tourism 2023.12.21

Shuri Castle Ruins, where you can feel the Ryukyu Dynasty era

Writer

三好 優実

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A web editor and writer from Kagawa Prefecture. Sometimes public relations. Since 2014, he has moved to Okinawa (where he would like to live forever if possible). He is the author of the book ``Kagawa Prefecture Aru Aru''.
https://note.com/yumi03

Photographer

小橋川 恵里奈

A photographer from Okinawa Prefecture. He moved to Tokyo in 2006 to study under Tomohiko Tagawa, and became independent in 2008.
He mainly shoots magazines, advertisements, portraits, etc.

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Castle ruins where you can feel the culture of the Ryukyu Dynasty era

Shuri Castle Ruins was registered as a World Heritage Site in December 2000 as a “Gusuku and related heritage sites of the Ryukyu Kingdom.” It is the site of a ”Gusuku” castle, where the king of the Ryukyu Dynasty lived and was considered the center of politics and culture.

One of the highlights is the design, which is reminiscent of the exchange between China and Okinawa, with the red tiles on the red-painted gates and buildings inspired by Chinese castles. You can feel the unique culture of the Ryukyus, which was born out of the lively trade during the Ryukyu Dynasty. The main hall in particular is said to be the largest wooden structure in the Ryukyu Kingdom, and is decorated with gorgeous decorations. Part of the building was destroyed in a fire in 2019, but construction is currently underway to rebuild it. Even during construction, various efforts are being made to allow visitors to enjoy history and culture.

Restored after the 18th century

The Ryukyu Kingdom was a monarchy that existed for 450 years from 1429 to 1879. While there was active trade with China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, Shuri Castle flourished as the center of the kingdom’s politics, diplomacy, and culture. For this reason, Shuri Castle has long been popular as a symbol of Okinawa’s culture and history.

Shuri Castle was burnt down three times during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. It was completely destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. After the war, the site became the campus of the University of the Ryukyus, but after the university moved, a restoration project was promoted, and it was restored in 1992. The restored Shuri Castle was modeled after the 18th century, and the ruins of Shuri Castle were registered as a World Heritage Site in December 2000. By the way, it is not the restored buildings that have been registered as World Heritage Sites, but the remains (remains of parts of old structures left on the ground or underground).

Destroyed by fire. Only now can you experience the progress of reconstruction

In March 2019, all restoration work was completed, including the Seiden and the destroyed castle walls, but a large-scale fire that occurred on October 31st of the same year destroyed eight buildings, including the Seiden and the North Hall. Many people were saddened by the burning down of Shuri Castle, a symbol of Shuri that had always been taken for granted. However, many donations have been received from inside and outside the prefecture, and efforts are now being made to rebuild the castle. Construction is progressing steadily.

While many people are looking forward to the reconstruction, the reconstruction of Shuri Castle, which is a cultural property, will not be easy. However, construction is progressing with the goal of completing the restoration of Shuri Castle Seiden in 2026, while also training engineers.

You can watch the restoration work in action from the observation area. In addition, construction explanation panels display the remains of the fire and the wood used in the restoration, allowing you to see up close the restoration of the Seiden that changes daily. We are also planning a number of special events that can only be held now that we are in the midst of reconstruction, such as a Shuri Castle reconstruction model course, reconstruction events, and sales of commemorative goods created from reconstruction work. Please take a close look at the sights that can only be seen now.

We recommend having a guide!

Shuri Castle boasts an area of ​​approximately 50,000 square meters, so if you don’t know much about it, you may end up just wandering around. Of course, if you want to enjoy the scenery and the exterior of the castle, that’s fine, but for those who want to know more about Shuri Castle, we recommend the daily guided tours (1000 yen per person, free for elementary school students and younger). On the Shuri Castle 60-minute guided tour, a Shuri Castle commentator wearing Ryukyu costume will explain the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom while walking around Shuri Castle. You can also see the progress of reconstruction in real time, such as in the “Dairyu Pillar Repair Exhibition Room” and “Wood Warehouse/Actual Size Area.”

Feel the atmosphere of the Ryukyu Dynasty era

Shuri Castle is located on a hill, so the view from the castle ruins is outstanding! You can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding topography, the houses with red tile roofs that reflect Okinawan tradition, and the blue sea and sky floating in the background. Just feeling the humid wind while imagining the scenery that the king saw made me feel like I had traveled back in time to the Ryukyu Dynasty. You can enjoy the beautiful nature, such as the well-kept lawns and towering banyan trees, just by taking a walk.

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