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 a 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 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 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 castle's buildings were beautiful reconstructions from 1992 before they were lost in a fire in 2019. They are currently being rebuilt again. Shurijo is the only castle in Okinawa whose buildings have been reconstructed. Only ruins remain of all the other castles.
The Nakagusuku Castle Ruins are the best preserved among the many castle ruins in 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 eastern 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.
Tamaudun 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 kingdom's guardian shrine.
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.
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.
Ideally situated in Naha, The Kitchen Hostel Ao features a ? 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.
Ideally situated in the centre of Naha, Nest Hotel Naha Kumoji features air-conditioned rooms, a terrace and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Private parking is available on site. The rooms have a kettle, a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box, while some rooms are fitted with a balcony and some have city views. At the hotel rooms come with bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at Nest Hotel Naha Kumoji. Naminoue Beach is 1.4 km from the accommodation, while Tamaudun Mausoleum is 3.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from Nest Hotel Naha Kumoji.
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.
Well located in the centre of Naha, Hotel Torifito Naha Asahibashi provides buffet breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. Built in 2019, this 3-star hotel is within 1 km of Naminoue Beach and 5.1 km of Tamaudun Mausoleum. 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. Languages spoken at the reception include English, Japanese, Korean and Cantonese. Nakagusuku Castle is 20 km from the accommodation, while Sefa Utaki is 23 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from Hotel Torifito Naha Asahibashi.
Offering 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.
Well set in Naha, Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street provides air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a restaurant. This 2-star capsule hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Private parking is available on site. The rooms in the capsule hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. All units at Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street are equipped with a shared bathroom and bed linen. The accommodation offers 2-star accommodation with a sauna. Naminoue Beach is 1.4 km from Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street, while Tamaudun Mausoleum is 4.3 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from the capsule hotel.
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.
Situated in the centre of Naha, Rembrandt Style Naha is set 1 km from Naminoue Beach and 5.9 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum. With a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site. All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. The rooms in Rembrandt Style Naha are fitted with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Speaking English and Japanese at the 24-hour front desk, staff are willing to help at any time of the day. Nakagusuku Castle is 20 km from Rembrandt Style Naha, while Sefa Utaki is 23 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from the hotel.
Set in Naha and with Naminoue Beach reachable within 1 km, HOTEL ANTEROOM NAHA offers concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi throughout the property and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. Private parking is available on site. At the hotel, all rooms are fitted with a balcony with a sea view. All guest rooms will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. The daily breakfast offers ? la carte, American or Asian options. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 5.6 km from HOTEL ANTEROOM NAHA, while Nakagusuku Castle is 19 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from the accommodation.
