which ruled the Ryukyu
Kingdom including Okinawa, Miyako, Yaeyama and the Amami Islands from 1406-1879. Ryukyu
was a small kingdom, keeping dual subordinate relations with Japan and China in order to
obtain external security and gain from trade. Shuri
Castle was the residence and seat of government of the Shoo Dynasty, which ruled the Ryukyu
Kingdom including Okinawa, Miyako, Yaeyama and the Amami Islands from 1406-1879. Ryukyu
was a small kingdom, keeping dual subordinate relations with Japan and China in order to
obtain external security and gain from trade.
Shuri Castle is located on a strategic hilltop in what is now an indiscriminate part of the urban sprawl of Naha city. The original castle was built by the ruler of the middle kingdom (Chuzan) of the three kingdoms that made up the Ryukyus and apparently was constructed sometime in the 14th century; excavations indicate that this earliest castle was about the size of the present inner enclosure. The ruler of the Chuzan kingdom unified the islands in 1429, forming the Kingdom of the Ryukyus. The castle was enlarged then and subsequently, reflecting its political, economic, and spiritual importance.
The castle was a unique architectural mixture of Japanese and Chinese influences. Its outer wall, about 50 feet high and 20 feet thick, had a perimeter of about 3,300 feet. Within its walls stood 19 structures and the interior area covered about 7,500 square yards.
The castle was originally built some 1000 years ago, and succeeding generations of Shoo family rulers gradually developed the castle from the time of Shoo Hashi, who unified regional rulers into the Ryukyu Kingdom.
World Heritage Site
Though not a theocracy, the ruler and ruling family of the kingdom were deeply involved in the spiritual life of the realm. There are nine sacred spaces (utaki) within the castle precincts, relating to ritual, investiture, and spiritual life of the kingdom, and the prominent ones held my attention, if only briefly. The last king of the Ryukyus abdicated in 1879, I learned, when Okinawa first became a prefecture of Japan. The castle was largely neglected until 1929, when it was designated a National Treasure. In the major repair work undertaken then, the State Hall was dismantled and its construction extensively recorded and measured. In 1933, the Shureimon gate underwent a similar process. During the heavy bombardment at the end of World War II, Shuri Castle was destroyed. These precious records are the basis for and allowed the excellent reconstruction work. Portions of the outer wall are still being reconstructed. Shuri Castle and the other Okinawan castle ruins are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hours of Operation: (These sometimes change but not by much.)
Summer (March through November) 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (last admission 5:30 p.m.)
Winter (December through February) 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (last admission 5:00 p.m.)
Admission Fees: (These sometimes change but not by much.)
Adults : 800 yen (group 640 yen)
High school students : 600 yen (group 480 yen)
Children Elementary and Junior high School Students: 300 yen (group 240 yen)
:: Children under 6 years are admitted free of charge.
:: Group rates apply to parties of 30 or more.
