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!
Nakijin Castle Ruins | Review by 楊雅雯
Other Reviews by 楊雅雯
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Katsuren Castle Ruins
Located in the central region of Okinawa’s main island, atop the hills of the Katsuren Peninsula, these castle ruins are renowned as the former residence of Amawari, a 15th-century lord who brought prosperity to Katsuren through overseas trade. In 2000, the site was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
These castle ruins are highly recommended for a visit when traveling in Okinawa! Built using the natural cliff terrain, the castle rises in tiers along the hillside, and the lines of the walls are beautiful. From the top, you can also look out over the vast ocean, and the view is truly wonderful. Like Nakijin Castle in the north, this is one of Okinawa’s most iconic historic castles. Compared with Nakijin Castle, the stones used at the Katsuren Castle Ruins are noticeably larger, and the walls are also very well preserved, making it easier to feel the historical atmosphere of the Ryukyu Kingdom era. As you slowly make your way to the top, the scenery becomes more and more expansive. It’s a spot that combines history, nature, and beautiful views, and it’s well worth adding to your itinerary!
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Shimabuta Shichirin-yaki Manmi
Pork is an essential feature of Okinawa cuisine. Okinawans eat the entire pig without any waste; there is even a saying that “you can eat every part of the pig except the footprints.” Shimabuta Shichirin-yaki Manmi is one of the best places to dive into its culture.
If you’re coming to Okinawa and want to feast on Yanbaru Shimabuta pork, I really recommend this place! It was my first time seeing such a wide variety of pork cuts: pork stomach sashimi, neck, breast, tenderloin, Matsusaka pork, cheek, tongue, diaphragm, as well as liver, heart, large intestine, uterus, trachea, and tendon... You can enjoy them all in one meal!
Each cut has a different texture. Slowly grilling them over a shichirin brings out an incredible aroma, and every bite is tender and full of charcoal-grilled flavor. It was so delicious that I was genuinely impressed. If you love meat and want to try Okinawan specialties, this place is definitely worth adding to your list!
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Yanbaru Dining Matsu no Kominka
A five-minute walk from Nago City Hall, this dining room is open only at night. In a good old 70-year-old Okinawan house, you can enjoy shabu-shabu with a rare species of island black Aguu. Shabu-shabu is generally made with beef, but this restaurant offers a rare breed of Okinawan pig, the "Shimakuru", a purebred crossbreed of Aguu and Aguu.
If you’re coming to Okinawa and want to try authentic local food, I really recommend this place! In a setting full of traditional Okinawan house charm, you can enjoy Okinawan black pork shabu-shabu. The ingredients are fresh and delicious, and you can taste the meat’s natural sweetness in every bite. The overall dining experience was excellent. The most interesting part was that you actually order by making pig noises. It was my first time experiencing that, and I thought it was super cute! The restaurant is also filled with pig figurines and pig-shaped decorations, showing how much thought and care the owners put into it.
The food is delicious, the setting is distinctive, and there are some cute little surprises too. It’s well worth planning a meal here when traveling in Okinawa! Highly recommended〜
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