20 Castles in Okinawa worth your time

A 14th-century hilltop fortress site featuring unique coral limestone enclosures and sacred sites overlooking the Ishigaki coastline.

What it is

• A national historic site spanning over twelve hectares on a coastal hill.
• The traditional residence of the local historical figure Oyake Akahachi.
• A fortified settlement dating from the 14th to the late 16th century.
• A site containing ancient tombs and sacred Utaki ritual spaces.

What to see

• Fifteen stone enclosures constructed entirely from local coral limestone.
• Seven restored stone structures showing the original layout of the castle.
• Excavated fragments of Chinese ceramics and traditional Yaeyama pottery.
• Views from the hill situated twenty-five meters above sea level.

Getting there

• The site is accessible by car via the Tanado city road.

Read more about Furusutobaru Castle

A national historic site featuring rare double stone walls and a bullfighting ring built within ancient coral limestone castle ruins.

What it is

• A mountain castle built on coral limestone cliffs designated as a national historic site.
• The former base of the Agena Okawa Anji clan reconstructed in 1453.
• A historic site currently functioning as Agena Central Park in Uruma City.
• A rare contour-style fortification also known as Okawa Castle.

What to see

• Rare double stone walls following the natural contours of the limestone cliffs.
• A bullfighting ring located in the center of the castle ruins.
• The historic tombs of the Agena Anji family located on the grounds.
• Excavated artifacts including Chinese ceramics and pottery from the Gusuku period.

Read more about Agena Castle

A national historic site featuring ancient stone ruins and sacred grounds built atop a cliff-protected plateau in southern Okinawa.

What it is

• A national historic site reportedly built by the third son of Tamagusuku Anji.
• A former fortress that eventually fell under the control of the Sannan King.
• The original location of Neishi Gusuku and a later castle town.
• A site designated for historical preservation since 1972.

What to see

• High stone walls and a main gate located on the eastern side.
• Natural cliffs that provide a defensive barrier on three sides of the site.
• The sacred site of Neishi Gusuku no Taki dedicated to ancestral spirits.
• The ruins of a village that moved west following an 1886 epidemic.

Read more about Itokazu Castle

A National Historic Site featuring the ruins of a strategic fortress that served the Sho Dynasty and Nanzan kings.

What it is

• The former residence of the Shimazoe Ozato Aji located in southern Okinawa.
• A detached palace for the Sho Dynasty captured by Sho Hashi in 1402.
• A site designated as a National Historic Site by the Japanese government in 2012.
• A former military base during World War II that later served as a public park.

What to see

• The Shimazoe Ozato Castle Ruins which were officially named and protected in 2012.
• Archaeological remains uncovered during excavation work that began in 1990.
• The site of a former fortress once considered a residence for the King of Nanzan.

Read more about Ōzato Castle

A historic mountain castle ruin on Kumejima's highest point offering panoramic views of the island and surrounding ocean.

What it is

• A mountain castle built in the Teikaku style on the summit of Mount Uegusuku.
• Founded by the eldest son of Chinaha Anji before its destruction in fifteen ten.
• Designated as a national historic site after being returned from military use.
• The site stands three hundred ten meters above sea level.

What to see

• Ruins of a fortress destroyed by Ryukyuan royal forces.
• Panoramic views of the island from the highest elevation on Kumejima.
• Historical grounds formerly occupied by United States and Japanese military forces.

Read more about Uegusuku Castle

Explore 14th-century castle ruins and sacred sites, known for cherry blossoms and historical artifacts.

What it is

• Castle ruin in Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture.
• Maintained as Nago Central Park.
• Built around the 14th century.
• Said to be the residence of the Nago Aji.

What to see

• Castle ruins on a mountain about 100 meters high.
• Defensive facilities called double moats.
• Remains of sacred sites like Noro-denchi.
• Excavated 14th-15th century Chinese ceramics.
• Excavated Gusuku period pottery.
• Nago Shrine on the hillside below.

