Okinawa is home to a unique culture that differs considerably from that of mainland Japan. Until the islands were invaded by the Satsuma domain (present day Kagoshima Prefecture) in 1609, Okinawa existed as an entirely separate country from Japan, known as the Ryukyu Kingdom.
After the invasion, the Ryukyu Kingdom served as a tributary state to Japan, but continued to be governed by the royal family from Shuri Castle. It was not until 1879, a few years after the Meiji Restoration, that the kingdom was abolished and incorporated into Japan as Okinawa Prefecture.
The castles of Okinawa, known as "gusuku" in the Okinawan language, are among the most vivid monuments that testify to the unique cultural and historical heritage of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In the year 2000, five castles and four related sites were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the collective title of "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu".
Shuri Castle (Shurijo) was the most important castle of the Ryukyu Kingdom, serving both as the central government office and royal residence. The present buildings are beautiful reconstructions from 1992. Shurijo is the only castle in Okinawa that has been reconstructed. Only ruins remain of all the other castles.
The Nakagusuku Castle Ruins are the best preserved among the many castle ruins across Okinawa. The castle's division into multiple citadels can still clearly be recognized. There are also nice views from the castle's hilltop location onto the surrounding area and Nakagusuku Bay.
The Katsuren Castle Ruins are located on the Yokatsu Peninsula along the eastern coast of Okinawa Honto. The castle was built on a steep hill close to the coast and offers nice views of the surrounding area. The castle is best known as the former seat of the popular Lord Amawari.
The Zakimi Castle Ruins are located on a hill near Cape Zampa in central Okinawa Honto. The castle served as a safeguard against rebels in the north of the island and allows for a commanding view over the area.
The Nakijin Castle Ruins are located on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa Honto. The castle served as the seat of the northern kings before the island was united into the Ryukyu Kingdom in the 15th century. The barely populated hillside and wild forests around the ruins give Nakijin Castle a unique character.
The Tamaudun Mausoleum served as the mausoleum for the royal family of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It consists of two courts and three stone chambers where the remains of members of the royal family were stored. The mausoleum is located just a short walk from Shuri Castle.
Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate
The Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate is located along the the approach to the main hall of Shuri Castle. The gate is the entrance to a small sacred forest which served as the guardian shrine of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Shikinaen Garden served as a second residence for the royal family of the Ryukyu Kingdom and for the entertainment of visiting dignitaries. Located at the outskirts of Naha, the garden features wooded areas and a large central pond with palace buildings along its shores.
Sefa Utaki is one of the most sacred spots of the indigenous Okinawan religion. The site is located on a densely forested hillside and features several rock formations that are connected with each other by walking paths.
Getting there and around
The castles are spread across Okinawa Honto. See their individual pages for access details.
Condominium Felicita Naha is situated in the centre of Naha, just 3.3 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and 1.4 km from DFS Galleria Okinawa. The apartment, set in a building dating from 2017, is 1.5 km from Yachimun Street and 3.5 km from Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate. This air-conditioned apartment features 1 bedroom and a bathroom equipped with a bath and free toiletries. A flat-screen TV is featured. Off-site paid public parking is available nearby. Shuri-jo Castle is 3.7 km from the apartment. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from Condominium Felicita Naha.
In a prime location in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, The LANAI HOSTEL is located 2.1 km from Naminoue Beach, 2.4 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and 1.4 km from DFS Galleria Okinawa. Featuring a shared lounge, the 2-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. At the hostel every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. The LANAI HOSTEL offers a sun terrace. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Yachimun Street, Sakaemachi Arcade and Tsuboya Pottery Museum. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 8 km from The LANAI HOSTEL.
Featuring free WiFi and a terrace, La Passione is a secluded bed and breakfast in Naha. Guests can take a 10-minute walk to Naha Kokusai Dori or go to Jogaku Park, a 4-minute walk from the property. Bicycle hire is available upon reservation. All rooms have an electric kettle and a refrigerator, while some rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. A hairdryer is provided on site. Extra amenities include face tissues, cotton buds, hand soap, body soap, hair shampoo and conditioners. Guests can enjoy Western-style breakfast at La Passione. Luggage storage is available on site. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 500 meters away from La Passione, while Makishi Public Market and Yachimun Street are both a 10-minute walk away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, a 20-minute taxi ride from the property.
Well set in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street is located 1.2 km from Naminoue Beach, 3.7 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and 1.6 km from Yachimun Street. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Every room comes with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV, and certain units at the capsule hotel have a safety deposit box. At Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street rooms come with bed linen and towels. The accommodation offers 2-star accommodation with a sauna. DFS Galleria Okinawa is 2.7 km from Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street, while Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate is 4.1 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from the capsule hotel.
Condominium GOLF GOLF Tsuboya features city views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Naha, 2.5 km from Naminoue Beach. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchenette, a TV and a private bathroom with bidet, slippers and a hairdryer. A microwave, a fridge and stovetop are also provided, as well as a kettle. An American breakfast is available daily at the aparthotel. Popular points of interest near Condominium GOLF GOLF Tsuboya include Yachimun Street, Noren Central Market and Tsuboya Pottery Museum. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 6 km from the accommodation.
Located in Naha, near Naminoue Beach, Manko Park and Okinawa Prefecture Government, ”ü‚çƒK[ƒiƒnƒEƒX’Ùì features free WiFi. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A microwave and fridge are also provided, as well as a kettle. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 6 km from the apartment, while Yachimun Street is 2.3 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from ”ü‚çƒK[ƒiƒnƒEƒX’Ùì.
Hotel Collective features a restaurant, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and bar in Naha. This 5-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, bathrobes and a desk. At the hotel every room has bed linen and towels. Guests at Hotel Collective can enjoy a buffet breakfast. At the accommodation guests are welcome to take advantage of a sauna and a hot tub. Popular points of interest near Hotel Collective include Naminoue Beach, Yachimun Street and Shijo Hondori. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 6 km from the hotel.
Grand Cabin Hotel Naha Oroku is situated in Naha, within 8 km of Tamaudun Mausoleum and 2.3 km of Naha Air Base. Featuring a shared lounge, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Private parking is available on site. All rooms have a safety deposit box. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a continental breakfast. Staff at Grand Cabin Hotel Naha Oroku are available to provide advice at the 24-hour front desk. Yachimun Street is 5 km from the accommodation, while DFS Galleria Okinawa is 7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 2.3 km from Grand Cabin Hotel Naha Oroku.
Located just a 7-minute drive from Naha Airport, Villa Coast Nishimachi houses self-contained accommodations with free WiFi connection. The apartment houses a shared lounge with drinks and snacks vending machines. Each room is fitted with a full kitchen with a microwave and a washing machine. All rooms have air conditioning, a working desk and a flat-screen TV. Featuring a bath, private bathroom comes with a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. From the apartment, a convenience store is within a 2-minute walk. There are numerous local restaurants and shops within 15 minutes walking distance around the apartment. Naminoue Beach is a 10-minute walk and Asahibashi Station is a 13-minute walk away.
Well located in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, Hotel Torifito Naha Asahibashi is located 750 metres from Naminoue Beach, 5 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and 2.4 km from Yachimun Street. The property is set 3.9 km from DFS Galleria Okinawa, 5 km from Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate and 5 km from Shuri-jo Castle. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. 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. A buffet breakfast is available daily at the accommodation. Staff speak English, Japanese, Korean and Cantonese at the reception. Naha Air Base is 5 km from Hotel Torifito Naha Asahibashi, while Tsushimamaru Museum is less than 1 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from the hotel.
