About Nakijin Castle Ruins
Nakijin Castle Ruins, located in Nakijin Village, Kunigami County, Okinawa Prefecture, is one of the representative castles (gusuku) of the Ryukyu Kingdom period, built from the late 13th to 14th centuries and flourished as the center of the Kitayama Kingdom. Its magnificent stone walls and vast grounds give visitors a sense of the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and in 2000 it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Gusuku and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.
The most significant features of the Nakijin Castle Ruins are its magnificent stone walls and beautiful scenery. The stonewalls were built taking advantage of the natural terrain, and their height and scale are overwhelming. In particular, the multiple contours such as “Ichinokaku,” “Ninokaku,” and “Sannokaku,” each surrounded by a stone wall, show the high defensive function of the time. As you walk among these stone walls, you can ponder the defense strategies and architectural techniques of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom.
The view from the ruins of the castle is the best part of the sightseeing tour. The ruins of Nakijin Castle are located on a hill about 100 meters above sea level, and from the top you can see the entire East China Sea. Especially at sunset, the beautiful gradation of sea and sky attracts visitors. In spring, the area around the castle ruins is decorated with cherry blossoms and the “Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival” is held. During this time of year, the contrast between the cherry blossoms and the stone walls is spectacular and attracts many tourists.
Furthermore, one of the charms of the Nakijin Castle Ruins is its harmony with nature. The castle is dotted with Utaki, symbols of nature worship in the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and played an important role as a place of worship. By visiting these Utaki, visitors can feel the nature worship and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Nakijin Castle Ruins is a tourist attraction for its historical value, beautiful stone walls and natural scenery. Visitors can spend a quiet moment while experiencing the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom period. When you visit Okinawa, please visit Nakijin Castle Ruins and enjoy its charm.