Shuri Castle 首里城

When you wander among the majestic buildings that make up Shuri Castle in Okinawa , you might feel as if you have stepped back in time. However, these lovingly restored buildings are only decades old.

Nonetheless, they are steeped in history, and many of the castle remains are older than the recent renovations. From the magnificent architecture to the exhibits, there is plenty to see and do in and around the castle complex.

Shuri Castle is a five-minute bus ride (or a 15-20-minute walk) from Shuri Station on the Okinawa Monorail.

It can also be reached by bus from central Naha. Take the number one bus and get off at Shurijo Koen Iriguchi.

Shuri Ryusen is a short walk from Shuri Castle, on Shuriyamagawacho, and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

On October 31 2019, a fire completely destroyed most of the main castle structures. After the fire, reconstruction preparations with the volunteers have begun and are scheduled to be completed in 2026. During the reconstruction, visitors can tour the valuable reconstruction process.

The castle was built in the 13th century by Shunbajunki, the second king of Chuzan, and it was to play a key part in many of the struggles in the centuries that followed.

Shuri Castle has been destroyed many times over the centuries, each time rising again from the ashes. Most recently, the castle was bombed in the 1945 Battle of Okinawa and the castle you see before you today was reconstructed in 1992.

The castle stands on top of a hill, providing a commanding view of Naha . The interior of the main building has been restored in its original style, with modern museums in the north and south halls. The exhibits bring to life the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The north and south halls were destroyed by fire on 31 October 2019, and are currently being prepared for restoration.

Don't miss out on a visit to Shurei-mon Gate , originally built in the early 16th century by King Sho Sei. It was used for ceremonial entrances to the castle, and you can't help but feel regal as you walk beneath the seven-meter high red-tiled roof. The gate, like the castle, has been destroyed many times and was last rebuilt in 1958.

To commemorate the 28th G8 summit, which was held in Okinawa , a 2,000 yen note was specially printed, featuring a picture of Shurei-mon Gate . Incidentally, the word shurei is often confused with Shuri, but it is actually a Chinese word meaning "eternal courtesy."