Shuri Castle
A city district of Naha today, Shuri is the name of the former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shuri Castle (, 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 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, were 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 (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 ().
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.
Hours and Fees
Shuri Castle (paid area)
Hours
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Okinawa Island
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La Passione Boutique B&BView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
La Passione Boutique B&B in Naha offers a terrace and free WiFi. Guests enjoy air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies with city views.Delicious Breakfast
A continental, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Asian breakfast is served, featuring local specialities, warm dishes, pancakes, and fruits.Convenient Facilities
The property provides private check-in and check-out, a lounge, shared kitchen, coffee shop, outdoor seating area, bicycle parking, express services, and luggage storage.Prime Location
Located 4 km from Naha Airport and less than 1 km from Yachimun Street, attractions such as Naminoue Beach and Tamaudun Mausoleum are nearby. Highly rated for its friendly host and excellent breakfast. -
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Best ever hotelView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Best ever hotel in Naha offers aparthotel-style accommodations with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and a fully equipped kitchenette. Each unit includes a private bathroom with a bidet, washing machine, and free toiletries.Convenient Facilities
Guests benefit from a lift, full-day security, and free parking. Additional amenities include a work desk, TV, microwave, and electric kettle. The aparthotel is highly rated for its laundry, kitchen, and convenient location.Prime Location
Located 4 km from Naha Airport, the aparthotel is a short walk from Naminoue Beach and near attractions such as Yachimun Street. Highly rated for its laundry, kitchen, and convenient location. -
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Yukureba Maejima HotelView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Yukureba Maejima Hotel in Naha offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Guests enjoy free WiFi, private check-in and check-out services, and a lounge.Convenient Facilities
The hotel features a lift, concierge service, family rooms, and bike hire. Additional amenities include a washing machine, work desk, and parquet floors.Prime Location
Located 4 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is a short walk from Naminoue Beach (16 minutes) and Yachimun Street (1.7 km). Nearby attractions include Tamaudun Mausoleum (3.9 km) and Nakagusuku Castle (17 km).Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for room size, comfort, and bathroom amenities, the hotel ensures a pleasant stay for all visitors. -
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Hotel CollectiveView on Booking.comPrime City Centre Location
Hotel Collective in Naha offers a 5-star experience in the city centre. Guests enjoy easy access to Naminoue Beach, just 1.8 km away, and Yachimun Street, a 9-minute walk. The Naha Airport is 5 km from the property.Exceptional Facilities
The hotel features spa facilities, a sauna, fitness centre, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a public bath, steam room, hot tub, and electric vehicle charging station.Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms offer air-conditioning, private bathrooms, city views, and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and work desks. Executive lounge access and sofa beds enhance the stay.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, sushi, international, European, barbecue grill, and Cantonese cuisines. Breakfast is a buffet with a variety of options. -
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The Royal Park Hotel Iconic NahaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with free toiletries, and modern amenities such as streaming services and flat-screen TVs. Additional comforts include sofa beds and executive lounge access.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can enjoy a fitness centre, bar, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, paid off-site private parking, and a buffet breakfast.Prime Location
Located in Naha city centre, the hotel is a 13-minute walk from Naminoue Beach and 4 km from Naha Airport. Nearby attractions include Yachimun Street and Tamaudun Mausoleum. -
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Southwest Grand HotelView on Booking.comElegant Accommodations
Southwest Grand Hotel in Naha offers 5-star comfort with air-conditioned rooms featuring private bathrooms, balconies, and city views. Each room includes a minibar, TV, and free toiletries.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can enjoy an indoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness centre, terrace, and hot tub. Additional amenities include a restaurant, bar, and coffee shop. Private check-in and check-out, concierge service, and daily housekeeping ensure a comfortable stay.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves Italian, Japanese, and Steakhouse cuisines with vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options. Breakfast is available as a buffet, and lunch and dinner are served in a modern and romantic ambience.Prime Location
Located 5 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is an 18-minute walk from Naminoue Beach and less than 1 km from Yachimun Street. Nearby attractions include Tamaudun Mausoleum and Nakagusuku Castle. Guests appreciate the attentive staff, scenic views, and comfortable rooms. -
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Hotel GrandConsort NahaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel GrandConsort Naha in Naha offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and soundproofing for a relaxing stay.Exceptional Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and full-day security. Additional amenities include a hot tub, bicycle parking, and luggage storage.Delicious Breakfast
A buffet breakfast with fruits is served daily, providing a perfect start to the day.Prime Location
Located 5 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is an 18-minute walk from Naminoue Beach and 1.1 km from Yachimun Street. Nearby attractions include Tamaudun Mausoleum and Sefa Utaki.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its attentive staff, convenient location, and comfortable rooms. -
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Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIERView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER in Naha offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, shower, slippers, TV, electric kettle, and wardrobe.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping service, full-day security, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a washing machine, microwave, and carpeted floors.Dining Options
A buffet breakfast with Italian cuisine and juice is served daily. The hotel also provides a variety of dining options, including a restaurant and bar.Prime Location
Located 7 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Yachimun Street (1.8 km), Naminoue Beach (3 km), and Tamaudun Mausoleum (2.8 km). Guests appreciate the room comfort, convenient location, and nearby shops. -
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Rihga Royal Gran OkinawaOffering direct access from Asahibashi Monorail Station, Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa features spacious Western-style accommodations with free WiFi. Guests can ask for concierge services at the front desk. All rooms are non-smoking and feature air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, safety deposit box and fridge. Guests can make green tea using the electric kettle and wear the provided sleepwear. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer and toothbrush sets. Currency exchange and photocopying services are offered at the front desk. Laundry services are provided and on-site parking is available at an extra charge. The lobby is located on the 14th floor. A breakfast buffet and Western a la carte dishes are served at Dining 19, which offers beautiful sunset views from the top floor. Okinawa Gran Rihga Royal is a 10-minute walk from Kokusai Street and a 25-minute drive from Shuri Castle. Naha Airport is just a 10-minute drive or train ride away. A 24-hour convenience shop can be found next door.View on Booking.com -
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Okinawa EXES NahaView on Booking.comElegant Accommodation
Okinawa EXES Naha in Naha offers spacious rooms with comfortable furnishings. Guests enjoy free WiFi, air-conditioning, and private balconies.Exceptional Facilities
The hotel features a fitness centre, sun terrace, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant serving Chinese and local cuisines. Additional amenities include a bar, outdoor seating area, and a 24-hour front desk.Prime Location
Located 4 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is a short walk from Naminoue Beach and Yachimun Street. Nearby attractions include Tamaudun Mausoleum and Nakagusuku Castle.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for room size, comfort, and attentive staff, Okinawa EXES Naha ensures a memorable stay.
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Experiences around Okinawa Island
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Onna Free Diving Experience in OkinawaGo on a free diving at the Blue Cave, one of Okinawafs most popular spots for this exciting sportView on Klook -
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Blue Cave Snorkeling and Diving in OkinawaExplore the glowing wonders of the Blue Cave on a snorkeling or diving experienceView on Klook -
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Mangrove Kayaking and Fishing Experience in OkinawaGrab your paddles and head to Okinawa to try mangrove kayaking, and immerse in the calmness of the mangrovesView on Klook -
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Casual Ryuso Costume Experience & Photo Shoot (Naha)Reasonable & Easy! Experience wearing traditional Okinawan costumesView on Klook
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