Nakagusuku Castle Ruins
中城城跡
One of the best-preserved Ryukyu castles and a World Heritage site, whose graceful curved stone walls and gates were praised by Perry's fleet for their fine craftsmanship.
Nakagusuku Castle was expanded in the 15th century by Gosamaru. Its six enclosures are arranged in a connected series, and stone walls built with different techniques, such as fuzumi and aihōzumi, are well preserved. When Perry's fleet visited in 1853, it praised the castle-building techniques highly. The castle was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 2000. The ruins sit on a plateau between Nakagusuku Bay and the East China Sea, with sea views on both sides. Admission is 400 yen, and it is open 8:30 to 17:00 (until 18:00 from May to September). It is about 40 minutes' drive from Naha and has fewer visitors, so it suits travelers who love history.
Opening hours
08:30–17:00 (until 18:00 May–September)
Nearby sights
- Mihama American Village
- Katsuren Castle Ruins
- Southeast Botanical Gardens
- Shuri Castle
- Shuri Kinjo-cho Stone-paved Road
- Sefa-utaki
- Shikinaen Garden
- Cape Chinen Park