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.
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.
In a prime location in the centre of Naha, Hotel Collective offers air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi 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 kids' club, room service and currency exchange for guests. At the hotel, every room has a wardrobe. The units in Hotel Collective are equipped with a TV and a hairdryer. An American breakfast is available every morning at the accommodation. With staff speaking English, Japanese and Chinese, around-the-clock information is available at the reception. Naminoue Beach is 1.8 km from Hotel Collective, while Tamaudun Mausoleum is 3.5 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from the hotel.
Set in Naha, 1.2 km from Naminoue Beach, Okinawa EXES Naha offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre and a restaurant. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The property is 700 metres from the city centre and 4.9 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Okinawa EXES Naha all rooms come with bed linen and towels. Nakagusuku Castle is 20 km from the accommodation, while Sefa Utaki is 22 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from Okinawa EXES Naha.
Conveniently located in Naha, Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER offers a buffet breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Guests can enjoy city views. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER all rooms have bed linen and towels. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 2.8 km from the accommodation, while Nakagusuku Castle is 17 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 7 km from Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER.
Well set in the centre of Naha, Hotel GrandConsort Naha is within 1.5 km of Naminoue Beach and 4.2 km of Tamaudun Mausoleum. This 4-star hotel offers a shared lounge, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. Private parking is available on site. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with 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. Sefa Utaki is 20 km from the accommodation, while Nakagusuku Castle is 21 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from Hotel GrandConsort Naha.
JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha offers accommodation in Naha. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant during their stay. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and private parking is available on site for an additional fee. JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha is completely non-smoking and fully equipped with barrier-free facilities. Each of the hotel's carpeted rooms is air-conditioned and soundproofed. The rooms have a flat-screen satellite TV. The bed is equipped with a Simmons pocket coil mattress. Rooms are equipped with an electric kettle, clothes rack and refrigerator. The rooms have a private bathroom with a bathtub. Towels, bathrobes, slippers, toothbrushes and free toiletries are also provided. There is also a safety deposit box and a laptop safe. Free luggage storage is available at the 24-hour front desk. Drinks vending machines and a free trouser press are available on site. Paid massages and meeting/banquet facilities can be arranged for an additional fee. JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha is a 1-minute walk from Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping District and a 5-minute walk from Miebashi Monorail Station. Naha Airport is within 30 minutes by train.
Chura Gahna House Tsubogawa Naha is located in Naha, 2.4 km from Naminoue Beach, 5.1 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum, as well as 21 km from Sefa Utaki. This 2-star apartment offers a lift and free WiFi. The apartment features family rooms. Every unit is equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, washing machine, kettle and kitchen. The units include a private bathroom, a hair dryer and bed linen. Nakagusuku Castle is 22 km from the apartment, while Zakimi Gusuku Castle is 31 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 3 km from Chura Gahna House Tsubogawa Naha.
Ideally situated in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, The Kitchen Hostel Ao is situated 4.7 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum, 20 km from Nakagusuku Castle and 22 km from Sefa Utaki. The 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. The property is 700 metres from the city centre and 1.2 km from Naminoue Beach. All rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. Guests at the hostel can enjoy an American breakfast. Speaking English and Japanese at the reception, staff are ready to help around the clock. Zakimi Gusuku Castle is 30 km from The Kitchen Hostel Ao, while Katsuren Castle is 31 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from the accommodation.
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. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is set 5 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with 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. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Sefa Utaki is 21 km from Tokyu Stay Okinawa Naha, while Nakagusuku Castle is 22 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 3 km from the hotel.
Situated in Naha, 1.3 km from Naminoue Beach, Prince Smart Inn Naha features air-conditioned accommodation and a restaurant. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. Private parking is available on site. The rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a safety deposit box. Guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 4 km from Prince Smart Inn Naha, while Nakagusuku Castle is 19 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from the accommodation.
