Culture & History #13 of 16 in this area

Ruins of Nakagusuku Castle

This gusuku was built in the 15th century during the period of the Kingdom of the Ryukyus, and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000 as "Gusuku and Related Properties of the Kingdom of the Ryukyus". Located on a limestone hill at an elevation of 150 to 170 meters above sea level, the beautifully curved walls of the castle, consisting of six sections, remain as they were in those days. It is also popular as a spot with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean to the east and the East China Sea to the west.

What is Nakagusuku Castle Ruins?

This gusuku (castle) was built in the early 15th century by the angler Sakaki Nakagusuku, and later renovated and enlarged by the famous general Gosamaru.

Places to visit

Beautiful curves of stonewalls

The castle wall is one of the best-preserved gusuku in Okinawa, and Commodore Perry and his party who visited the castle in 1853 praised the beauty of the walls.

Six Kaku

The castle consists of six sections: Main Gate, West Section, South Section, 1st Section (Honmaru), 2nd Section, 3rd Section, and North Section, each of which offers a different view.

Spectacular 360-degree view

Located on a hillside at an elevation of approximately 160 m, it commands a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean (Nakagusuku Bay) to the east and the East China Sea to the west. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Kukojima Island.

Access

Approximately 50 minutes by car from Naha Airport. Approximately 7 minutes from the Kitanakagusuku IC of Okinawa Expressway.

Usage Guide

Hours: 8:30-17:00 (closing at 17:30) / 8:30-18:00 (closing at 18:30) from May to September
Open all year round
Free parking
Admission: Adults 500 yen, Junior and senior high school students 300 yen, Elementary school students 200 yen (revised in April 2025)

Nearby Spots

The neighborhood is dotted with spots where visitors can enjoy historical walks, such as "Nakamura Family Residence" and "Okinawa Gokoku Shrine.

#World Heritage Site #Gusuku #Nakagusuku #Ryukyu Kingdom #History #Castle Ruins #Chubu

Info

Address: 1258 Tomari, Nakagusuku Village, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 901-2402, Japan (Secretariat: 503 Aza Oshiro, Kitanakagusuku Village)
Opening Hours: ■Visiting hours: 8:30-17:00 (closing at 17:30) *8:30-18:00 (closing at 18:30) from May to September
Admission: Adults 500 yen (400 yen for groups of 20 or more), Junior and senior high school students 300 yen (200 yen for groups of 20 or more), Elementary school students 200 yen (100 yen for groups of 20 or more) *Pre-elementary school children are free if accompanied by a parent or guardian / free with a disability certificate (revised April, 2025)
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 55 / 100

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