Explore the Treasure of the Ryukyu Kingdom: Shuri Castle in Okinawa

Shuri Castle is located in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It was the palace and political center during the Okinawa Kingdom period and is also one of the symbols of Okinawa's traditional culture. Shuri Castle is one of Okinawa's most important cultural heritage sites and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Shuri Castle was built in the 15th century. It was originally just a simple watchtower, but was later expanded into a palace-style castle, becoming the palace and seat of government of the Ryukyu King. Shuri Castle combines Chinese, Japanese and Ryukyu styles, showcasing Okinawa's unique architectural features.

Shuri Castle consists of several buildings and gardens, the most famous of which are the North Hall, the Middle Hall, and the South Hall. The halls are painted in red Ryukyu brushstrokes and have traditional Ryukyu red tiles on the roofs. There are many ancient cultural relics and artworks preserved in Shuri Castle, including the Ryukyu crown, imperial objects and documents, which show the prosperity and splendor of Ryukyu culture.

Visitors to Shuri Castle can tour the interior of the building and admire the elegant gardens and historical indoor exhibitions. In addition, you can also enjoy traditional Ryukyu dance and music performances and learn about the diversity and richness of Ryukyu culture.

It is worth mentioning that Shuri Castle was destroyed during World War II in 1945, but was restored and rebuilt in 1992 and became an important historical and cultural site. However, in October 2019, Shuri Castle was severely damaged again due to a fire. Although it has not yet been fully restored, the local government and people are making efforts to rebuild this important cultural heritage.

In short, Shuri Castle is an important historical and cultural heritage of Okinawa Prefecture, showcasing the magnificence and prosperity of the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Visitors can appreciate the long history, beautiful architecture and gardens, and learn about the charm of Ryukyu culture. Whether you are interested in history or culture and art, Shuri Castle is a must-visit attraction.

#Japan #Okinawa #Shuri Castle

Post by 西門兄 | Nov 1, 2023