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The Katsuren Castle Ruins (Ÿ˜AéÕ, 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.

Getting there and around

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 (Ÿ˜AéÕ‘O, 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 (¼Œ´, 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 and Fees

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      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
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      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
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    • Hotel GrandConsort Naha
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      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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    • Cozy Stay in Naha
      Mid-range
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