Culture & History #14 of 14 in this area

Ruins of Nakijin Castle

The ruins of a castle on Motobu Peninsula in the northern part of Okinawa's main island, which is part of the World Heritage Site "Gusuku and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu," were built at the end of the 13th century and flourished as the residence of the Kitayama kings. The curved walls of the castle are 1.5 km long and 3-8 m high, making it comparable in scale to Shuri Castle.

What is Nakijin Castle Ruins?

Located on Motobu Peninsula in the northern part of Okinawa Island, it is the site of a Ryukyuan castle (gusuku) built at the end of the 13th century. In 2000, it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site as "Gusuku and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu".

Architectural Features

The total length of the castle wall is about 1.5 km, and its height ranges from 3 to 8 m. It is comparable in scale to Shurijo Castle. The curved, gently sloping walls, influenced by China, meander beautifully along the terrain and are composed of 10 sections, including Heiroumon, Osumi, Shikeimamonkaku, and the main fortress. The view of the East China Sea and Kouri Island from the ruins of Nakijin Castle is also exceptional.

Cherry blossom viewing spots

About 100 hikanzakura (scarlet cherry trees) are planted in the castle, and the Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival, the earliest cherry blossom festival in Japan, is held every year from late January to early February. The pink cherry blossoms and stone walls create a fantastic atmosphere when lit up at night.

Sightseeing Information

Open: Normally 8:00-18:00 (last admission 17:30) / until 19:00 from May to August
Admission: Adults 1,000 yen, junior high and high school students 500 yen, elementary school students and younger free (shared with Nakijin Village History and Culture Center / revised on September 1, 2025)
Free guided tours by volunteer guides are available.

Access

About 2 hours drive from Naha Airport, about 45 minutes from the Kushida IC. Approximately 20 minutes from Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium by car.

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Info

Address: 5101 Aza-Imadomari, Nakijin Village, Okinawa 905-0428, Japan
Opening Hours: Normal period (January to April, September to December) 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last admission at 5:30 p.m.) ・Summer extended period (May to August) 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last admission at 6:30 p.m.)
Admission: Admission ¥1,000 for adults, ¥500 for junior high and high school students, free for elementary school students and younger *Revised on September 1, 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 54 / 100

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