Shuri Castle

Shurijo Castle is the site of a castle in Okinawa Prefecture, located so it overlooks Naha Port, which was once a hub of overseas trade. Today it is a city park that anyone can visit. In 2019, a fire destroyed major structures including the Seiden (main hall) as well as the North and South Halls, but reconstruction efforts are ongoing. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000 and remains a precious place to learn about Okinawa’s history. Even just seeing the magnificent stone walls and ramparts is overwhelming. From Shurijo, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the city—blue sky and sea make you truly feel you’re in Okinawa. As Shurijo Park, it also has souvenir shops and is a very popular sightseeing spot for both domestic and international tourists. Events like the Shurijo Castle Festival in October and the Shuri Cultural Festival in November attract many visitors. Access is by getting off at the Shurijo Park Entrance bus stop from Naha Bus Terminal, then walking about 5 minutes; even the sidewalks on the way are enjoyable.