Shuri Castle
Shuri Castle is said to have been built in the mid-14th century, and was the base of Sho Hashio, the first king of the Ryukyu Kingdom. For approximately 450 years, it was used as a royal castle and flourished as a center of politics, diplomacy, and culture. Shuri Castle has been burnt down and restored several times, but in 1945 (Showa 20), it was completely destroyed by the American military during the Battle of Okinawa. Afterwards, it was maintained and fully opened in February 2019 (Heisei 31). However, on October 31, 2019 (Reiwa 1), a fire of unknown cause occurred, and nine buildings were destroyed, including the main hall, north hall, south hall, and Hoshinmon gate. Currently being rebuilt, the main hall is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2026 (Reiwa 8).
5 features and charms of Shuri Castle
- The elegant Shureimon gate that appeared on the 2,000 yen bill
- Beautiful curved stone wall
- World Heritage Site, Sonohiyatake Utaki
- Opening ceremony held every morning
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Restoration work area
*As of September 2023, you can view the remaining buildings of Shuri Castle and the restoration work in progress.
The beautiful vermilion Shureimon Gate, which appeared on the 2,000 yen bill, is also recommended as a photo spot. The smooth curved stone walls are also a distinctive feature and one of the highlights. Sonohiyatake Utaki, where the Ryukyu King prayed for safety when he went out, is a sacred power spot and is registered as a World Heritage Site. Another highlight is the opening ceremony held in front of the Hoshinmon gate every morning. The gate opens with the signal of a gong and the shout of uke-jo. You can also take a commemorative photo with officials wearing costumes from the Ryukyu Dynasty era. This is a unique opportunity to see the Seiden, which is currently being reconstructed.
Shuri Castle facility information
| address | 1-2 Shurikinjocho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture |
|---|---|
| telephone number | 098-886-2020 |
| FAX number | 098-886-2022 |
| business hours |
・
free area
8:00-19:30 (April-June, October-November), 8:00-20:30 (July-September), 8:00-18:30 (December-March) ・ Paid area 8:30-19:00 (April-June, October-November), 8:30-20:00 (July-September), 8:30-18:00 (December-March) Entrance is allowed until 30 minutes before closing. *Free areas: Shureimon, Kankaimon, Zuisenmon, Yokokumon, Kofukumon, Keiseimon, Shukujunmon, Ueimon, Zenizou, Kyukeimon, Shuri Mori Utaki, Dairyūbashira repair exhibition Muro, Kyo no Uchi, Keizuza/Yomonoza, Nishi no Azana, Kibikimon, Shuri Morikan front store, Shuri Morikan (building with restaurants, cafes, and shops) *Paid areas: Houshinmon (ticket gate), restoration work area (north side viewing passageway of the north hall and full-scale viewing area), Shuri Castle reconstruction exhibition room, ladies' quarters (museum shop Kyuyo), Yogakuden, East Azana |
| closing day | First Wednesday of July and the next day |
| Fee |
Adults 400 yen, high school students 300 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 160 yen, free for children under 6 years old |
| Average visiting time | 1 hour and 30 minutes~ |
| restaurant | Yes/There is a restaurant where you can enjoy Ryukyu cuisine and a cafe where you can enjoy local gourmet food such as shikuwasa soft serve while overlooking Naha city. |
| parking |
Available / Up to 116 regular passenger cars, Bus (micro) up to 46 |
| Parking fee (once) |
Small car 400 yen, large car 1,200 yen |
Shuri Castle Map
Related articles about Shuri Castle
Ranking of popular experiences near Shuri Castle
- 3.0
- (1 review/experience)
\Early bird campaign in progress/A rare bus with only one on the main island of Okinawa! We look forward to your reservations! －－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－Bring your smartphone and earphones to use the audio guidance! (Japanese, English, Korean, Chinese)★Automatic audio guidance★A system that provides information about each location only when the bus passes through a point specified by GPS.
★LeaLea bus departs Naha in the morning and tours the southern part of Okinawa in half a day★This is a bus tour that takes you to scenic spots such as the World Heritage Site Sefa Utaki and Nirai Kanai Bridge, as well as the Himeyuri Tower. ~Schedule~LeaLea Lounge Okinawa departure: 08:00 → Nirai Kanai Bridge (car window) → Guide will guide you to the World Heritage Site Sefa Utaki (note). After that, Chinen
★Guide to popular spots on Okinawa main island, including Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Kouri Island, Shuri Castle, and Nago Pineapple Park★8:20: Loisir Hotel Naha8:35: LeaLea Lounge Okinawa8:50: Orion Hotel Naha9:05: DoubleTree by Hilton NahaShuri Castle Walk around Shuri Castle Park (approx. 70 minutes) Visit the Shureimon Gate and Sonohyan Utakuishimon Gate (World Heritage Site), etc.
[Private Tour: Limited to 1 group] Okinawa local experience and sunset cycling tour
Limited to one group! Just for you, an experienced guide will take you through lesser known routes and spots, and take you to fascinating places that ordinary tourists tend to miss. The duration of this tour is scheduled to be 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, taking into account the sunset time. In case of bad weather, we will change it to a walking tour (about 2 to 3 hours).
[Okinawa/Naha] Guided cycling tour <Urasoe course>
We will provide electric bicycles. You can easily run on hills and long distances. Experienced guides will take you through back roads and unknown history unique to cycling. ~Experience flow~ ①Meet and receive Reception at E-Charity Naha Kokusai-dori main storePick up an electric bicycle and have a simple briefing session where anyone can ride it safely and happily! ②Tour start/Omoromachi
[Okinawa/Naha] Okinawa local experience and sunset cycling tour
Experienced guides will guide you through these lesser-known routes and take you to fascinating places often missed by the average tourist. This tour is scheduled to last from 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, taking into account sunset time. In case of bad weather, the tour will be changed to a walking tour (approximately 2-3 hours). ~ Flow of the experience ~ ① Gathering and reception
[Okinawa/Naha] E-Bike nature tour in Shuri
You can discover hidden nature and history that you won't find in guidebooks, such as the quiet sound of water, lush trees, and historic buildings. Cycling with an electric bicycle can refresh your mind and body. This is a new and unique tour where you can experience Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands as if you were traveling through time. ~Flow of the experience~ ① Gathering and reception e-charity Naha Kokusai Dori Hon
[Okinawa/Naha] Shuri Castle sightseeing by EV bike ♪: 2-hour course including ticket fee
With this plan, you can rent a convenient electric bike from a store located on Kokusai Dori in Naha and enjoy sightseeing at Shuri Castle at your own pace without having to worry about bus or train times. Why not enjoy the nature and history of the Ryukyu Kingdom while feeling the Okinawa breeze? Also, you can park your bicycle in the parking lot, so you don't have to worry about finding a parking spot or paying a fee ♪ Motorized bicycle
You can rent any time from 9:30 to 18:30♪ *Return until the same time the next day <Recommended points> Rimo's stylish electric assist bicycle ★ Effective use of Yui rail ★★ Long hours No walking required ★ Usage example: Pick up an electric assist bicycle at "Rimo Naha Airport Station Store" ・ Travel around Kokusai Dori (Kokusai Dori - Makishi)
You can borrow any time from 9:30 to 18:30 ♪ *Return at the same time the next day ☆…☆…☆…☆…☆…☆…☆…☆…☆…☆…☆… ☆…☆…☆ From July 2023, regulations on the use of electric scooters on public roads will be relaxed! →If you are over 16 years old, you will be able to drive an electric scooter without needing a license or wearing a helmet (efforts required)
*The contents of this article are current as of September 2023.
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