Shuri Castle

首里城

The royal palace and political center of the Ryukyu Kingdom for 450 years, and the heart of the World Heritage site “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.” The main hall is being rebuilt after a fire in 2019.

Shuri Castle stands on a hill in eastern Naha. From the unification of the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1429 until Japan abolished the domain in 1879, it was the residence of the Ryukyuan kings and the seat of government. Blending Chinese, Japanese and local Ryukyuan styles, its vermilion main hall, the Shureimon Gate and its stone walls are Okinawa's most iconic cultural landmarks. It was inscribed as the “Shuri Castle Ruins” on the World Heritage list in 2000. In October 2019, the main hall and other major buildings were destroyed by fire. Reconstruction is underway, and the main hall is expected to be completed and reopened in autumn 2026. During construction, visitors can enter the Observation Zone and watch the rebuilding through glass. The Shureimon Gate, the Sonohyan Utaki Gate (a World Heritage site), the Kankaimon Gate, the Zuisenmon Gate and the castle walls are all open to visitors as usual. The East Garden Observation Deck in Shuri Castle Park offers views over central Naha and the sea. The paid area costs 400 yen for adults during reconstruction; the castle grounds and the Shureimon Gate are free. Nearby, you can walk to the Tamaudun Mausoleum (the Ryukyuan royal tombs, a World Heritage site, 300 yen), the Kinjo-cho Stone Paved Road (an old path paved with Ryukyu limestone) and the Shuri Ryusen Workshop. Getting there: get off at Shuri Station on the Yui Rail (Naha's monorail) and walk about 15 minutes, or take a bus to “Shuri-jo-mae.” Note: The park has many slopes and steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Check the official Shuri Castle Park website for reconstruction progress before your trip.

Shuri Castle

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Places to eat nearby