The Shurijo Castle was the administrative and foreign trade centre of the Ryukyu kingdom. It also backed the cultural, economic and political endeavours of the kingdom. The castle dates back to the early 14th century but was damaged severely multiple times- the earliest damages dating back to the Battle of Okinawa. Over time, the place served the Chuzan, the Ryuku Dytansty, the Empire of Japan, the US military and the US civil administration. For many, the construction of the castle is a shadow of the ‘forbidden city’ with gorgeous Japanese styled buildings with distinct red lacquer work, unique tile work and the Seiden area which was rebuilt using wood brought in from Taiwan. The entire castle is built by using Ryuku limestone

What you see currently are the restorations made in 1992. However, in spite of its reconstruction, you can still walk around to see the beautiful Una Plaza, the nearby Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate where the King prayed before leaving the castle and the Tamaudun which was used a resting place for the royal family.

Highlights of the castle includes:

• The Seiden which is the main place of the castle and is where the King’s throne is kept
• “Bandokoro” that dates back to the 17th century and was the original reception area and currently houses a museum
• “Hokuden” which is the north hall and was used for administrative and judicial uses and is currently a museum and gift shop
• The Syureimon Gate that has become an iconic feature and can also be seen printed on Japan’s currency
• “Shoin” study and office of the king where officials were entertained
• “Tomoyo” that currently houses a replica of the Bridge of the Nations ball.
• “Yuinchi” or royal kitchen
• “Enkaku-ji” – A Buddhist temple for the royal family
• Ryutan Site that includes a beautiful pond where you can feed fishes and visit an ancient shrine built on a platform on the pond. Take a walk around to see the nearby underground tunnels built during the war as well.
• “Suimi-utaki” which is a worship place that finds its mention in the oldest collection of Rykyu music

The massive castle grounds have a number of lookout points from where you can admire the panoramic views of Okinawa but for many, simply being so close to one of the most historic kingdoms like it was flourishing today, is an experience that simply cannot be missed.

• Carry bottled drinking water and wear comfortable shoes.

General Admission Fee:

• Adult: JPY 820
• High school student: JPY 660
• Elementary and High school student: JPY 310
• Age 5 and under: Free

The Seiden, Nanden, Bandokoro, Shoin Sasunoma, Kugani-udun, Yuinchi, Kinju-tsumesho, Okushoin, Hokuden, Houshinmon are located in the paid admission zone. Admission is free for the other parts of the Park.

Suimuikan Parking Fees:

• Bus: JPY 960 (Book of 11 tickets:JPY 9,600)
• Small Vehicle: JPY 320 (Book of 11 tickets:JPY 3,200)
• Parking reservations are available only for school trip groups.(Buses only)

• April to June: Last entry at 6.30 pm.
• July to September: Last entry at 7:30 pm
• October to November: Last entry at 6:30 pm
• December to March: Last entry at 5:30 pm
• Closed: on the first Wednesday and Thursday of July, every year

• By Bus
• By renting a Car/Bike

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