Nakijin Castle

Welcome to the Nakijin Castle Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the mountains of northern Okinawa. Unlike the more polished and reconstructed castles of Shuri or Zakimi, Nakijin feels primal, its ancient stones…

Our exploration begins at the Heiro Gate, the main entrance to the castle grounds. This gate, though reconstructed in 1962 following historical designs from 1713, serves as a portal into the past. …

Nakijin Castle is unique among Okinawan castles for the prominence of its sacred sites, or utaki. These are natural groves or rock formations where the gods are believed to reside or visit. …

We have reached the Uchi-baru, the innermost part of the castle and the former site of the king's private residence. This area offers some of the most spectacular views in all of Okinawa, looking out over the surrounding forests…

Archaeological research at Nakijin is an ongoing process, with approximately 70 percent of the site still unexcavated. This means that many of the castle's secrets are still buried beneath the soil. …

In the outer areas of the castle, near the Heiro Gate, lies a large, flat expanse that was historically used to train war horses. The military strength of the Hokuzan kingdom was legendary, and their cavalry was a key part of…

Our final stop is the Nakijin History and Culture Center, located just outside the main castle entrance. This museum is an essential companion to any visit to the ruins, providing the historical context and scholarly analysis…

As we conclude our journey through the Nakijin Castle Ruins, we return once more to the serenity of the mountain forest. We have walked the ancient paths, stood in the sacred groves, and looked out over the sea from the king's…