Shuri Castle, located in Naha, the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture in Japan, is a magnificent structure that stands as a testament to the rich history and culture of the Okinawan people. With its distinctive red-tiled roofs and intricate architectural details, Shuri Castle has become an iconic landmark and a symbol of Okinawa’s unique heritage.
Originally built in the 14th century, Shuri Castle served as the royal residence of the Ryukyu Kingdom, an independent kingdom that ruled over the Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa, for several centuries. The castle complex was not only the political center of the kingdom but also a hub of cultural and artistic activities.
The architecture of Shuri Castle is a blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Okinawan styles, reflecting the historical influences and trade connections of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The main buildings, such as the Seiden (Main Hall), the Hokuden (North Hall), and the Nanden (South Hall), were meticulously designed and adorned with intricate carvings, colorful paintings, and traditional Ryukyuan textiles.
Tragically, Shuri Castle has faced its fair share of challenges throughout history. It was destroyed multiple times during the Ryukyu Kingdom’s conflicts with neighboring powers, including the Satsuma Domain of Japan. The castle was also heavily damaged during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, when it served as a strategic military stronghold.
However, the resilience of the Okinawan people and their commitment to preserving their cultural heritage led to the restoration of Shuri Castle. After the war, extensive efforts were made to reconstruct the castle using traditional methods and materials. The reconstruction project aimed to recreate the castle’s original appearance, relying on historical records, photographs, and the expertise of local craftsmen.
In 1992, Shuri Castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding universal value as a cultural asset. The castle complex now serves as a museum, showcasing the history, art, and traditions of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Visitors can explore the various halls, gardens, and courtyards, gaining insights into the vibrant past of Okinawa.
Beyond its historical significance, Shuri Castle holds a special place in the hearts of the Okinawan people. It represents their identity, resilience, and cultural pride. The castle has become a symbol of Okinawa’s distinct heritage and a reminder of the enduring spirit of its people.
In recent years, Shuri Castle faced another devastating setback when a fire broke out in October 2019, causing significant damage to the main hall and other structures. However, the Okinawan community, along with the support of people from around the world, rallied together to raise funds for the restoration efforts. The fire served as a reminder of the castle’s importance and sparked a renewed determination to preserve this cultural treasure for future generations.
Shuri Castle stands as a living testament to the history, culture, and resilience of the Okinawan people. Its grandeur and beauty continue to captivate visitors from all over the world, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of Okinawa. As the restoration efforts continue, Shuri Castle will once again rise from the ashes, serving as a beacon of cultural pride and a symbol of the enduring spirit of the Okinawan people.
Shuri Castle Gates
The gates of Shuri Castle captivate visitors with their grandeur and historical significance.
Shurei-mon (King’s Gate)
There are several gates to Shuri Castle; the Shurei-mon Gate is among the most famous and is also represented on the two thousand yen bill. Built around 1527 – 1555, it was also designated as a national treasure, but destroyed in World War II. The current one was restored in 1958. “Shurei no Kuni (Land of Propriety)” which means “Reigi wo Mamoru Kuni (A country which observes proprieties.)”
Shurei-mon Gate is known for its vibrant red color and intricate architectural details. It features a distinctive design with a red-painted wooden structure adorned with a Chinese-style roof. The gate is adorned with various symbols, including dragons and phoenixes, which are traditional elements in East Asian architecture.
Shurei-mon Gate holds historical and cultural significance as a symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Visitors to Shuri Castle often pass through this gate as they explore the historical site. The gate has undergone restoration and reconstruction over the years to preserve its cultural heritage.
Sonohyan-utaki-ishimon
Sonohyan Utaki, a sacred grove of trees and plants, is a place of worship for the Ryukyu royal government, located between the Kankai-mon Gate and Shurei-mon Gate at Shuri Castle, along the way. Utaki means “shrine”. Its stone gate (ishimon)1 is one of several sites which together comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Originally only open to the king, the gates are now always closed, and as a result, they have in a sense taken on a sacred quality of their own, serving as a symbol of the truly sacred area that lies behind them. Many locals and tourists gather at the gates to pray.