When to go

• One of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

Read more about Nago Castle

Explore ancient Ryukyu history at this unique coral-walled island castle ruin.

What it is

• A gusuku (castle) on Hateruma Island.
• Designated a National Historic Site in 2003.
• Shows the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
• Currently part of Buribuchi Park.

What to see

• Castle on a cliff 25 meters above sea level.
• Walls made of coral limestone.
• Eight kuruwa-like structures within.
• Traces of a lookout, stone chamber, and well.
• Excavated 15th-16th century Chinese celadon fragments.

Getting there

• About a 15-minute walk from Hateruma Port.

Read more about Shimotabaru Castle

Explore the large ruins of a historic Okinawan castle, recently returned to Japan.

What it is

• A gusuku (castle) in Chatan Town, Okinawa Prefecture.
• It was a base for Chuzan from the late 13th to early 16th century.
• Designated as a national historic site.
• Also known as Okawa Gusuku or Ike Gusuku.

What to see

• Covers an area of 15,000 square meters.
• Considered one of the largest gusuku in Okinawa.
• Four enclosures: Ichi-no-kaku, Ni-no-kaku, San-no-kaku, and Shi-no-kaku.
• Excavations found Gusuku pottery, celadon, white porcelain, and old coins.

Read more about Chatan Castle

Explore ancient castle ruins with unique stonework and archaeological finds, offering a glimpse into Okinawa's past.

What it is

• A gusuku (castle) ruin in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture.
• Designated as a historic site of Okinawa Prefecture.
• Built by Iha Anji in Iha Village.
• Dates back to the 13th to 15th centuries.

What to see

• Castle walls built with natural, unprocessed stones.
• Numerous pillar holes from 1989 excavations.
• Local and foreign pottery, and Chinese ceramics.
• Shells, fish bones, and pig bones from centuries ago.
• Pottery from the 2800-year-old Kaizuka period.

Read more about Iha Castle

Nakijin Castle is a historic site with castle walls, offering views of the East China Sea.

What it is

• Castle site, continuously occupied until 1609.
• Seat of the Hokuzan kingdom.
• Walls built from the fourteenth century.

What to see

• 1/100 scale model of the castle walls.
• Rocky, mountainside site dominating Motobu Peninsula.
• View overlooking the East China Sea.
• Steep gorge dropping to the Shigema River.
• Prominent walls of irregularly stacked ancient limestone.
• Nine wards, including Main Ward at the highest point.

Official site

nakijinjo.jp

Read more about Nakijin Castle

Explore Urasoe Castle ruins, a historic Okinawan site with unique coral foundations and significant past.

What it is

• A castle ruin in Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture.
• Designated a national historic site on August 11, 1989.
• Foundation built on a coral cliff.
• A key point during the Battle of Okinawa.

What to see

• Urasoe yodore is located below the castle ruins.
• The castle measures about 380 meters east-west.
• The northern side is a steep cliff.
• The southern side is a gentle slope.
• Wakaraji rock is at the eastern end.

Read more about Urasoe Castle

Katsuren Castle is a Ryukyu gusuku offering panoramic ocean views and insight into a united kingdom's history.

What it is

• Ryukyu castle ruins, called gusuku, from 13th to 16th centuries.
• Associated with Lord Amawari, who ruled in the 15th century.
• One of several UNESCO World Heritage castle ruins in Okinawa.

What to see

• Panoramic view of the ocean and terrain from castle heights.
• Remarkable curved walls of limestone, unique to Ryukyu castles.
• Five wards on separate levels, each with massive limestone walls.

Official site

www.katsuren-jo.jp

Read more about Katsuren Castle

Tamagusuku Castle is a historic Okinawan castle ruin with unique rock-carved gates and sacred sites.

What it is

• A castle ruin in Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture.
• Designated a national historic site in 1987.
• Estimated to be about 600 years old.
• A sacred place for the Agari Umaai pilgrimage.

