Nakijin Castle Ruins, located in Nakijin Village in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island, is a popular tourist destination where Beautiful Stone Walls and Historical Romance still remain today.
This castle is rich in history, featuring legends such as a beautiful woman named “Shigema Utudaru“, and the tale of a treasured sword called “Chiyoganemaru.”
Once the stronghold of the King of Hokuzan, this castle has been registered as a World Heritage Site due to its immense historical value.
In this article, I will introduce the many charms of the Nakijin Castle Ruins in an easy-to-understand way.
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Nakijin Castle Ruins: Features and Highlights
- Breath-taking Stone Walls! The Remaining Form of a Gusuku
- The Legendary Beauty of Nakijin: Her Name is “Shigema Utudaru”
- A Historic Gusuku (Castle) and UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Early Cherry Blossom Viewing in Okinawa: Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival
Breath-taking Stone Walls! The Remaining Form of a Gusuku
The greatest attraction of the Nakijin Castle Ruins is, without a doubt, The Stone Walls that trace beautiful curves.
Built by taking advantage of the gentle hills, these Stone Walls look almost like a giant serpent winding its way across the landscape, overwhelming all who visit.
Among the highlights, the view from “U-chibaru (The Inner Precinct)” is truly breathtaking.
You can see in both the sea and the Stone Walls at once, making it an Outstanding Spot for photos!
The smoothly curving Stone Walls are truly beautiful, aren’t they!
TairaYou can enjoy a Panoramic View of the Sea and the Stone Walls from “U-chibaru”!
The Legendary Beauty of Nakijin: Her Name is “Shigema Utudaru”
The Legend of a Beautiful Woman named “Shigema Utudaru” still remains at Nakijin Castle.
Utudaru, known for her long, beautiful black hair and kind heart, was invited to the castle to become a concubine of the King of Hokuzan.
After the king’s death, she raised Prince “Chiyomatsu” with deep love and protected him with her life even amid the turmoil of war.
Later, she was revered as a priestess, and a monument commemorating her still stands at Nakijin Castle Ruins today.
A Historic Gusuku (Castle) and UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 2000, the Nakijin Castle Ruins were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.”
Once flourishing as the center of “Hokuzan,” Nakijin Castle remains a Popular Tourist Spot today due to its historical significance and beautiful views.
Early Cherry Blossom Viewing in Okinawa: Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival
The “Cherry Blossom Festival” is held at the Nakijin Castle Ruins from late January to early February.
The ruins are lit up at night, and it is incredibly beautiful!
In Okinawa, cherry blossom bloom in January, but in Japanese mainland they bloom in April.
It is incredibly early, because they bloom in winter in Okinawa!
You can enjoy the beautiful combination of Stone Walls and Cherry Blossoms.
Nakijin Castle Ruins: Basic Info, Fees, Parking, and Access
- Basic Information
- Fees
- Parking
- Estimated Time Required
- Access
Basic Information
| Name | Nakijin Castle Ruins |
| Photo |  |
| Address | 5101 Imadomari, Nakijin Village, Okinawa |
| Official Website | Nakijin Castle Ruins |
| Tel | 0980-56-4400 |
| Hours | January–April, September–December: 8:00am–6:00pm *Last entry 5:30pm May–August: 8:00am–7:00pm *Last entry 6:30pm |
| Closed | Open Year-Round |
| Fee | Nakijin Castle Ruins + Historical and Cultural Center: ・Adults: 600 yen ・Junior High and High School Students: 450 yen ・Elementary School Students and Under: Free |
| Parking | Free |
| Access | Approximately 2 hours by car from Naha Airport. about 90km: |
| Description | Beautiful stone walls and historical romance! The castle ruins of the King of Hokuzan. |
Fees
Admission fees are as follows:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | 600 yen |
| Junior High and High School Students | 450 yen |
| Elementary School Students and Under | Free |
Parking
Parking is free.
There are Parking Lots from P1 to P4.
You can park at P1, but P2 is closer and more convenient.
P2 is also close to the Ticket Office and convenient because you don’t need to climb any stairs.
However, please note that the P2 Parking Lot has many spaces designated for people with disabilities.
Estimated Time Required
A tour of the main areas of the “Nakijin Castle Ruins” takes about 40 to 60 minutes.
If you are using a Volunteer Guide, please allow about 1.5 hours.
If you plan to visit the “History and Culture Center,” please add another 20 minutes to your schedule.
- Main Areas of the “Nakijin Castle Ruins”: 40 to 60 minutes
- Using a Volunteer Guide: 1.5 hours
- Guide + History and Culture Center: about 2 hours
Access
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