Kankai-mon
In contrast to the exquisite “Shurei-mon,” this sturdy stone gate is shaped like an arch and features two Shisa2 statues on either side to ward off evil spirits.
Kankai, which means “welcome”, the gate was named to express welcome to the investiture envoys who visited Shuri as representatives of the Chinese Emperor. Constructed circa 1477–1500, during the reign of King Shō Shin, Kankaimon is the castle’s primary entrance. It was destroyed by fire in 1945 during the Battle of Okinawa and eventually rebuilt in 1974. Kankai, which means “welcome”, the gate was named to express welcome to the investiture envoys who visited Shuri as representatives of the Chinese Emperor
It also features a wooden turret on top. Shuri Castle is shielded by both its exterior and interior walls. This is the outer wall’s first front gate. Kanji signifies “hello.” The gate bears the name of a welcome message to the Chinese envoys.
Zuisen-mon
Zuisen-mon is a smaller gate that leads to the inner courtyard. It showcases a blend of Chinese and Okinawan architectural styles, with its elegant arches and vibrant colors, reflecting the cultural exchange between Okinawa and Japan. Zuisen means “a splendid and auspicious spring.” The gate takes its name from the Ryuhi spring just in front of it.
Zuisen-mon is also shielded by two Shisas in addition to Kankai Mon3. Its red-painted turrets are positioned directly on either side of the stone gate, showcasing the mainland Japanese architectural style. This is not the same as the “Kankai Mon” arch style.
Roukoku-mon
This gate was named for the water clock in the gate turret, as “Roukoku” means “water clock” in Chinese. High-ranking officials would get off their palanquins here, out of respect for the King.
According to legend, a water tank was positioned atop the gate’s turret, and the volume of water that spilled out determined how long it took. After the time was recorded, a responsible official struck a drum. Other officials heard the drum and responded by striking big bells at Uekimon, Agari-no Azana, and Iri-no Azana at the same time. Both inside and outside the castle walls, this was how the populace kept time.
Koufuku-mon
“Kofukumon” (happy thing) is also known as the “long gate of a palace” (nagaujo) and is the fourth gate to Shuri Castle.4
Different from the Kankai-mon and Zuisen-mon with the turret on the stone gate connected to the wall, Koufuku-mon is a building and itself serves as a gate, yet another unique feature of Shuri Castle. The view from here is fantastic, and you can see Ryutan pond and Okinawa Prefectural Prefecturaly University of Arts.
Houshin-mon
“A gate to respect the gods” is the meaning associated with the name Hoshin-mon. The path that leads to the Una at the Shurijo Seiden ends at this gate. Since stone handrails were finished in 1562 according to records, Hoshin-mon’s construction was completed earlier. Afterwards, in 1754, it was improved using the Chinese framework. The building was demolished in the latter part of the Meiji Period (1868–1912), but the façade was restored in 1992. It is currently utilized as a facility for park administration.
There are three entrances to the gate, and only high-ranking officials, like the king, were permitted to use the center entrance; other officials were only permitted to use the outer entrances. Passing the Houshin Gate requires payment of an admission fee.
The Seiden
One of the main attractions of Shuri Castle in Okinawa, Japan is its magnificent main hall, known as Seiden. This iconic structure showcases intricate traditional Ryukyuan architecture and is adorned with vibrant red tiles, symbolizing the royal status.
Constructed to serve as the central point of the expansive ceremonial Una courtyard, it was surrounded by large, formal buildings on both sides that were used to receive Japanese and Chinese envoys. Together, these buildings formed an architectural ensemble. It was Ryukyu’s biggest wooden building. The Seiden, which had been destroyed by fire and rebuilt three times during Ryukyu rule, was destroyed in the 1945 Battle of Okinawa. In 1992, along with several related buildings, it underwent a thorough restoration.
