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Shurijo Castle Park

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Shurijo Castle Park

A breathtaking castle and symbol of Okinawan history and culture on the path to reconstruction.

4.17 5

Last update :
Head Editor : Shurijo Castle Park Management Center

Shurijo is a proud Okinawan icon whose brightly-painted vermillion walls also make it the only red castle in Japan.
The castle served as the esteemed seat of politics, trade and culture for the Ryukyu Kingdom that existed during the 450 years between 1429 and 1879.
It sits atop the hill overlooking Naha City, surrounded by curving walls.
The castle was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for the rich culture and history visible in its unique stone-masonry and construction, which fuses both Chinese and Japanese architectural influences.

Unfortunately, Shurijo was ravaged in a fire in 2019, causing 8 of the castle buildings to burn down. Many people wept at the devastation, but support from Japan and around the world allowed the beginning of restoration and reconstruction efforts that are now underway. Part of the grounds were reopened with admissions rates as of June 2020.

Highlights

  • A strikingly beautiful castle and symbol of Okinawa.
  • Registered UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • While currently under reconstruction, visitor access is still available.
  • Many restaurants and souvenir shops nearby.
  • There is a free audio guide app for phones. (Japanese, English and Chinese available)

Videos

Photos

  • Shurijo Castle prior to the devastating fire.

    Shurijo Castle prior to the devastating fire.

  • Shurijo Castle prior to the devastating fire.

    Shurijo Castle prior to the devastating fire.

  • Shureimon Gate

    Shureimon Gate

  • Kankaimon Gate

    Kankaimon Gate

  • Shurijo Castle after the 2019 fire.

    Shurijo Castle after the 2019 fire.

  • View from Shurijo castle.

    View from Shurijo castle.

Reviews

5

Partially translated by AI.

  • Ami Lin

    Even though the main hall was destroyed by fire in 2019, Shurijo Castle is still really impressive while it's being rebuilt.

  • 馮子雯

    This palace was built during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. It's such a shame it was destroyed by a fire. Really hope they restore it soon.

  • 鄭品儒

    This famous World Heritage site is a must-visit when you're in Okinawa. The view from the top is really nice.

  • 醉貓

    I visited before the fire. It's a really important spot in Okinawa. Shurijo Castle is well organized and covers a huge area—it takes about two to three hours to see everything.

  • 陳敏敏

    A must-visit spot in Okinawa. It's such a shame that a fire destroyed it, but reconstruction is already underway. I really hope it can be restored to its original beauty soon.

Details

Name in Japanese
首里城公園
Postal Code
903-0815
Address
1-2 Kinjo-cho, Shuri, Naha City, Okinawa
Tel
098-886-2020
Closed
On the first Wednesday and the following day in July.
Business Hours
Admission Free Areas: 8:00am - 6:30pm
Paid Admission Areas 8:30am-6:00pm (Last admission 5:30pm)
Admission(Paid Area)
Adult 400yen, High School Student 300yen, Elementary/Jr. High School Student 160yen, Aged 6 & Younger Free
Access
(1) Approx. 25 min. drive from Naha Airport
(2) Approx. 15 min. walk from Shuri Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail)
Official Website
Official Website (English)

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