Shuri Castle
A city district of Naha today, Shuri is the name of the former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shuri Castle (, Shurijō) served as the administrative center and residence of the Ryukyu kings for several centuries until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. The castle is included as one of the World Heritage-designated Castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom sites.
Shuri Castle was originally built in the late 1300s and played an integral role in the political unification of the island. Wars and fires destroyed the castle multiple times over the centuries, most recently in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 and in a fire in 2019. It is currently being recontructed with the aim to restore the main hall in 2026. The approach to the castle's central buildings leads through multiple gates, including the well known Shureimon Gate. The castle's hilltop location allows for nice views over Naha along the way.
On the top of the hill stands the castle's main hall, the Seiden (currently being reconstructed). The former venue of major affairs of state and ceremonies, the Seiden is the most lavishly decorated building and a landmark of Okinawa. Its architectural design and vermilion color differ significantly with those of castles on mainland Japan.
Una Plaza extends in front of the Seiden and was used for ceremonies in the past. It is encircled on the other three sides by the Hokuden (North Hall, destroyed in the fire), Nanden (South Hall, destroyed in the fire) and the Hoshinmon (Hoshin Gate, survived the fire). The Hokuden and Nanden served as administrative buildings and venues to welcome envoys from China and mainland Japan respectively.
Before the fire, it was possible to explore the interiors of the castle buildings in a circular route, beginning with the Nanden. Informative exhibits were on display outlining the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom as well as the interaction with the Japanese mainland and China. Historical artifacts, both made on the island and received during foreign trade, were also on display.
While the interiors of the Hokuden and Nanden were constructed like modern museums, the interior of the Seiden had been rebuilt in its original style. Visitors were able to get a feel of the splendor that surrounded the Ryukyu kings. A replica of the king's throne and crown were among the exhibits.
Getting there and around
By public transportation
Shuri Castle can be reached in a 15-20 minute walk or a five minute bus ride (240 yen) from Shuri Station on the Okinawa Monorail. Take bus number 7 or 8 and get off at Shurijō-mae (O). Alternatively, take bus number 14 directly from central Naha (Kokusaidori) to Shuri Castle. The one way trip takes about 15-20 minutes and costs 240 yen. Get off at Shurijō Kōen Iriguchi ().
By car
By car, Shuri Castle can be reached in ten minutes from central Naha or 20 minutes from Naha Airport. Note, however, that the trip can take considerably longer during rush hour.
Hours and Fees
Shuri Castle (paid area)
Hours
8:30 to 19:00 (April to June and October and November)
8:30 to 18:00 (December to March)
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Okinawa Island
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La Passione Boutique B&BBoasting city views, La Passione Boutique B&B features accommodation with terrace, around 2.2 km from Naminoue Beach. This 1-star bed and breakfast offers a shared kitchen, luggage storage space and free WiFi. The rooms are fitted with a balcony. Each unit is fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom and a well-fitted kitchen including a dishwasher, oven, microwave and a toaster. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. At the bed and breakfast, units have bed linen and towels. Continental and Asian breakfast options with warm dishes, local specialities and pancakes are available. There is a coffee shop and lounge. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 4.1 km from the bed and breakfast, while Sefa Utaki is 20 km from the property. Naha Airport is 4 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Best ever hotel -SEVEN Hotels and Resorts-Best ever hotel -SEVEN Hotels and Resorts- features accommodation within 700 metres of the centre of Naha, with free WiFi, and a kitchenette with a microwave, a fridge and a stovetop. The air-conditioned accommodation is 1.4 km from Naminoue Beach. The accommodation offers a lift and full-day security for guests. At the aparthotel, every unit comes with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 4.7 km from the aparthotel, while Nakagusuku Castle is 20 km from the property. Naha Airport is 4 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel CollectiveSet in Naha, 1.8 km from Naminoue Beach, Hotel Collective offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre and a restaurant. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a sauna and a hot tub. The accommodation provides a kids' club, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. The units will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle. Guests at Hotel Collective can enjoy an American breakfast. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 3.5 km from the accommodation, while Nakagusuku Castle is 19 km away. Naha Airport is 5 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom NahaJR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha offers accommodation in Naha. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant during their stay. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and private parking is available on site for an additional fee. JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha is completely non-smoking and fully equipped with barrier-free facilities. Each of the hotel's carpeted rooms is air-conditioned and soundproofed. The rooms have a flat-screen satellite TV. The bed is equipped with a Simmons pocket coil mattress. Rooms are equipped with an electric kettle, clothes rack and refrigerator. The rooms have a private bathroom with a bathtub. Towels, bathrobes, slippers, toothbrushes and free toiletries are also provided. There is also a safety deposit box and a laptop safe. Free luggage storage is available at the 24-hour front desk. Drinks vending machines and a free trouser press are available on site. Paid massages and meeting/banquet facilities can be arranged for an additional fee. JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha is a 1-minute walk from Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping District and a 5-minute walk from Miebashi Monorail Station. Naha Airport is within 30 minutes by train.View on Booking.com -
