Like many of the more than 200 Ryukyuan historical sites on Okinawa, the Iha Castle Ruins has little more than crumbling walls to show that it was once the position of power in the local area (Photo: Michael Flemming)

Iha Castle Ruins

An Okinawa Prefecture cultural asset

Michael Flemming   - 1 min read

The Iha Castle Ruins is a large preserved property in central Okinawa with spectacular views of the Ishikawa district of Uruma City and Kinbu Bay. Designated as an Okinawa Prefecture cultural asset, the ruins are really nothing more than a proud reservation set aside from development with limestone walls ringing much of the area. A large sign next to the stone torrii at the entrance details how the archeological finds in the area date the castle back to the 13th to 15th centuries. The site is a must see for die hard history buffs as the Iha Nuru Tomb site is located near the ruins 200 meters to the north.

Getting there

The easiest way to access the Iha Castle ruins is to drive to the intersection of the Route 329 Bypass and Route 6 in northern Uruma City. This intersection is in between nearby Iha Park to the south and the Route 329 tunnel to the north. Head east along Route 6 from this intersection to the next lighted interchange; turn north (left) at this intersection and look to the right while driving down the narrow road to see the large stone torrii.

Michael Flemming

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.