The Seiden and seven other buildings were destroyed by a devastating fire in October 2019 and are currently undergoing restoration. The view of the destroyed Seiden (Main Hall) of the castle is obstructed by a two-story steel-framed structure that serves as a warehouse for the processing and storing of lumber—primarily Japanese cypress—that will be utilized in the main hall’s reconstruction.
Nichieidai
Directly in front of Roukoku-mon is positioned the sundial known as Nichieidai. It was positioned here in the distant past and served as an addition to the water clock.
The sundial is said to have been constructed and installed in 1739 after it was decided that the water clock, or Rokoku, which had been the only instrument in use up until that point, was insufficient. From then on, this timekeeping system persisted until 1879, when Japan abolished feudal domains and established prefectures.
Ungyou and Agyou
Aside from the red pillars of Shuri Castle were the dragon pillars with a height of 4.1 meters erected in front of the castle. The base measures one meter and the remaining 3.1 meters is the height of the dragons themselves. The base is made of Ryukyu limestone while the rest of the material used is fine sandstone from the Yonaguni Island.
Ungyou is the dragon pillar with the closed mouth while Angyou is the other with the opened mouth.
The opened/closed mouth relates to Ah (open mouth) and Un (closed mouth). “Ah” is the first sound in the Japanese alphabet, while “N” (pronounced “un”) is the last. These two sounds symbolize beginning and end, birth and death, and all possible outcomes (from alpha to omega) in the cosmic dance of existence.
Suimui-utaki
The castle and the kingdom had their beginnings in the small forest in the middle of the Shichyanu-una. The religion that the God Amamikiyo created claims that this Utaki had the highest sacredness among the other seven Utakis.
Visitor Experience
The popularity of Shuri Castle among tourists has been steadily increasing over the years. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and picturesque location make it a must-visit destination in Okinawa, Japan. Visitors are captivated by the castle’s intricate details, traditional design, and the opportunity to learn about the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Visitors can explore the Seiden (main hall), Kankaimon Gate, and other structures within the castle grounds. The castle’s popularity has also been boosted by its appearance in various films and TV shows, further piquing the interest of tourists from around the world.
The best time to visit Shuri Castle to avoid crowds is during the weekdays in the early morning or late afternoon. For instance, visiting on a Tuesday morning at 9 am allows you to explore the castle grounds peacefully and take stunning photos without being surrounded by large tourist groups.
Shuri Castle offers different ticket prices for adults, children, and seniors, with discounts available for students and military personnel. The castle is open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm daily, allowing visitors ample time to explore its rich history and cultural artifacts.
What to wear when exploring the extensive grounds of Shuri Castle depends on the season and weather. During the warm months, it is recommended to wear light and breathable clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, and comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. In the cooler months, layering is key, so wearing a light jacket or sweater over a long-sleeved shirt would be ideal. It is also advisable to bring a small umbrella or raincoat in case of unexpected showers.
Conclusion
Visiting Shuri Castle is an experience like no other, and it is a must-see attraction for anyone planning a trip to Okinawa, Japan. The castle’s stunning architecture, rich history, and breathtaking surroundings make it a truly enchanting destination. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, Shuri Castle has something to offer for everyone.
- Kadekawa, Manabu. Okinawa Chanpurū Jiten (“Okinawa Champloo Encyclopedia”). Tokyo: Yama-Kei Publishers, 2001. p56. ↩︎
- Shisa are traditional Ryukyuan cultural artifacts and decorations based on Chinese guardian lions from Okinawan mythology. These lions are often seen in similar pairs and resemble a cross between a dog and a lion. ↩︎
- Kankaimon, the first gate main gate to the castle, was built around 1477–1500 during the reign of King Shō Shin, the gate was burned down during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 and restored in 1974. Kankai, which means “welcome”, the gate was named to express welcome to the investiture envoys who visited Shuri as representatives of the Chinese Emperor. ↩︎
- The Seiden outskirts. (n.d.). Shurijo Castle Park. Retrieved December 4, 2023, from https://oki-park.jp.e.ms.hp.transer.com/shurijo/guide/53 ↩︎