Shikinaen Royal Residence and Garden, Naha (must see)
Shikinaen Royal Residence and Garden offers a serene retreat from the bustling cityscape of Naha. Spanning an expansive 42,000 square meters, much of which is enveloped by lush woodland, Shikinaen presents a rare opportunity to escape the crowds and immerse oneself in the tranquility of Okinawa's natural beauty. Unlike many tourist sites in Naha, Shikinaen cannot be reached by the Yui monorail, adding to its secluded charm.
Constructed at the end of the 18th century, Shikinaen served as a second home for the Okinawan royal family and a venue for entertaining esteemed guests. The garden, designed as a stroll garden, invites visitors to wander along winding stone paths, meandering past a guardhouse and through woodlands adorned with sub-tropical species. The garden seamlessly blends Japanese and Chinese influences, reflecting the unique cultural heritage of Okinawa.
At the heart of Shikinaen lies the royal palace, dating back to the 17th century. Offering breathtaking views of the meticulously manicured gardens, the palace features 15 rooms where visitors can immerse themselves in the opulent history of the Okinawan royal family. Stone bridges cross the tranquil pond, leading to the Rokkaku-do, a Chinese-style hexagonal pavilion, where visitors can pause to admire the picturesque scenery.
Despite facing destruction during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, Shikinaen underwent a remarkable restoration program starting in 1975. In recognition of its cultural significance and historical importance, Shikinaen was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, cementing its status as a cherished treasure of Okinawa's cultural heritage. Today, visitors to Shikinaen can stroll through its verdant landscapes, basking in the serenity of this idyllic oasis and experiencing firsthand the timeless allure of Okinawa's royal legacy.
Constructed at the end of the 18th century, Shikinaen served as a second home for the Okinawan royal family and a venue for entertaining esteemed guests. The garden, designed as a stroll garden, invites visitors to wander along winding stone paths, meandering past a guardhouse and through woodlands adorned with sub-tropical species. The garden seamlessly blends Japanese and Chinese influences, reflecting the unique cultural heritage of Okinawa.
At the heart of Shikinaen lies the royal palace, dating back to the 17th century. Offering breathtaking views of the meticulously manicured gardens, the palace features 15 rooms where visitors can immerse themselves in the opulent history of the Okinawan royal family. Stone bridges cross the tranquil pond, leading to the Rokkaku-do, a Chinese-style hexagonal pavilion, where visitors can pause to admire the picturesque scenery.
Despite facing destruction during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, Shikinaen underwent a remarkable restoration program starting in 1975. In recognition of its cultural significance and historical importance, Shikinaen was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, cementing its status as a cherished treasure of Okinawa's cultural heritage. Today, visitors to Shikinaen can stroll through its verdant landscapes, basking in the serenity of this idyllic oasis and experiencing firsthand the timeless allure of Okinawa's royal legacy.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Naha. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Shikinaen Royal Residence and Garden on Map
Sight Name: Shikinaen Royal Residence and Garden
Sight Location: Naha, Japan (See walking tours in Naha)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Naha, Japan (See walking tours in Naha)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Naha, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Naha
Creating your own self-guided walk in Naha is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Shuri District Walking Tour
Once an independent city and the esteemed royal capital of the Ry奴ky奴 Kingdom, Shuri has been a district in the city of Naha since 1954. Originally established as a castle town surrounding the royal palace, Shuri's status as the capital ceased with the dissolution of the kingdom and its incorporation into Japan as part of Okinawa prefecture. Renowned for its historical significance, today... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Naha Introduction Walking Tour
Naha, the dynamic capital of Okinawa, Japan, although small a city as such, does contain a plethora of historic attractions. Recognizing it as the birthplace of Okinawa karate also adds greatly to the city's appeal among sports enthusiasts.
Naha derives its name from the word "Naba," which references a large stone shaped like a mushroom that once graced the city but over time... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Naha derives its name from the word "Naba," which references a large stone shaped like a mushroom that once graced the city but over time... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles