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A city district of Naha today, Shuri is the name of the former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shuri Castle (Žñ—¢é, Shurijō) served as the administrative center and residence of the Ryukyu kings for several centuries until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. The castle is included as one of the UNESCO World Heritage designated Castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom sites.

Shuri Castle was originally built in the late 1300s and played an integral role in the political unification of the island. Wars and fires destroyed the castle multiple times over the centuries, most recently in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 and in a fire in 2019. It is currently being recontructed with the aim to restore the main hall in 2026. The approach to the castle's central buildings leads through multiple gates, including the well known Shureimon Gate. The castle's hilltop location allows for nice views over Naha along the way.

On the top of the hill stands the castle's main hall, the Seiden (currently being reconstructed). The former venue of major affairs of state and ceremonies, the Seiden is the most lavishly decorated building and a landmark of Okinawa. Its architectural design and vermilion color differ significantly with those of castles on mainland Japan.

Una Plaza extends in front of the Seiden and was used for ceremonies in the past. It is encircled on the other three sides by the Hokuden (North Hall, destroyed in the fire), Nanden (South Hall, destroyed in the fire) and the Hoshinmon (Hoshin Gate, survived the fire). The Hokuden and Nanden served as administrative buildings and venues to welcome envoys from China and mainland Japan respectively.

Before the fire, it was possible to explore the interiors of the castle buildings in a circular route, beginning with the Nanden. Informative exhibits were on display outlining the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom as well as the interaction with the Japanese mainland and China. Historical artifacts, both made on the island and received during foreign trade, are also on display.

While the interiors of the Hokuden and Nanden were constructed like modern museums, the interior of the Seiden had been rebuilt in its original style. Visitors were able to get a feel of the splendor that surrounded the Ryukyu kings. A replica of the king's throne and crown were among the exhibits.

Getting there and around

By public transportation

Shuri Castle can be reached in a 15-20 minute walk or a five minute bus ride (240 yen) from Shuri Station on the Okinawa Monorail. Take bus number 7 or 8 and get off at Shurijō-mae (Žñ—¢é‘O). Alternatively, take bus number 14 directly from central Naha (Kokusaidori) to Shuri Castle. The one way trip takes about 15-20 minutes and costs 240 yen. Get off at Shurijō Kōen Iriguchi (Žñ—¢éŒö‰€“üŒû).

By car

By car, Shuri Castle can be reached in ten minutes from central Naha or 20 minutes from Naha Airport. Note, however, that the trip can take considerably longer during rush hour.

How to get to and around Naha

Hours and Fees

Shuri Castle (paid area)

