Okinawa's famous castle: Nakijin Castle

Nakijin Castle Ruins ~ "A Military Site with a Long History; a Prosperous Kingdom in the Port of Unten"

Nakijin Castle is located in Nago, northern Okinawa. Despite its small size, Okinawa boasts a rich cultural heritage and rich history. Okinawa boasts nine World Heritage Sites! Nakijin Castle is one of them. Although only ruins remain today, it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2000, demonstrating its profound cultural and historical significance. ❗️

🏰About Nakijin Castle:
In its heyday, it was the second-largest castle in Ryukyu, second only to the renowned Shurijo Castle. Its walls stretch 1.5 kilometers, and its elevation is approximately 100 meters. It offers a panoramic view of Unten Port. From late January to early February, cherry blossoms 🌸 bloom each year, making it a perfect spot for cherry blossom viewing! This castle ruin is also listed as one of the "100 Most Famous Castles in Japan 🇯🇵"❗️

📚History Lesson:
Okinawa's history can be roughly divided into three periods. Before 1429, it was known as the "Sanzan Period"; from 1429 to 1609, it was the "Ryukyu Kingdom"; and after 1609, the Satsuma Domain invaded Okinawa, officially incorporating it into Japan's 🇯🇵 territory!!
~Sanzan Period~
In the past, the southern part of Okinawa was called "Nanzan," the central part "Chuzan," and the northern part "Hokuzan." Nakijin Castle was occupied by the king of Hokuzan until 1429, when the Sho family invaded and established the Ryukyu Kingdom.

~Ryukyu Kingdom~
After establishing the Ryukyu Kingdom, the Sho family frequently established trade relations with Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asian countries, establishing its capital in Shuri. The Ryukyu Kingdom ended in 1609, when the Satsuma domain invaded Okinawa from Unten Port.

🏢Unique Architectural Techniques:
When the walls of Nakijin Castle were first constructed, trade and cultural exchange between Ryukyu and China flourished in the 14th century. The castle walls were built using the supposedly oldest "Nomo-mai" method, which involves stacking untreated stones. The Ryukyu rocks are limestone, a type of volcanic rock. The rocks are rich in calcium, making them ideal for fortifications!

✨Must-See Highlights:
~Monument to the Divine Mother's Love~
Legend has it that King Kitayama had a concubine named Shikei Shinotsu. When the king's quest for a child was unsuccessful, the concubine's sincere prayers finally resulted in the birth of a son. Upon learning of this, the king doted on her. Because of her pure heart, she was revered as the Nakijin God.

~Ontake on the Castle Walls~
Regarded as a sacred power spot within Nakijin Castle, "Ontake" means "holy ground" in the Okinawan dialect. It's said that a sacred stone once existed here, but this remains undiscovered. Legend has it that the sacred stone was once the guardian deity of Kitayama. Before committing suicide, the King of Kitayama declared, "I will not allow you to survive alone," and then split the stone in half. The damaged stone was later taken by an unknown source and has been lost ever since. It is a sacred and legendary site!

🚴Access:
1. Self-driving
2. From Naha Airport, take the YKB888 bus to Nakijin Castle (approximately 2.5-3 hours).

📍Address: 5101 Nakijin-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

🕰️Opening Hours:
1. Normal Season (January-April, September-December): 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last admission 5:30 PM)
2. Extended Summer Season (May-August): 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Last admission 6:30 PM)

🎟️Average Cost:
Adults: 600 yen
Middle and High School Students: 450 yen
Under 12: Free🆓

💞Recommendations:
1. I recommend any World Heritage Site.
2. For travelers who love history.
3. Famous Cherry Blossom Spots.
4. One of Japan's Top 100 Castles.

🗓️Itinerary:
Nakijin Castle and Nakijin Castle History and Culture Center - Nago Pineapple Garden - Churaumi Aquarium

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