Culture
Shuri-jo Castle
Peter SidellA blend of Japanese and Chinese cultures, Shuri-jo castle was the seat of Ryukyuan royalty before the Okinawan islands became part of Japan, and is both striking and distinct.
Shuri Castle was built in the 14th century and was the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It was neglected for almost 400 years and suffered great damage during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. After the war, the castle was used as a university campus, but from 1992 it was rebuilt through extensive reconstructions based on historical records and photographs.
The main buildings of Shuri Castle were destroyed by fire on the night of October 31, 2019. The government plans to reconstruct the Seiden (main hall) by autumn 2026. In the meantime, tourists are encouraged to visit the castle and watch the reconstruction work.
The castle served as the administrative center for several centuries until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. The castle is listed as one of the Ryukyu Kingdom's castles declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
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The Seiden, or “West Hall,” is also called the State Palace. It was located east of the Una and faced west toward China. The Great Dragon pillars were crafted from sandstone and were symbolic of the king. These dragon motifs are replicated throughout the castle.
Together with 13 other gates, Shureimon Gate was the second ceremonial gate to the Shuri-jo Castle complex. Following the design concepts of the rest of the majority of the castle complexes, the gate also has a distinct Chinese feel to its structure.
Shuri-jo Castle was also home to several shrines (~utaki) and temples (~ji). Three of which played a role of significant importance to the functions of the castle. Kyo-no-uchi, where prayers by high priestesses were made; Sonohyan-utaki where the king prayed for order and safety; and the Suimi-utaki, which was supposedly created by the gods and is the theme of many songs and prayers in Ryukyu’s oldest music collection.
Royal stone gate used by the former King as a placer of prayer and exit of the castle grounds – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shuri-jo Castle is a 5-minute walk from Shuri Station.
A blend of Japanese and Chinese cultures, Shuri-jo castle was the seat of Ryukyuan royalty before the Okinawan islands became part of Japan, and is both striking and distinct.
Shuri Jo Castle Park is an UNESCO World Heritage site and the capital of the proud Ryukyu empire.
Sonohyan Utaki was the stone gate used by the Ryukyuan King as a prayer point and exit when departing Shuri Castle. It is one of Okinawa's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The grandeur and romance of the Ryukyu Kingdom is best celebrated in the once a year Shurijo Castle Festival. The royals for the year, along with their Chinese envoys, were dressed in the traditional garb of this elegant period and make a public appearance at the castle.
Hotel Route-Inn Naha Tomariko has a fantastic location in Naha city. One of my favorite places in the hotel is, with no doubt, the 14th floor, where you can just relax in the large public bath or check out the relaxation room equipped with a couple of full-body massage sofas. Both spots have amazing views over Naha city.
APA Hotel, Naha. A mid range hotel in the centre of Naha, Okinawa, Japan.
I spent my last night in Naha at this great hotel placed just by the canal in the central area of Kumoji, not far from Kokusai Dori. I chose this hotel mainly for its convenient location, as it is just 15 minutes away from the airport by Yui Rail or by car. Moreover its central location makes this hotel a great base for both sightseeing and other activities.
Learning about Awamori Distillation in Naha's Shuri district
Speaking of life and death, this is an eatery from another world. The annual festival of Obon, or All Souls day, is when the Japanese welcome back the dead, reviving them with a feast so good that they would travel from another universe for.
Being in Sakaemachi is like being in your teenager’s bedroom. At midday it looks lifeless, abandoned, and unkempt. At dusk the lights are finally turned on, and it is time to party. Four hours in Naha. - An evening at the Sakaemachi drinking holes
Kokusai-dori is Naha’s most famous street, stretching 1.6 kilometers through the city center and offering an around-the-clock experience of Okinawan culture. Once a quiet track before World War II, the street developed rapidly after the Ernie Pyle International Theater opened to serve U.S. servicemen. Today it is a bustling thoroughfare lined with shops, eateries, arcades, and entertainment venues. The street balances international convenience with strong local character. Global brands and chain stores stand beside family-run shops, food stalls, and covered markets. Heiwa-dori Arcade, located midway along, features narrow lanes filled with pottery, seafood, textiles, and shisa statues. These lion-dog guardians, placed in pairs, are symbols of protection and good fortune throughout Okinawa. Nearby Ichiba-hondori leads to a farmers’ market showcasing fresh produce, while Mutsumi-dori provides another glimpse into the city’s traditional shopping culture. Dining and nightlife are central to the Kokusai-dori experience. Visitors can sample Okinawan specialties at izakaya and restaurants, with awamori, a rice-based distilled spirit, frequently on the menu. Stronger varieties reach up to 60% alcohol content, while habushu—awamori infused with a preserved habu viper—offers a distinctive local specialty. Evenings are the most vibrant time to visit. Street performers gather on Saturdays, providing traditional music, folk dance, and contemporary acts. On Sundays the street is closed to vehicles, transforming into a pedestrian-friendly space filled with activity. Shops typically remain open until 11 p.m., and the nightlife in surrounding bars and venues continues into the early morning hours. Easily accessible from Naha Airport by monorail, Kokusai-dori serves as both a cultural introduction and a lively gathering place. With shopping, entertainment, and food available at nearly every hour, it remains the centerpiece of Naha’s urban life.
Naminoue Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. It is located on a high cliff overlooking Naminoue Beach and the ocean. Any boat that enters and exits the trading base of Naha Port looks to the shrine on top of the high cliff and prays for a safe journey, the shrine has always been revered and people pray for a rich fish catch and a rich harvest as well. Each new year the king himself visited the shrine on behalf of his people to pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation. The Naminoue Shrine is admired as the "" main shrine of the kingdom "". It was classified as a Kanpei-shousha (Shrine of National Significance) and Okinawa Sochinju (Shrine that protects all of Okinawa) in the Meiji era, but it was destroyed during the war. After the war, the shrine office (Shamusho) and the main shrine (Honden) were rebuilt in 1953. The church (Haiden) followed a little later and was rebuilt in 1961. In 2006 the Naminoque Shrine was declared a Historic Heritage Site of the City of Naha.
Kinjo-cho's ishidatami michi, a stone-paved path near Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa.