From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
① Nakijin Gusuku Ruins In the late 14th century, the Ryukyus consisted of three principalities: Nanzan to the south, the central Kingdom of Chuzan, and northern Hokuzan. Nakijin was the fortress of the northern Hokuzan principality. The fortress includes several sacred Utaki groves, reflecting the gusuku’s role as a center of religious activity. Nakijin Gusuku is famous for the Hikan cherries which bloom in northern Okinawa between mid January and early February.
②Zakimi Gusuku Ruins Built in the early 15th century by the legendary Ryukyuan militarist Gosamaru, Zakimi gusuku oversaw the northern portion of Okinawa. The gusuku fortress has two inner courts, each with an arched gate. This is Okinawa’s first stone arch gate featuring the unique keystone masonry of the Ryukyus.
③ Katsuren Gusuku Ruins The Katsuren fortress, with the Pacific on two sides, is also called the “Ocean Gusuku.” This gusuku fortresses has its golden age in the mid-15th century, under the powerful Lord Amawari. Precious tile and Chinese porcelain of the era have been excavated from Katsuren. Such remains testify to the magnificence of the ancient structure and the robust entrepôt trade.
④ Nakagusuku Ruins The legendary Ryukyuan commander, Gosamaru, built the fortress in the early 15th century to defend against attacks from the east by Lord Amawari of Katsuren. The six courtyards of this fortress with superb stacked stone walls make it an excellent example of a Ryukyuan gusuku.
⑤ Shuri Castle For 450 years from the beginning of the 15th century, this was the royal court and administrative center of the Kingdom. It was the focal point of foreign trade, as well as the political, economical and cultural heart of the Ryukyus. The Shurijo Castle structures burned down in WWII. Partially restored in 1992, Shurijo Castle is now open as a park.
⑥ Stone Gate of Sonohyan-utaki This stone gate to the left of Shureimon gate was erected in 1519 by King Sho Shin, the third king of the second Sho dynasty. Here at the Sonohyan-utaki, the King offered prayers for order throughout the Kingdom and safety at the outset of all his travels. The stone gate reflects the Kingdom’s advanced limestone masonry skills, and is designated an important national cultural property.
⑦ Tamaudun Tamaudun, mausoleum for generations of the Ryukyuan royals, was built in 1501 by King Sho Shin, the third King of the second Sho dynasty. The three compartments of the mausoleum are laid out east to west, with kings and queens in the eastern compartment and the princes and rest of the royal family in the western compartment. The stone lions guarding the tomb are excellent examples of Okinawan stone sculpture.
⑧ Shikina-en Built in 1799, the royal villa was not only where the royals relaxed but was also used to host the investiture envoys who came from the Great Empire, China. The garden’s circle layout resembles plans used in modern Japanese gardens, but the Villa itself with its red tile is uniquely Ryukyuan, and pond and bridge to the miniature island is in the Chinese style. This is a rare, historically valuable example of Ryukyuan landscape gardening.
⑨ Sefa-utaki Legend says the goddess Amamikyo who gave birth to the islands of the Ryukyus, descended here. From this sacred grove, people prayed to Kudaka Island, Okinawa’s most sacred place. Once the inaugurations of the high priestess of the Shuri Court, Kikoe-ogimi, took place here. The utaki (grove) testifies to the unique form of nature and ancestor worship that underlies the animist beliefs of the Ryukyus.
