Shuri Castle

Information

Prior to the Meiji Restoration, Shuri was the capital of Okinawa (Ryukyu); that titie passed to Naha in 1879. Shurijo Park contains most of what's left of the old Ryukyu royal capital. At the entrance is a building with a restaurant and information booth. Just up from the entrance to the park is the reconstructed old residence of the Okinawan royal family, Shuri Castle.
Shuri Castle is the symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom stands on a 120 meter-high hill. The castle is said to have been built at the end of the 14th century and it was the center of politics, culture, diplomacy and ritual of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shuri Castle has a lot of similarities with the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Gyeongbokgung in Seoul in its structure because the Ryukyu Kingdom had frequent trade with other Asian countries. The castle was once burnt out during the World War II, but reconstructed in 1992 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan in 1972.
Shureino-mon Gate is the ceremonial entrance to the castle. The Chinese-influenced gate was originally built nearly 500 years ago and was rebuilt in 1958. Also worth checking out is the 15th to 16th century Kankai-mon Gate with its traditional Okinawan design. It was rebuilt right after the World War II. The Kyukei-mon Gate, built in 1508, has also been restored. The third large gate, the Keisei-mon Gate, was originally built in 1546.

Opening Hours

• 8:30 - 19:00
• 8:30 - 20:00 (July - September)
• 8:30 - 18:00 (December - March)

Closed

• 1st Wednesday and Thursday of July

Price / Entrance Fee

• 820 yen (General, Adult)
• 620 yen (Student)
• 310 yen (Child)

Access / Public Transport

• 3 minutes from Shuri Station on the Yui Rail by the #8 bus. Get off at Shurijo-mae Bus stop.

Related Links

• Crimson world heritage which shows prosperity of Shurijo Castle Park (shurijo) Ryukyu kingdom

Address / Location

• 1-2, Shuri Kinjocho, Naha-shi, Okinawa, 903-0815

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