- Shurijo Castle -

Shurijo Castle

Among the castles that have been designated as World Heritage Sites, Shurijo Castle is probably the most outstanding.

At the time of the island's unification, Shurijo Castle was already historically important.

For the next 450 years, the Castle was the political, economic and cultural center of this island.

The Seiden State Hall is not only the largest wooden building on the island, but also expresses the wisdom of a people who successfully combined Chinese and Japanese architectures with the originality of Okinawan culture.

Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate

The Stone Gate and the cluster of trees next to Shureimon Gate is called an Utaki, or sanctuary.

Every time the King went out of the Castle, he stopped in front of this gate and prayed for a safe journey.