What to see

• Castle walls of the main enclosure are almost intact.
• Castle gate carved out of a single natural rock.
• Amatsugi Utaki sacred site in the main enclosure.
• Views from a naturally high plateau.

Read more about Tamagusuku Castle

Explore Sashiki Castle, a historic Okinawan gusuku and former residence of influential Ryukyuan kings.

What it is

• A gusuku, or castle, on southern Okinawa Island.
• Designated as a national historic site.
• Residence of Sho Shisho and Sho Hashi.
• Sho Hashi gained support by distributing farm tools.

What to see

• Steep slopes on three sides of the castle.
• Tsukishiro-gu shrine, built in 1938.
• Observation deck and outdoor stage.
• Pillar holes on three flat areas.
• Excavated Chinese celadon bowls.

Read more about Sashiki Castle

Aniya Castle is a 14th-century Okinawan castle ruin with historical artifacts and worship sites.

What it is

• A castle ruin, also known as Adaniya Gusuku.
• Built on an eastern hill of Wakamatsu Park.
• Home to Aniya Aji and later Lord Wakamatsu.
• Dates back to the 14th to 15th centuries.

What to see

• A renkaku-style gusuku with two baileys.
• Remains of water wells and worship places.
• Pottery and porcelain fragments were found here.
• The castle measures 130m north-south, 60m east-west.

Read more about Aniya Castle

Explore Gushikawa Castle ruins, a coastal gusuku with historical artifacts and ocean views.

What it is

• A castle ruin in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture.
• Functioned as a gusuku from the late 12th to mid-15th century.
• Designated a National Historic Site on May 15, 1972.

What to see

• Castle site on a coastal cliff, surrounded by sea on three sides.
• Main enclosure, the castle's primary part.
• Second enclosure with a hole leading to the coast.
• Excavated Chinese ceramics.

Read more about Gushikawa Castle

Explore Gushikawa Castle ruins on Kume Island, a historic site with ocean views.

What it is

• Historic castle ruins on Kume Island, Okinawa Prefecture.
• Built by Ajji Madabushi.
• Designated a national historic site in 1975.

What to see

• Castle ruins on a hill overlooking the East China Sea.
• Cliffs on three sides of the castle.
• Castle divided into four enclosures.
• Pottery from the 14th to 15th centuries was excavated here.

Read more about Gushikawa Castle

Zakimi Castle is a World Heritage gusuku ruin with unique architecture and panoramic views.

What it is

• A gusuku castle ruin in Okinawa Prefecture.
• Built by the famous castle builder Gosamaru.
• Constructed between 1416 and 1422.
• Registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000.

What to see

• Castle walls with a 365-meter outer circumference.
• Castle gate arch using keystone construction.
• Wide views of the surrounding area from the hill.

Read more about Zakimi Castle

Explore Yamada Castle ruins, a 14th-century gusuku, for a glimpse into Ryukyu history and ancient artifacts.

What it is

• A gusuku, a Ryukyuan castle, from the 14th to 15th century.
• First residence of Gosamaru, a key historical figure.
• Designated a national historic site on April 1, 2008.

What to see

• Castle ruins on a Ryukyu limestone plateau.
• Remaining stone walls on the east and west sides.
• Unearthed Chinese ceramics and coins from excavations.

Read more about Yamada Castle

Mie Castle is a Ryukyuan gusuku built in 1546 to protect Naha Port.

What it is

• A Ryukyuan gusuku, a type of Okinawan castle.
• Built in 1546 by King Sho Sei.
• Constructed to protect Naha Port.
• Repelled the Satsuma fleet in 1609.

What to see

• Castle ruins at the mouth of the Kokuba River.
• Site of a 1879 watchtower.
• A Japan Coast Guard tower stands there today.
• The site is open to the public.

Read more about Mie Castle