It was already around dusk when I arrived at the Nakijin Castle Ruins. It happened to be cherry blossom season, and deep-pink cherry blossoms bloomed on both sides of the road leading to the main enclosure. Beyond the many layers of stone castle walls stretched the deep-blue sea.
Known as the great castle of the north, Nakijin Castle has nine enclosures, and its walls extend for a total of 1500m. Nakijin Castle was also used as the residence of the Hokuzan Supervisor, who governed the northern part of Okinawa’s main island, and remained in use until the 1700s.
In 2000, the Nakijin Castle Ruins were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu” (Sefa-utaki, Sonohyan-utaki Ishimon, Shuri Castle Site, Nakijin Castle Site, Zakimi Castle Site, Katsuren Castle Site, and Nakagusuku Castle Site).
Nakijin Castle Ruins
Telephone: 098-56-4400
Closed: Open every day
Admission: ¥150
Address: 4874 Imadomari, Nakijin Village
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