Ruins of Ankena Castle (National Historic Site)

About the Ruins of Ankena Castle

Located in Aza-Askeina Kamegahara, Uruma City, the ruins of a mountain castle built around the 14th century by the Ankeina Anshi, is a valuable Ryukyuan historic site designated as a national historic site on May 15, 1972.

Features of the Castle

• A mountain castle skillfully utilizing natural cliffs and steep slopes
• A contour-style castle with double stone walls on the outer and inner sides (a rare surviving example in Okinawa)
• A solid structure that makes the most of the natural river and rock mass
• Also known as Ogawa Gusuku, from the name of the Tengan River that flows to the north of the castle

History

The castle was the residence of Ankeina Ankeina, who left his mark on Ryukyuan history as an angler. 1526, the royal army attacked Ankeina Castle, but when it was discovered that there was no water in the castle, it was defeated by a siege and water invasion.

Akeina Central Park, famous for its cherry blossoms

The area around the castle ruins is maintained as Ankena Central Park.

• Can scarlet cherry blossoms in late January: pink flowers are in full bloom and a cherry blossom festival is held.
• Equipped with walking paths and rest areas
• Bullfighting arena is also adjacent

Access

10 minutes drive from Okinawa North IC of Okinawa Expressway, free parking lot.