Shikinaen was constructed in the end of the 18th century as the second residence of the Ryukyu kings. It features beautiful, relatively simple, wooden palace buildings with Okinawan style, red tile roofs and a spacious Japanese style landscape garden with a central pond. While the garden is designed in a style seen elsewhere in Japan, the architecture and flora give Shikinaen a uniquely Okinawan flavor.

Shikinaen was completely destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa of 1945, but has been neatly restored in the postwar years. In 2000, Shikinaen was among the sites added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the title Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

The garden can be viewed from a 300 meter circular path, which leads through a forested area before reaching the pond. Two stone bridges connect to a small islet in the middle of the water and allow visitors to cross from one side of the pond to the other. A small hexagonal pavilion stands on a second islet. Artificial hills surround the pond and give the garden more vantage points and character.

The palace building stands near the pond's shore. The beautifully wooden structure used to serve the entertainment of the royal family and important guests. Today, visitors can inspect the building's large tatami floored rooms that look out onto the garden.

Inside the palace

A guard house in the forest surrounding the pond

Gardens
World Heritage Sites

Naha
Shuri Castle
Tamaudun Mausoleum
Shikinaen Garden
Kokusaidori Street
Tsuboya Pottery District
Okinawa Prefectural Museum

Churaumi Aquarium
Ocean Expo Park
Nakijin Castle Ruins
Nago Pineapple Park
Hiji Waterfall
Hedo Misaki

Nakagusuku Castle Ruins
Nakamurake Residence
Zakimi Castle Ruins
Katsuren Castle Ruins
Mihama American Village

War Memorials
Okinawa World
Sefa Utaki

Castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom
Beaches on Okinawa Honto
Okinawa Food Guide