OKINAWA HOTELS

OKINAWA WORLD HERITAGE SITES

Tamaudun
Tamaudun is a substainial stone mausoleum where Ryukyuan royalty are entombed and a World Heritage Site. Tamaudun is located in Shuri, Okinawa, only a short distance from Shuri Castle. Tamaudun was built in 1501 by King Sho Shin, the third king of the second Sho dynasty, for his father King Sho En. In all there are 18 kings and their families entombed in Tamaudun.

Sonohyan-utaki
Sonohyan-utaki is an area within Shuri Castle which includes the religiously significant Sonohyan-utaki stone gates, built in 1519, and a grove of trees and plants leading to the gates. The gates were only opened for the king, who would pray at there prior to going on a journey. Sonohyan-utaki is a World Heritage Site.

Nakijin Castle
Nakijin Castle located in Nakijin Okinawa and is a World Heritage Site. Nakijin Castle is a gusuku (Okinawan) style Japanese Castle which dates back to the late 13th century, and was constructed by the Hokuzan kingdom. Nakijin Castle is famous for its size with the complex covering 14 acres including 1.5km of walls. Today only ruins remain including walls and some foundations.

Zakimi Castle
Zakimi Castle located in Yomitan Okinawa and is a World Heritage Site. Nakijin Castle is a gusuku (Okinawan) style Japanese Castle which was completed in 1422 by the Ryukyuan military leader Gosamaru. Today only ruins remain including walls and some foundations.

Katsuren Castle
Katsuren Castle is believed to be the oldest castle in Okinawa and is a World Heritage Site. Katsuren Castle is a gusuku (Okinawan) style Japanese Castle. Katsuren Castle over looks Awase and Nakagusuku Bay on the Pacific Ocean, hence why Katsuren Castle was also referred to as Ocean Gusuku. Katsuren Castle was at the height of its power in the mid 15th century under Lord Amawari. Excavations of the site have lead to the discovery of precious tiles and Chinese porcelain which provide a further evidence of the wealth and stuture of Katsuren Castle. Today only ruins remain including walls and some foundations.

Nakagusuku Castle
Nakagusuku Castle located in Kitanakagusuku Okinawa and is a World Heritage Site. Nakagusuku Castle is a gusuku (Okinawan) style Japanese Castle built in approxiately 1440 by legendary Ryukyuan commander, Gosamaru, to defend against Lord Amawari of Katsuren Castle. Today only ruins remain including walls and some foundations.

Shuri Castle
Shuri Castle located in Shuri Okinawa and is a World Heritage Site. Shuri Castle is a gusuku (Okinawan) style Japanese Castle which dates back to the 14th century, and was constructed by the Ryukyu kingdom. Shuri Castle contained the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In 1945 the castle was almost completely destroyed by shells from USA war ships. Shuri Castle was reconstructed between 1958 and 1992.

Shikinaen Gardens
Shikinaen Garden is part of the Shuri Castle complex and a World Heritage Site. The Shikinaen Garden, constructed in 1799, is a rare and historically significant example of Ryukyun landscape gardening. Shikinaen features elements such as the circular layout which is seen in more modern Japanese gardens, along with a pond with a bridge to a small island which follows the Chinese style. These elements are combined with Ryukuan styled villa. Shikinaen was used as an area for the royals to relax or entertain important guests such as the envoys from China.

Seifa-utaki Shrine
Seifa-utaki Shrine is the most sacred site in Okinawa and a World Heritage Site. Seifa-utaki Shrine consists of some striking natural rock formations including an arch formed between two massive rocks, caves and rock outcrops high above the sea. There were several buildings on the site, but these have been destroyed, now only rock path ways remain. Seifa-utaki Shrine was only used by the Ryukuan Royal families during their rein. Seifa-utaki Shrine is located on the south eastern side of Okinawa Island.