Shuri Castle

area:
Okinawa
category:
Castles & Historic Sites
Cultural Immersion & Activities
keyword:
# Castle
# World Heritage
The majestic Seiden (Main Hall) of Shuri Castle, a vibrant red, Okinawan-style wooden building with a tiled plaza in front, set against a bright blue sky.
The Kankaimon Gate of Shuri Castle, an arched stone gate flanked by high stone walls with two stone Shisa statues on pedestals.
The Shureimon Gate, a bright red, traditional Ryukyu-style gate with a distinctive curved, red-tiled roof, surrounded by lush tropical greenery.
A wide view of the large courtyard (Una) in front of the main buildings of Shuri Castle, showing the distinct red and white striped paving.
A close-up of a large, dark bronze temple bell with intricate circular patterns, hanging within a wooden structure.
The majestic Seiden (Main Hall) of Shuri Castle, a vibrant red, Okinawan-style wooden building with a tiled plaza in front, set against a bright blue sky.
The Kankaimon Gate of Shuri Castle, an arched stone gate flanked by high stone walls with two stone Shisa statues on pedestals.
The Shureimon Gate, a bright red, traditional Ryukyu-style gate with a distinctive curved, red-tiled roof, surrounded by lush tropical greenery.
A wide view of the large courtyard (Una) in front of the main buildings of Shuri Castle, showing the distinct red and white striped paving.
A close-up of a large, dark bronze temple bell with intricate circular patterns, hanging within a wooden structure.

Key Points

  • Was the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom (15th–19th centuries) and a thriving cultural epicenter for the arts

  • A unique building whose architectural style is heavily influenced by a fusion of Chinese and Japanese elements

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site

Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa, served as the royal court of the Ryukyu Kingdom (a kingdom that lasted from 1429 to 1879 and was located in present-day Okinawa) for over 450 years. Following an invasion by the Satsuma clan in 1609, the kingdom became a vassal state during Japan’s Edo period. While controlled by Satsuma, Ryukyu maintained a careful facade of independence to continue its valuable trade with China.

The castle is said to have been built in the early-15th century and later expanded, and reflects a unique fusion of Chinese and Japanese influences. In 2000, the castle ruins were designated as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.”

Though destroyed several times in history—including during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 and by fire in 2019—Shuri Castle has always risen from the ashes. Restoration continues today, with the exterior scheduled for completion in autumn 2025 and the interior opening to the public in autumn 2026. However, you can still visit and explore the castle grounds, and attend special events featuring classical Ryukyuan music and dance when available. Shuri Castle remains a proud symbol of Okinawa’s history and resilience, and a unique structure in Okinawa.

Information

Spot information including address, access, and website

Address

1-2 Kinjo-cho, Shuri, Naha City, Okinawa

Access from Tokyo
(1) From Tokyo Station, take the Keihin-Tōhoku Line Local to Hamamatsuchō Station (approx. 7 min).
(2) At Hamamatsuchō Station, walk to Monorail Hamamatsucho Station (approx. 2 minutes).
(3) From Monorail Hamamatsucho Station, take the Tokyo Monorail Airport Rapid to Haneda Airport (approx. 13 min).
(4) From Haneda Airport, take an airplane to Naha Airport.
(5) From Naha Airport Station, take the Yui Rail Local to Shuri Station (approx. 28 min).
(6) From Shuri Station, walk to the Shuri Castle (approx. 5 minutes).

Show route from Tokyo Station

Website
https://oki-park.jp.e.ms.hp.transer.com/shurijo/

Map

For the latest information regarding facility operating hours, please check the official website.

Last updated: Dec. 17th, 2025

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