Shuri Castle and Park, Naha (must see)
Shuri Castle and Park occupies a vast expanse of five hectares, serving as a monumental symbol of Okinawa's rich history and cultural heritage. Spanning an impressive 400 meters from east to west and 200 meters from north to south, the castle's sprawling grounds offer visitors a captivating journey through centuries of Ryukyuan history and tradition.
Upon passing through its majestic castle gate, visitors are greeted by the Seiden, the largest architectural structure in the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shurijo Castle's significance transcends its physical grandeur, earning recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000 for its remarkable blend of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles and advanced masonry techniques. Dating back to around 1427, the castle served as the royal residence for the king and his family, as well as the administrative center of the Shuri government for nearly five centuries.
Throughout its storied history, Shurijo Castle played host to a myriad of festivals and royal ceremonies, contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry of the Ryukyuan people. The surrounding castle town flourished, attracting government officials and skilled craftsmen, nurturing a vibrant community of artists and artisans whose legacy continues to endure.
Despite facing destruction during World War II, Shurijo Castle was meticulously reconstructed in 1992, breathing new life into its ancient walls and echoing the resilience of Okinawa's cultural heritage. Today, Shurijo Castle and its surrounding historic sites, including the Stone Gate of Sonohyan Utaki, form a sprawling historical park open to the public, inviting visitors to explore the rich legacy of Ryukyuan history and culture.
Upon passing through its majestic castle gate, visitors are greeted by the Seiden, the largest architectural structure in the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shurijo Castle's significance transcends its physical grandeur, earning recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000 for its remarkable blend of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles and advanced masonry techniques. Dating back to around 1427, the castle served as the royal residence for the king and his family, as well as the administrative center of the Shuri government for nearly five centuries.
Throughout its storied history, Shurijo Castle played host to a myriad of festivals and royal ceremonies, contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry of the Ryukyuan people. The surrounding castle town flourished, attracting government officials and skilled craftsmen, nurturing a vibrant community of artists and artisans whose legacy continues to endure.
Despite facing destruction during World War II, Shurijo Castle was meticulously reconstructed in 1992, breathing new life into its ancient walls and echoing the resilience of Okinawa's cultural heritage. Today, Shurijo Castle and its surrounding historic sites, including the Stone Gate of Sonohyan Utaki, form a sprawling historical park open to the public, inviting visitors to explore the rich legacy of Ryukyuan history and culture.
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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Shuri Castle and Park on Map
Sight Name: Shuri Castle and Park
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.
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
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