The Tamaudun Mausoleum (�ʗ�) was built around the beginning of the 16th century as the mausoleum for the royal family of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It was restored after suffering extensive damage during the war. The mausoleum is located only a short walk from Shuri Castle, and is also included as one of the UNESCO World Heritage designated Castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom and Related Sites.

The mausoleum consists of three closed chambers: the left one for kings and queens, the right one for princes and princesses, and the central one for storing recently deceased bodies before undergoing a ritual of bone cleaning a few years later. The mausoleum follows the Okinawan burial tradition of constructing large stone tombs, but it was built in a particularly grand style to exalt the royal family.

Visiting the Tamaudun Mausoleum requires an entry fee, which also covers admission to a small museum located in the basement of the reception building. Although the museum is small and the English is limited, visitors are able to see pictures of the mausoleum from before the war as well as small models of what is held behind the closed doors of the mausoleum chambers.

The mausoleum's reception area and museum

One of the statues adorning the mausoleum

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