Katsuren Castle Ruins

Ruins of another former Ryukyu castle

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#15 of 24 most visited in Okinawa Island

The Katsuren Castle Ruins (��A��, Katsurenjō-ato) sit on a steep hill close to the coast and offer attractive views over the landscape below. Just a few stone walls and foundations remain of the former castle. The site is included as one of the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Katsuren Castle is most famous as the seat of Lord Amawari in the 15th century. According to legend, Amawari was a sickly child that got abandoned in the mountains to die. However, the child survived and grew into a powerful leader who defeated an oppressive lord and took over Katsuren Castle. Amawari's later attempt to attack Shuri Castle ended in failure and his death.

The Katsuren Castle Ruins are located in central Okinawa Honto in the middle of the Yokatsu Peninsula that juts out to the east of the island, about 25 kilometers northeast of Naha.

By bus

Take bus number 52 from Naha Bus Terminal to Katsurenjōato-mae (��A��ՑO, 100 minutes, 1260 yen, about hourly), from where the castle ruins can be reached in a five minute walk. Alternatively you can take bus number 27 to Nishihara bus stop (��, about hourly), but the bus ride takes 20 minutes longer and the bus stop is a ten minute walk from the castle ruins.

By car

By car, it takes about one hour to reach the castle ruins from Naha if using the expressway between Naha and Okinawa Minami IC (420 yen one way).

How to get to and around Okinawa Honto

Hours

Always open

Closed

No closing days

Admission

Free

Typical Visit Duration

30-45 minutes

Questions? Ask in our forum.

Budget:

- 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 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and currency exchange for guests. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a coffee machine, a bidet, free toiletries and a desk. At the hotel every room has bed linen and towels. Guests at Hotel Collective can enjoy a buffet breakfast. 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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- The Kitchen Hostel Ao
  Budget-friendly
  
  Ideally situated in Naha, The Kitchen Hostel Ao features an ? la carte breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. This 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is situated 1.2 km from Naminoue Beach. All rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. Speaking English and Japanese, staff at the 24-hour front desk can help you plan your stay. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 4.7 km from the hostel, while Nakagusuku Castle is 20 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from The Kitchen Hostel Ao.
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- Little Island Okinawa Tomari
  Mid-range
  
  Set in Naha in the Okinawa region, with Naminoue Beach and Yachimun Street nearby, Little Island Okinawa Tomari offers accommodation with free WiFi. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. A fridge, a microwave and stovetop are also featured, as well as a kettle. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 3.7 km from the aparthotel, while Nakagusuku Castle is 17 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from Little Island Okinawa Tomari.
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- Hotel GrandConsort Naha
  Luxury
  
  Well set in Naha, Hotel GrandConsort Naha provides a buffet breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. This 4-star hotel offers a shared lounge and a 24-hour front desk. Private parking is available on site. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering 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. Naminoue Beach is 1.5 km from the accommodation, while Tamaudun Mausoleum is 4.2 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from Hotel GrandConsort Naha.
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- Tokyu Stay Okinawa Naha
  Luxury
  
  Boasting a garden, a shared lounge as well as a restaurant, Tokyu Stay Okinawa Naha is situated in the centre of Naha, 1.9 km from Naminoue Beach. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. The property is non-smoking and is set 5 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bath. At Tokyu Stay Okinawa Naha rooms include bed linen and towels. The daily breakfast offers buffet, American or Asian options. Sefa Utaki is 21 km from the accommodation, while Nakagusuku Castle is 22 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. With a private bathroom fitted 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. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at Nest Hotel Naha Kumoji. Nakagusuku Castle is 19 km from the hotel, while Sefa Utaki is 21 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from Nest Hotel Naha Kumoji.
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- Villa Izumizaki
  Budget-friendly
  
  Situated in Naha centre, 1.2 km from Naminoue Beach and 4.8 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum, Villa Izumizaki features accommodation with free WiFi and a balcony. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchenette, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. A fridge and microwave are also available, as well as a kettle. Nakagusuku Castle is 20 km from the aparthotel, while Sefa Utaki is 22 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from Villa Izumizaki.
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- Chura Gahna House Tsubogawa Naha
  Budget-friendly
  
  Chura Gahna House Tsubogawa Naha has well-equipped accommodation featuring free WiFi in Naha, 2.4 km from Naminoue Beach and 5.1 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath, free toiletries and a hairdryer. A fridge and microwave are also provided, as well as a kettle. Sefa Utaki is 21 km from the apartment, while Nakagusuku Castle is 22 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 3 km from Chura Gahna House Tsubogawa Naha.
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- Hotel Torifito Naha Asahibashi
  Mid-range
  
  Well located in the centre of Naha, Hotel Torifito Naha Asahibashi provides buffet breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Private parking is available on site. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Hotel Torifito Naha Asahibashi each room is fitted with bed linen and towels. Naminoue Beach is 1 km from the accommodation, while Tamaudun Mausoleum is 5.1 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from Hotel Torifito Naha Asahibashi.
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