Shurijo Castle | A World Heritage site in Okinawa Prefecture

Last weekend, I went to the main island of Okinawa and stayed in Naha City. Speaking of tourist spots in Naha, the Shurjijo Castle is a must.

 

This was my third visiting the castle but still it is my favorite place. When I come to the castle, I always feel, "I came to Okinawa!" It is said that the Shurijo Castle is the strongest spiritual spot and a sanctuary in Okinawan feng shui. No wonder I feel full of energy when I visit there.

 

Although the castle was destroyed by fire in 1945 during the Battle of Okinawa, it was restored as a government-managed park in 1992 in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan. And, the existing castle ruin was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.

 

By the way, the key differences between the Shurijo Castle and ones in mainland Japan are that it has no castle tower and its stone wall is curved. In other words, the Shurijo Castle was one to entertain diplomatic missions from China rather than a fortress. (H.S)

 

Photo taken from the window of the plane before landing at Naha Airport

 

Shureimon gate　

 

Seiden, a symbol of the Shurijo Castle
It is said that the building was modeled on the Forbidden City in China.

 

The King's Throne, the most popular photo spot inside the castle

 

The whole castle from the back viewed from the observation area

 

The town of Shuri viewed from another direction of the observation area

 

The T-shirt shop on the Kokusai-dori Street is just like Okinawa.

 

Okinawan folk song live show in a bar "Utahime" on the Kokusai-dori Street
This is an Okinawan folk song called "Tanchame" at my request.