Shikinaen Royal Garden

Shikinaen Royal Garden was completed in 1799 during the reign of King Sho On, the 15th ruler of the Second Sho Dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and served as the largest royal villa. It was used for the recreation of the royal family and to entertain envoys from the Chinese Emperor.

Designated as a place of scenic beauty by the Japanese government in 1941, the garden was severely damaged during the Battle of Okinawa at the end of World War II. After post-war reconstruction, it was redesignated as a place of scenic beauty in 1976 and received the status of a Special Place of Scenic Beauty in 2000. It was also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 as part of the "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu."

The garden, incorporating the Japanese pond strolling garden style, is centered around Shinji-ike Pond, which is shaped like a distorted heart character. It features structures such as a palace, a hexagonal pavilion, and Kanko-dai, as well as Ryukyu limestone bridges and steles. The garden style, a blend of unique Ryukyuan design and influences from Japanese and Chinese cultures, reflects the prosperous maritime trade of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Visitors can leisurely stroll through the garden, reminiscent of the bygone era of the kingdom.