Culture & History #15 of 16 in this area

Chinen Castle Ruins (National Historic Site)

The ruins of a 13th-century gusuku (a traditional fortress) in Chinen, Nanjo City, was designated as a National Historic Site in 1972. It consists of two sections, the old castle (ku-gusuku) and the new castle (me-gusuku), and was a sacred site for the Agari-uma-i (pilgrimage to the east) that was visited by the King of Japan and the Daimon Mukonu during the Ryukyu Dynasty period. It is a quiet historic site with field-stacked stone walls and a place of worship.

What is Chinen Castle Ruins?

Chinen Castle Ruins is a medieval gusuku built on a hill in the Chinen area of Nanjo City and is one of the oldest gusuku that is thought to have been used from the 13th century.

Places to visit

The castle structure consists of two sections.

Chinen Castle is composed of two fortresses, "Kugusuku" (old castle) and "Migusuku" (new castle), which are located east and west of each other. The old castle is surrounded by a stone wall of the ancient style of field masonry (an old method of piling up natural stones without processing), while the new castle is a well-defined fortress with two gates and a stone wall.

Sacred Site of Agari-uma-i

During the Ryukyu Dynasty, this was one of the important places of worship during the "Togomari," a pilgrimage by the king and the supreme deity, Kikoe Okimi, to the sacred sites in the east. The castle is home to the Tomorinotaki worship site and the Hinukan (fire deity), both of which remain objects of local worship today.

Legend of the Residence of Chinen Anjin

The castle was built about 400 years ago by Uchima Ochika (later Chinen Anjin), who moved from Chinen Gusuku, for the purpose of holding a festival, and from 1761 to 1903 it served as the administrative center of Chinen Makiri.

Quiet and secluded historic site

Compared to Shurijo Castle and Nakagusuku Castle Ruins, there are fewer visitors to this gusuku, making it a quiet and secluded place where one can face the history of the area. The temple grounds, with only the chirping of birds and the sound of the wind echoing in the air, offer a special time akin to meditation.

Access

Approximately 60 minutes from Naha Airport by Car
Approximately 40 minutes by car from the Minami-fubaru Minami IC of Okinawa Expressway
Parking lot available (free of charge)

Points of Visit

Visiting the historic site is free and open to the public.
There are many sacred sites around the site, such as Saiba Utaki.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

#Chinen Castle Ruins #Gusuku #National Historic Site #Nanjo City #Tongonamari #Sacred Site #Ryukyu Dynasty

Info

3.5 (100 reviews) Google

Address: Chinen Uetahara, Chinen, Nanjo City, Okinawa 901-1513, Japan
Opening Hours: Open for tours 24 hours a day (always open)
Admission: free
Official Website: Visit Website

Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Score

Total Score 52 / 100

* These scores are AI-assessed estimates based on publicly available information. They reflect subjective judgment and may differ from actual conditions.