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Living Inn NahakoumaeIdeally located in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, Living Inn Nahakoumae is situated 22 km from Sefa Utaki, 23 km from Nakagusuku Castle and 30 km from Zakimi Gusuku Castle. It is set 5.4 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and offers free WiFi plus a lift. The property is 1.2 km from the city centre and 1.3 km from Naminoue Beach. Some units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, washing machine and a kettle, as well as a fully equipped kitchenette. At the aparthotel, units come with a private bathroom. Katsuren Castle is 32 km from the aparthotel, while Maeda Cape is 34 km from the property. Naha Airport is 4 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel GrandConsort NahaWell set in the centre of Naha, Hotel GrandConsort Naha is within 1.5 km of Naminoue Beach and 4.2 km of Tamaudun Mausoleum. This 4-star hotel offers a shared lounge, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. Private parking is available on site. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. All units include a wardrobe. Sefa Utaki is 20 km from Hotel GrandConsort Naha, while Nakagusuku Castle is 21 km away. Naha Airport is 5 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Rihga Royal Gran OkinawaOffering direct access from Asahibashi Monorail Station, Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa features spacious Western-style accommodations with free WiFi. Guests can ask for concierge services at the front desk. All rooms are non-smoking and feature air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, safety deposit box and fridge. Guests can make green tea using the electric kettle and wear the provided sleepwear. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer and toothbrush sets. Currency exchange and photocopying services are offered at the front desk. Laundry services are provided and on-site parking is available at an extra charge. The lobby is located on the 14th floor. A breakfast buffet and Western a la carte dishes are served at Dining 19, which offers beautiful sunset views from the top floor. Okinawa Gran Rihga Royal is a 10-minute walk from Kokusai Street and a 25-minute drive from Shuri Castle. Naha Airport is just a 10-minute drive or train ride away. A 24-hour convenience shop can be found next door.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel Little Island Okinawa MatsuyamaConveniently located in the centre of Naha, Hotel Little Island Okinawa Matsuyama offers a balcony, air conditioning, free WiFi and flat-screen TV. This 3-star aparthotel offers a lift and luggage storage space. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The kitchen is fitted with a microwave, a fridge and a stovetop and there is a private bathroom with slippers and a hair dryer. For added privacy, the accommodation features a private entrance. Naminoue Beach is 500 metres from the aparthotel, while Tamaudun Mausoleum is 4.7 km from the property. Naha Airport is 4 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Condominium GOLF GOLF TsuboyaOffering city views, Condominium GOLF GOLF Tsuboya is an accommodation located in Naha, 2.9 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and 19 km from Sefa Utaki. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi. The accommodation provides a lift, full-day security and luggage storage for guests. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchenette, a TV and a private bathroom with bidet, slippers and a hair dryer. A microwave, a fridge and stovetop are also provided, as well as a kettle. The units include a desk. Nakagusuku Castle is 19 km from the aparthotel, while Zakimi Gusuku Castle is 28 km away. Naha Airport is 5 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIERConveniently located in Naha, Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER offers a buffet breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Guests can enjoy city views. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 2.8 km from Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER, while Nakagusuku Castle is 17 km from the property. Naha Airport is 7 km away.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Okinawa Island
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Mangrove Kayaking and Trekking with Outdoor Cooking in Iriomote IslandExprole quiet Mangrove river and Waterfall / Jungle streamView on Klook -
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2N3D Meditation & Fasting Treatment PackageEnjoy meals with fresh vegetables made in Okinawa and itfs all Vegan.View on Klook -
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Fly Zipline Experience at Matayoshi Coffee FarmEnjoy 5 different Zipline courses with a professional guide.View on Klook -
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ATV Adventure in Okinawa From Itoman or Higashi VillageLearn how to ride an ATV with the guidance of a professional coachView on Klook -
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Yukata and Kimono Rental in OkinawaCompletely immerse yourself in Japanese culture by dressing up with a kimono or a summer yukataView on Klook -
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Blue Cave Snorkeling and Diving in OkinawaExplore the glowing wonders of the Blue Cave on a snorkeling or diving experienceView on Klook -
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Mangrove Kayaking and Fishing Experience in OkinawaGrab your paddles and head to Okinawa to try mangrove kayaking, and immerse in the calmness of the mangrovesView on Klook -
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