Yara Castle Site

A remnant of Ryukyuan greatness in Kadena Town

Michael Flemming Nov 09, 2013 - 2 min read

<p>Since the actual castle isn't present, the most picturesque part of the site is the observation tower area that is surrounded by a small pond and the Hija River</p>

<p>There are many signs in the park that detail what was once at the Yara Castle Site</p>

<p>This map is on a sign at the entrance of the larger of the two parking lots at the Yara Castle Site</p>

<p>Remains from the castle's original tombs have been placed into modern recreations within the park</p>

<p>There are many paved and unpaved trails throughout the park</p>

<p>The Hija River forms the northern limit of the site</p>

<p>There are many modern day tombs located at the Yara Castle Site</p>

<p>The limestone hills are reinforced by concrete walls in some areas to help slow down erosion</p>

<p>This observation tower is in the center of the park</p>

<p>The observation tower's upper deck has been secured for some time</p>

<p>This small pond is beside the observation tower and adjacent to the Hija River</p>

<p>The many pathways in the park are the highlight of the Hija Castle Site</p>

<p>The Hija River divides Kadena Town from neighboring Yomitan Village</p>

<p>Some of the areas along the Hija River are cordoned off from public access and are presumably awaiting repair</p>

<p>Bring your own toilet paper or wait until getting to better restroom facilities</p>

<p>Five long haired dobsons swimming in the pond at the Yara Castle Site</p>

<p>Stay away from thick vegetation as there's likely to be poisonous habu snakes lurking about</p>

<p>A lone makeshift football goal seems to be forgotten in overgrown grass in the park at the Yara Castle Site</p>

<p>This playground equipment doesn't appear to be very merry and likely wouldn't be too fun to go around in</p>

<p>This concrete slide is trimmed by well-maintained grass but nevertheless surrounded by old and neglected structures</p>

<p>This old slide has seen better days</p>

<p>The entrance to the Yara Castle Site as seen from the Kadena Town residential street that runs along side it</p>

The grounds of Yara Castle Site show no discernable evidence that it was once the proud home of Lord Yara Okawa's 15th century gusuku style castle. The hilly site is a present day Kadena Town park that commands distant views of the Hija River Valley. The lack of structures or ruins relegates the park to being a must see destination only for diehard culture and history buffs, or those that just happen to be nearby.

The best features of the Yara Castle Site other than the plentiful signs written in both Japanese and English are the endless walking trails along the limestone hills and along the Hija River. Some parts of the park are immaculately groomed while others seem to be left to deteriorate; but the park itself appears to be undergoing a facelift which once completed could substantively improve the beauty and utility of the site.

There is a small playground along the residential road along the exterior of the park and a few restrooms throughout for public use. The park is open 24 hours a day but the two parking lots on the property are usually sealed off during nighttime hours. Look for the signs along the roadway on Route 74 in Kadena Town to find the park.

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.