Nakijin Castle Ruins

Nakijin Castle, located in the northern part of Okinawa's main island, is a stunning historic site that has been designated a World Heritage Site. Its appeal is wide-ranging, but the following points stand out.

1. Spectacular Stone Walls and Spectacular Views
Nakijin Castle's greatest appeal lies in its magnificent scale and gracefully curved walls, built to take advantage of the undulating terrain. At approximately 1.5 km in length, it boasts a size second only to Shuri Castle.

The castle walls are made of extremely hard Paleozoic limestone, found only in this region. Because processing is difficult, the natural stone is laid in a natural, unpolished pile using the "nozurazumi" method. The intricately interwoven walls of these irregular stones exude a sense of historical weight and power, awe-inspiring visitors.

Furthermore, built on a 100-meter elevation, the castle offers a spectacular view of the East China Sea from within. In particular, from the area known as "Uchibaru," the contrast between the blue of the sea and sky and the green of the castle walls' stones and grass is incredibly beautiful, allowing you to enjoy a view where history and nature blend in harmony.
2. Experience the romance of the Ryukyu Kingdom's history
Nakijin Castle flourished as the residence of the Hokuzan King during the "Sanzan Period," before the unification of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It was later captured by Sho Hashi and placed under the rule of the Ryukyu Kingdom, becoming the residence of a magistrate known as a kanshu. However, in 1609, the Satsuma Domain invaded Ryukyu, setting it ablaze and leaving it abandoned.
With this historical background, numerous ceramics and other artifacts have been excavated from the Nakijin Castle ruins, revealing traces of trade with China, Southeast Asia, and Japan at the time, testifying to the area's former role as the political, economic, and cultural center of northern Okinawa.
By touring the stone walls and ruins, you can feel the breath of the people who lived through such turbulent times and experience the sacred atmosphere that permeates the area.
3. Enjoying the Seasons
Nakijin Castle displays a variety of different faces throughout the year. The Kanhizakura cherry blossoms, which bloom from late January to early February, are a must-see. Unlike the Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms found on the mainland, the bright pink flowers of the Kanhizakura create a stunning harmony with the historic stone walls, captivating many visitors. The cherry blossoms are also lit up at night, creating a magical nighttime atmosphere.
4. Comprehensive Guide Services
For a deeper look into the Nakijin Castle ruins, we recommend using a volunteer guide. Guides from the Nakijin Gusuku Study Group are on hand to offer free tours of the castle grounds, providing detailed explanations of its history, legends, and must-see attractions. Listening to the guide's stories will leave you deeply moved and filled with new discoveries that simply admiring the scenery cannot provide.
These attractions make Nakijin Castle more than just a tourist destination; it has evolved into a special place where you can experience history, nature, and culture with all five senses.

Post by Keviny3635 | Aug 23, 2025