Naha Travel: Tamaudun Mausoleum

The Tamaudun Mausoleum (�ʗ�) was built around the beginning of the 16th century as the mausoleum for the royal family of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It was restored after suffering extensive damage during the war. The mausoleum is located only a short walk from Shuri Castle, and is also included as one of the UNESCO World Heritage designated Castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom and Related Sites.

The mausoleum consists of three closed chambers: the left one for kings and queens, the right one for princes and princesses, and the central one for storing recently deceased bodies before undergoing a ritual of bone cleaning a few years later. The mausoleum follows the Okinawan burial tradition of constructing large stone tombs, but it was built in a particularly grand style to exalt the royal family.

Visiting the Tamaudun Mausoleum requires an entry fee, which also covers admission to a small museum located in the basement of the reception building. Although the museum is small and the English is limited, visitors are able to see pictures of the mausoleum from before the war as well as small models of what is held behind the closed doors of the mausoleum chambers.

By public transportation

Shuri Castle and the Tamaudun Mausoleum can be reached in a 15-20 minute walk or a five minute bus ride (150 yen) from Shuri Station on the Okinawa Monorail. Take bus number 8 and get off at Shurijo-mae (�񗢏�O). Alternatively, take bus number 1 directly from central Naha (Kokusaidori) to Shuri Castle. The one way trip takes about 15-20 minutes and costs 230 yen. Get off at Shurijo Koen Iriguchi (�񗢏��).

By car

By car, the Tamaudun Mausoleum can be reached in ten minutes from central Naha or 20 minutes from Naha Airport. Note, however, that the trip can take considerably longer during rush hours.

How to get to and around Naha