Hours

Closed

Admission

Hotels around Okinawa Island

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    • La Passione Boutique B&B
      Budget-friendly
      Featuring free WiFi and a terrace, La Passione is a secluded bed and breakfast in Naha. Guests can take a 10-minute walk to Naha Kokusai Dori or go to Jogaku Park, a 4-minute walk from the property. Bicycle hire is available upon reservation. All rooms have an electric kettle and a refrigerator, while some rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. A hairdryer is provided on site. Extra amenities include face tissues, cotton buds, hand soap, body soap, hair shampoo and conditioners. Guests can enjoy Western-style breakfast at La Passione. Luggage storage is available on site. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 500 meters away from La Passione, while Makishi Public Market and Yachimun Street are both a 10-minute walk away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, a 20-minute taxi ride from the property.
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    • Hotel Collective
      Luxury
      Set in Naha, 1.8 km from Naminoue Beach, Hotel Collective offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre and a restaurant. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a sauna and a hot tub. The accommodation provides a kids' club, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Hotel Collective every room has bed linen and towels. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 3.5 km from the accommodation, while Nakagusuku Castle is 19 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from Hotel Collective.
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    • Okinawa EXES Naha
      Luxury
      Set in Naha, 1.2 km from Naminoue Beach, Okinawa EXES Naha offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre and a restaurant. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The property is 700 metres from the city centre and 4.9 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Okinawa EXES Naha all rooms come with bed linen and towels. Nakagusuku Castle is 20 km from the accommodation, while Sefa Utaki is 22 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from Okinawa EXES Naha.
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    • Hotel GrandConsort Naha
      Luxury
      Well set in the centre of Naha, Hotel GrandConsort Naha is within 1.5 km of Naminoue Beach and 4.2 km of Tamaudun Mausoleum. This 4-star hotel offers a shared lounge, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. Private parking is available on site. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Hotel GrandConsort Naha every room comes with bed linen and towels. Sefa Utaki is 20 km from the accommodation, while Nakagusuku Castle is 21 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from Hotel GrandConsort Naha.
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    • JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha
      Luxury
      JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha offers accommodation in Naha. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant during their stay. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and private parking is available on site for an additional fee. JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha is completely non-smoking and fully equipped with barrier-free facilities. Each of the hotel's carpeted rooms is air-conditioned and soundproofed. The rooms have a flat-screen satellite TV. The bed is equipped with a Simmons pocket coil mattress. Rooms are equipped with an electric kettle, clothes rack and refrigerator. The rooms have a private bathroom with a bathtub. Towels, bathrobes, slippers, toothbrushes and free toiletries are also provided. There is also a safety deposit box and a laptop safe. Free luggage storage is available at the 24-hour front desk. Drinks vending machines and a free trouser press are available on site. Paid massages and meeting/banquet facilities can be arranged for an additional fee. JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha is a 1-minute walk from Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping District and a 5-minute walk from Miebashi Monorail Station. Naha Airport is within 30 minutes by train.
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    • Chura Gahna House Tsubogawa Naha
      Budget-friendly
      Chura Gahna House Tsubogawa Naha is located in Naha, 2.4 km from Naminoue Beach, 5.1 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum, as well as 21 km from Sefa Utaki. This 2-star apartment offers a lift and free WiFi. The apartment features family rooms. Every unit is equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, washing machine, kettle and kitchen. The units include a private bathroom, a hair dryer and bed linen. Nakagusuku Castle is 22 km from the apartment, while Zakimi Gusuku Castle is 31 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 3 km from Chura Gahna House Tsubogawa Naha.
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    • The Kitchen Hostel Ao
      Budget-friendly
      Ideally situated in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, The Kitchen Hostel Ao is situated 4.7 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum, 20 km from Nakagusuku Castle and 22 km from Sefa Utaki. The 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. The property is 700 metres from the city centre and 1.2 km from Naminoue Beach. All rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. Guests at the hostel can enjoy an American breakfast. Speaking English and Japanese at the reception, staff are ready to help around the clock. Zakimi Gusuku Castle is 30 km from The Kitchen Hostel Ao, while Katsuren Castle is 31 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from the accommodation.
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    • Tokyu Stay Okinawa Naha
      Luxury
      Attractively situated in the centre of Naha, Tokyu Stay Okinawa Naha features air-conditioned rooms, a garden, free WiFi and a shared lounge. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. The property is non-smoking and is situated 1.9 km from Naminoue Beach. Certain rooms have a kitchen with a fridge. The rooms in the hotel are fitted with a TV and a hairdryer. At Tokyu Stay Okinawa Naha you will find a restaurant serving Japanese, local and European cuisine. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 5 km from the accommodation, while Sefa Utaki is 21 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 3 km from Tokyu Stay Okinawa Naha.
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    • Cozy Stay in Naha
      Mid-range
      Located in Naha, 1.4 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum, Cozy Stay in Naha provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. Built in 2018, this 3-star hotel is within 19 km of Sefa Utaki and 27 km of Zakimi Gusuku Castle. The property is non-smoking and is set 18 km from Nakagusuku Castle. All units are equipped with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a desk. Every room has a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. At the hotel every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. Katsuren Castle is 29 km from Cozy Stay in Naha, while Maeda Cape is 30 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 8 km from the accommodation.
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    • Nest Hotel Naha Kumoji
      Luxury
      Situated in Naha, 1.4 km from Naminoue Beach, Nest Hotel Naha Kumoji features accommodation with a terrace, private parking and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is 100 metres from the city centre and 3.8 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum. All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. Featuring a private bathroom with a bidet and free toiletries, some rooms at Nest Hotel Naha Kumoji also feature a city view. At the accommodation the rooms have bed linen and towels. Nakagusuku Castle is 19 km from Nest Hotel Naha Kumoji, while Sefa Utaki is 21 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from the hotel.
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