オススメ度
外国語対応
About Nakijin Castle Ruin
The Nakijin Castle Ruins are a World Heritage Site in the northern area of Okinawa’s main island.
Before Okinawa’s unification, the castle was built around the 13th century as the royal castle for the ruling country of the north, Hokuzan.
It was said to be an impregnable fortress in those days.
After Hokuzan fell, the castle remained as a place to hold festivals.
The castle sits peacefully at an altitude of 100 meters high (a slightly elevated area) surrounded by dense greenery, similar to Machu Picchu but smaller in scale, and quite scenic.
Having said that, the castle walls are not at all complex compared to the gigantic stones intricately assembled by the Incas.
Instead, slightly large limestones and stones are piled up in accordance with the terrain.
It is an enjoyable visit but less glamorous than the Incan historical site.
Stretching 37,000 square meters of surface area, it is the largest ruin in Okinawa.
There are 7 castles on the site that span 350 meters north to south and 800 meters east to west.
As for the walls, they stand 1.5 km tall and are pretty large in scale.
During the cherry blossom season, Nakijin Castle ruins are a popular destination to take in the festive flowers.
From the castle gates to the central area, the stairs are lined with Taiwanese cherry trees that are in full bloom from the end of January to early February.
A festival is held during that same period as well.
Other attractions such as Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Kori Ohashi (bridge), Warumi Ohashi (bridge), Bise, etc. all lie in the northern region of Okinawa and are near Nakijin Castle Ruins, so stop by those other attractions when you visit the castle to save time.
Recommendation
Enjoy the wonderful view from the top area including the Uchibaru Ground, stone walls, and the contrast of thick greenery in the surrounding.
Access to Nakijin Castle Ruin / Data
Taking the bus is the only public transport available.
There are 9 buses a day from the Naha City area (1 bus every 1–2 hours), but the fee is a costly ¥2,100 one way.
Nakijin Castle Ruin
[ See details ]
| Address | 5101, Imadomari, Nakjin Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa |
|---|---|
| Access | By Bus(From Naha City Area) |
| Tel | 0980-56-4400 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
See It
Written below is the suggested route.
Outer Compound
An area surrounded by stone walls that reach 7 meters in height, visitors can witness the grand castle walls.
Heiro Gate
Restored in 1962, Heiro Gate is the main gate to Nakijin Castle.
Interesting to note that a monolith (massive stone) was just placed on top to make the ceiling of the stone gate.
Uchibaru Ground
This area was said to be used as the living quarters of court ladies.
Within the castle grounds it was the most sublime and sacred place, and had a sanctuary.
You can also get a beautiful sweeping view of the ocean, the best view from the castle.
Main Ward
Found at the highest elevated spot within the castle grounds, it was where an important building that was the heart of the castle once stood.
Even today, the shrine for the God of Fire still exists on the grounds and many people continue to worship it.
