Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
English
French
German
Indonesian
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Spanish
Thai
Shikinaen Garden (識名園), also known as Shikinaen Royal Garden, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. The garden was originally built in 1799 as a second residence and a retreat for the royal family of the Ryukyu Kingdom, as well as a place to entertain envoys from China. It features a unique blend of traditional Okinawan and Chinese garden design elements, incorporating some influences from Japanese garden styles.
Shikinaen Garden is renowned for its picturesque scenery, featuring a large central pond surrounded by lush vegetation, walking paths, bridges, and pavilions in traditional Okinawan architecture. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and explore the garden’s highlights, such as the Ryukyu-style hexagonal Ukee-Udun Teahouse, the ornate stone gate (Ishi-mon) that leads into the garden, and the numerous colorful flowers and trees that bloom throughout the year.
The garden was almost completely destroyed during World War II but was later restored to its former glory. Shikinaen Garden is not only a beautiful retreat but also a significant historical site, showcasing the Ryukyu Kingdom’s diplomacy and cultural exchange with China. It is considered one of the best examples of traditional Okinawan garden design and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike who want to experience the beauty and history of Okinawa’s cultural heritage.
Getting there
By Bus
From Palette Kumoji Department Store:
- Take bus #14 from Palette Kumoji Mae bus stop
- Take bus #5 from Okigin Honten Mae bus stop
- Take bus #2 from Kencho mae bus stop
From Tsuboya and Kokusai Street area:
- Take bus #5 or #14 from Tenbusu Mae bus stop
From Fushushuen Garden:
- Take bus #2, #3, or #5 from Kume Koshibyo-mae
From Tomarin Ferry terminal:
- Take bus #3 from in front of the terminal
From Shintoshin area:
- Take bus #3 from Kenritsu Hakubutsukan mae bus stop
- Take bus #4 from Omoromachi ekimae hiroba bus stop
From Shurijo Castle:
- Take bus #14 from Shurijo koen Iriguchi bus stop
Get off at the Shikinaen mae bus stop for all routes.
By Car
- Free parking is available at the garden
Walking Option
- For those visiting during cooler months or who enjoy walking, it’s possible to walk from Shikinaen to Shurijo Castle (or vice versa)
- Distance: About 2 km (1.3 miles)
- Note: The route includes hills and may be challenging
Details
| Hours | April 1st to September 30th / 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM October 1st to March 31st / 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Reception closes 30 minutes before closing time. |
| Admission | Adults: 400 yen Children: 200 yen |
| Phone | +81 98-855-5936 |
| Address | 421-7 Maaji, Naha, Okinawa 902-0072 |
| Resources | https://www.city.naha.okinawa.jp/kankou/bunkazai/shikinaen.html |