Shurijo Castle is an iconic World Cultural Heritage landmark that symbolizes the glorious history and unique culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It combines the best of Chinese and Japanese architecture with the deep-red style of a Ryukyuan palace, making it both stately and elegant. Although many areas are still being rebuilt after the 2019 fire, it's worth a visit.
While you're there, I recommend visiting the teahouse inside the castle. In the historic palace setting, you can enjoy traditional Ryukyuan court sweets—chinsuko—and fragrant jasmine tea while admiring the lush garden. It feels like traveling back in time and immersing yourself in the elegance of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Shurijo Castle Park | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
Other Reviews by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
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Atsuta Jingu (Atsuta Shrine)
About 1900 years ago, one of the Three Sacred Treasures (in Japanese mythology, the goddess, Amaterasu-Omikami, conferred on them. They were handed down as the proof of imperial succession), Kusanagi-no-tsurugi (sacred sword) , was dedicated here, which is said to be the beginning of this shrine.
Atsuta Jingu is located in Nagoya and has a history spanning more than a thousand years. It is one of Japan's most revered and important shrines, famous for enshrining the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of the Three Sacred Treasures. The shrine grounds are filled with towering ancient trees and have a quiet, solemn atmosphere, making it an important sacred place of worship for Japanese people.
If you happen to see the “sacred chickens” strolling leisurely along the wooded paths during your visit, don't forget to pay your respects. They are regarded as messengers of the gods and are said to bring good luck to those who encounter them.
After your visit, don't miss the smooth, pleasantly chewy specialty udon and traditional sweets served at the teahouse surrounded by shade trees within the shrine grounds. This is also one of the birthplaces of the lucky charm known as the “Inuhariko.” Choose a charming Inuhariko to take home—not only is it said to ward off evil and misfortune, but it can also protect your home and keep your whole family safe. -
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Ghibli Park
Whisk away into the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli at the world’s one-and-only destination complete with 5 areas: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches.
An absolute must for Ghibli fans. From central Nagoya, Ghibli Park is about an hour away by subway (Linimo) or direct sightseeing bus.
For your first visit, if you want to fully enjoy the main attractions, I recommend buying the O-Sanpo Day Pass Standard and taking your time to appreciate all the thoughtful details. When booking your entry time for Ghibli's Grand Warehouse, I suggest choosing an afternoon slot. The morning crowds have usually thinned out considerably by then, making it more comfortable and relaxing to take photos and explore the exhibits. You can spend the morning strolling leisurely through Valley of Witches and Hill of Youth, then visit the Grand Warehouse in the afternoon to take a photo with No-Face and watch a short film. This makes for the most comfortable experience. -
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Manzamo
Manzamo remains one of Okinawa’s most coveted, scenic destinations at its spot along the coast of the East China Sea in Onna Village, a town near the heart of Okinawa Island. The name "Manzamo" comes from the Ryukyu word for "field”, and it is said that in 1726, King Sho Kei of the Ryukyu Kingdom praised the area, saying it was "large enough to seat ten thousand people”.
Manzamo is one of Okinawa's most iconic scenic spots. Its name comes from King Sho Kei of the Ryukyu Kingdom, who praised it in the 18th century as “a field (mo) spacious enough to seat ten thousand people.” It is famous for its iconic natural elephant trunk-shaped coral cliff and magnificent ocean views.
A highlight is the capsule toy machines inside the building, where you can get unique handmade ceramic capsule toys with a local touch. If you have an Okinawa FunPASS, you can also stop by the restaurant on the second floor to redeem a refreshing drink—enjoy the view and relax all at once! -
