All Reviews of Nakijin Castle Ruins

Located on a hill about 100 meters above sea level, the Nakijin Castle Ruins are an important castle site dating back to the Sanzan Period of the Ryukyu Kingdom and are also one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles. The entrance is directly across from the parking lot, so parking is convenient. There were still plenty of spaces available when I visited. From the entrance, you can already see the ancient castle walls and ruins in the distance, creating a strong historical atmosphere. If you enjoy collecting castle stamps, don’t miss the Japan’s Top 100 Castles stamp at the entrance to the rest area. You can stamp it even without entering the site. There is also a commemorative castle ruins stamp on the other side that you can collect as well. Walking along the castle walls, taking in Okinawa’s unique history and hilltop castle scenery, makes this well worth a stop!

It was my first time visiting the Nakijin Castle Ruins, and they were even more impressive than I expected!

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Okinawa. Although the castle itself is long gone, the 1.5-kilometer stone wall is still well preserved. Walking along the stone-paved paths really feels like traveling back in time.

What I liked most was that there were hardly any tourists on a weekday, so I could stroll around and take photos without any crowds. From the higher points, you can also look out over Okinawa's mountains and ocean, and the view is really relaxing.

The grounds aren't very large, and you can easily see everything in about an hour, making it a good stop on an itinerary through northern Okinawa. If you like historic sites or just want a quiet place to walk around, it's well worth a visit.