Nakagusuku Castle Ruins– UNESCO World Heritage Site –

Nakagusuku Castle Ruins (中城城跡) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Nakagusuku Village, Okinawa, Japan. It is a historic fortress that dates back to the Ryukyu Kingdom, which ruled the Okinawa Islands from the 15th to the 19th century.

The castle was constructed on a hill overlooking the East China Sea, and its walls and gates were designed to provide defense against enemy attacks. The castle complex also included a royal residence, administrative buildings, and a sacred area called Utaki.

Today, visitors can explore the castle ruins, which include impressive walls, gates, and other stone structures. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area. The ruins of the royal residence provide a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Ryukyu royal family, while the Utaki remains a place where visitors can experience the spiritual atmosphere of the castle.

Nakagusuku Castle Ruins are one of the most important historical sites in Okinawa and provide a fascinating insight into the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Getting there

By Car

From Naha Airport:

1. Take Route 329 north, passing Yonabaru and Nishihara
2. Turn left at the Nakagusuku Park Entrance intersection
3. Follow Route 146 until you see the parking lot on your left

From Naha via Expressway:

1. Take the Okinawa Expressway and exit at Kita-Nakagusuku
2. Drive about 3 km (10 minutes) from the exit
3. Take Route 81 and turn right at the Adaniya intersection
4. Follow Route 146 until you reach the parking lot

By Bus

From Naha Bus Terminal:

1. Take bus number 30 to Nakagusuku Shōgakkō-mae stop
2. Journey time: 60 minutes
3. Cost: 760 yen
4. Frequency: 2 buses per hour
5. Walk uphill for about 30 minutes to reach the castle

Details

Hours	8:30 AM – 5:30 PM May to September / 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM Reception closes 30 minutes before closing time.
Admission	Adults: 400 yen Junior high school and high students: 300 yen Elementary school students: 200 yen
Phone	81 98-935-5719
Address	1258, Tomari, Nakagusuku, Okinawa 901-2402
Official Website	https://www.nakagusuku-jo.jp/