Shuri Castle 首里城 is a must-see on any visit to Naha in Okinawa. It was where the Ryukyu kings lived and ruled from 1429 to 1879, and was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. The centerpiece is the elegant Seiden, the state hall where ceremonial events took place. Though it has been destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries, the present 3-story building is remarkable to behold, with the red lacquer columns and intricate, colorful details. In many places you will see a dragon motif, the symbol of the king.
Shuri Castle
However, there are many other buildings and gates of interest on the park-like grounds. One is the administrative building which was also used to entertain Chinese ambassadors. Another is the massive Iri-no-azana observation platform, from which you can get a wonderful view of the castle and surrounding areas. All of the gates have unique features; several are extremely photogenic with red turrets mounted on the white limestone walls.
Shuri Castle View
There is now a modern rest center in Shuri Park which has an exhibition hall, information center, bathrooms, a restaurant and gift shop. The park is barrier free, and you can borrow free wheelchairs from the rest center. Much of the park is free, but there is a combined ticket which allows access to the buildings and some of the gates.
Shuri Castle Park, Okinawa
It costs 800 yen for adults, 600 yen for high school students, or 300 yen for elementary and junior high students; children under 6 can enter for free. The park opens at 8:30 am every day, but closing hours vary depending on the season: 7 pm from April to June and October to November, 8 pm from July to September, and 6 pm from December to March. It is closed on the first Wednesday and Thursday of July.
Shuri Castle Traditional Dance
There are several interesting performances and festivals held at Shuri Castle throughout the year, so check the information calendar to see what is happening during your trip. Every week on Wednesdays and Friday through Sunday there are traditional Okinawan dance performances in full costumes. These take place at 11 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm.
Shuri Castle Map
If you arrive at Houshinmon gate at opening time, you will be treated to a unique welcome where a man dressed in traditional clothes hits a gong and proclaims the park officially open.
You can reach Shuri Castle by taking the Okinawa Monorail to Shuri Station. It is about a 10 minute walk. Alternately, you can take bus #8 from the station to Shuri-jo Mae station, which is much closer to the main facilities.
For good information in English: http://oki-park.jp/shurijo-park/english/
photos by:
aki.sato &
mdid
