Shuri Castle - Okinawa, Japan
Shuri Castle is located in Naha, the busiest part of Okinawa’s main island. Shuri was once the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and the castle served as both the administrative centre and royal residence of the Ryukyu kings. Originally built in the late 1300s, it played a central role in the political unification of Okinawa. Over the centuries, it was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to war and fire — most notably during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 and again in a devastating fire in 2019.
When I arrived in the area, it was noticeably busier than the other castle sites I had visited. Finding parking took some time, and I ended up looping around before securing a spot in a nearby private lot. From there, I walked toward the castle grounds. The first entrance I encountered was Hoshinmon Gate, where I purchased my ticket. I later learned this wasn’t the main gate most visitors use, but it was the closest access point from where I had parked. The bright vermilion colour of the gate immediately stood out and set the tone for what makes Shuri Castle so distinct from other Okinawan castles.
Although the main hall (Seiden) was destroyed in the 2019 fire, the restoration effort is fully underway. The reconstruction site is thoughtfully presented, with the exterior wrapped in imagery resembling the castle façade. Viewing platforms allow visitors to observe the restoration work in progress — from timber preparation to structural rebuilding. Watching artisans carefully shape and assemble massive wooden beams was impressive. The craftsmanship and attention to historical accuracy were evident, and it was reassuring to learn that despite the fire, the site has maintained its UNESCO World Heritage status as part of the Ryukyu Kingdom heritage properties.
I climbed several levels of the viewing structure to see the reconstruction from different perspectives before continuing around the castle grounds. As I followed the designated path, the scale of Shuri Castle became clear. Massive limestone walls stretch across an expansive area, enclosing courtyards and terraces. Unlike some of the more porous, uneven limestone walls at other Okinawan castles, these stone walls appeared tightly fitted and more uniform in construction.
At the upper sections, I was rewarded with views of Naha city beyond the walls and glimpses of the ocean in the distance. Compared to the other castles I had visited, Shuri Castle felt significantly larger — fitting for a former royal capital and political centre.
Inside the grounds, I stopped by a small museum space displaying historical information and, of course, the castle stamp. While I wish I could have seen the full grandeur of the original structure before the 2019 fire, witnessing the rebuilding process gave the visit a different kind of significance. It’s a reminder that history isn’t just preserved — it’s actively restored. And once reconstruction is complete, it gives me a reason to return.
After completing my loop around the grounds, I stopped at a nearby restaurant for a late lunch before continuing on with my trip.
History & Background
Shuri Castle (首里城) was constructed in the late 14th century and became the political and cultural heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Situated in Shuri, then the royal capital, the castle functioned as the residence of the Ryukyu kings and the administrative centre of the kingdom.
The castle’s architecture reflects a blend of Ryukyuan, Chinese, and Japanese influences, symbolizing the kingdom’s extensive diplomatic and trade relationships throughout East and Southeast Asia. It played a pivotal role in unifying Okinawa under centralized rule.
Shuri Castle was destroyed several times throughout history. It was heavily damaged during the 1945 Battle of Okinawa and later reconstructed in 1992. In October 2019, a fire once again destroyed the main hall and several adjacent structures. Reconstruction efforts began soon after, with completion targeted in the coming years.
The castle is part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu,” recognizing its cultural, political, and architectural importance.
Getting There
Shuri Castle is located in Naha City on Okinawa’s main island. By car, it is approximately 20–30 minutes from Naha Airport, depending on traffic. Paid parking is available near the castle grounds, though spaces can fill quickly during peak times.
By public transportation, visitors can take the Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail) to Shuri Station, the nearest station to the castle. From Shuri Station, it is approximately a 15–20 minute walk uphill to reach the castle entrance. Several city bus routes also service the Shuri area from central Naha. Public transit is convenient for those staying within Naha.
Route Overview
Distance: 1.88 km out & back (Shuri Castle Parking Lot)
Total elevation gain: 75 m
Duration: 30 min (with breaks 40 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Parking: ¥780
Entrance Fee: Shuri Castle — ¥400
Food: ¥1,270
