. There is an observation tower at the top of the hill. The site is less than five minutes south of the Okinawa Expressway Exit number 5 at the intersection of Routes 329 and 16. Just north of that intersection look for the "Chibanajo Castle Site" signage and the towering hillside. Drive toward the hill as shown on the signs which will lead down a steeply declining road. While on this steep decline look for an equally steep inclining road on the left after about 50 meters which leads to the site. The Chibana Castle Site is open 24 hours a day but it's best to visit during daylight hours.

Michael Flemming @michael.flemming

I'm a wanderer in Okinawa turning over every stone I can find. I write, photograph and blog about my favorite finds here in Japan's southernmost prefecture.