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Culture
Shuri-jo Castle
Peter SidellA blend of Japanese and Chinese cultures, Shuri-jo castle was the seat of Ryukyuan royalty before the Okinawan islands became part of Japan, and is both striking and distinct.
Shuri Castle was built in the 14th century and was the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It was neglected for almost 400 years and suffered great damage during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. After the war, the castle was used as a university campus, but from 1992 it was rebuilt through extensive reconstructions based on historical records and photographs.
Shuri Castle was devastated by fire in Oct 2019, but plans to reconstruct the Seiden (main hall) by autumn 2026 are well underway. Although not fully accessible as of late 2025, all exterior work on the main hall has now been completed with its vibrant red roof visible again from many areas of the castle grounds, and tourists are encourage to visit the castle during the remaining reconstruction phase.
The castle served as the administrative center for several centuries until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. The castle is listed as one of the Ryukyu Kingdom's castles declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Seiden, or “West Hall,” is also called the State Palace. It was located east of the Una and faced west toward China. The Great Dragon pillars were crafted from sandstone and were symbolic of the king. These dragon motifs are replicated throughout the castle.
Together with 13 other gates, Shureimon Gate was the second ceremonial gate to the Shuri-jo Castle complex. Following the design concepts of the rest of the majority of the castle complexes, the gate also has a distinct Chinese feel to its structure.
Royal stone gate used by the former King as a placer of prayer and exit of the castle grounds – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shuri-jo Castle is a 5-minute walk from Shuri Station.
A blend of Japanese and Chinese cultures, Shuri-jo castle was the seat of Ryukyuan royalty before the Okinawan islands became part of Japan, and is both striking and distinct.
Shuri Jo Castle Park is an UNESCO World Heritage site and the capital of the proud Ryukyu empire.
Sonohyan Utaki was the stone gate used by the Ryukyuan King as a prayer point and exit when departing Shuri Castle. It is one of Okinawa's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Le château de Shuri, mariage harmonieux d'éléments culturels japonais et chinois, fut le siège de la famille royale des îles Ryūkyū avant qu'Okinawa ne soit rattachée au Japon.
Taman Kastil Shuri Jo merupakan sebuah situs Warisan Dunia UNESCO dan ibukota kebanggaan kerajaan Ryuku
The grandeur and romance of the Ryukyu Kingdom is best celebrated in the once a year Shurijo Castle Festival. The royals for the year, along with their Chinese envoys, were dressed in the traditional garb of this elegant period and make a public appearance at the castle.
The Shuri Castle Reconstruction Festival will once again light up Naha this autumn, running from November 1st to 3rd at Shuri Castle Park and Kokusai Street.
![Rainbow Weekly Monthly Mansion [Closed]](https://assets.japantravel.com/photo/15003-89304/360x240!/okinawa-rainbow-weekly-monthly-mansion-89304.webp "Rainbow Weekly Monthly Mansion [Closed]")
Rainbow: Okinawa mansion and condominium rooms for rent
Hotel Route-Inn Naha Tomariko has a fantastic location in Naha city. One of my favorite places in the hotel is, with no doubt, the 14th floor, where you can just relax in the large public bath or check out the relaxation room equipped with a couple of full-body massage sofas. Both spots have amazing views over Naha city.
![Hotel Rasso Naha Matsuyama [Closed]](https://assets.japantravel.com/photo/3603-154598/360x240!/okinawa-hotel-rasso-naha-matsuyama-154598.webp "Hotel Rasso Naha Matsuyama [Closed]")
This is a great value older style 2 star hotel within walking distance of Tomari Port, Kokusai dori and Kumoji Government Office district.
Learning about Awamori Distillation in Naha's Shuri district
Speaking of life and death, this is an eatery from another world. The annual festival of Obon, or All Souls day, is when the Japanese welcome back the dead, reviving them with a feast so good that they would travel from another universe for.
![Vegi Cafe Shanti, Naha [Closed]](https://assets.japantravel.com/photo/4180-26465/360x240!/okinawa-vegi-cafe-shanti-26465.webp "Vegi Cafe Shanti, Naha [Closed]")
Vegetarian Nepalese food and good vibes near Shuri Castle
Kokusai-dori is Naha’s most famous street, stretching 1.6 kilometers through the city center and offering an around-the-clock experience of Okinawan culture. Once a quiet track before World War II, the street developed rapidly after the Ernie Pyle International Theater opened to serve U.S. servicemen. Today it is a bustling thoroughfare lined with shops, eateries, arcades, and entertainment venues. The street balances international convenience with strong local character. Global brands and chain stores stand beside family-run shops, food stalls, and covered markets. Heiwa-dori Arcade, located midway along, features narrow lanes filled with pottery, seafood, textiles, and shisa statues. These lion-dog guardians, placed in pairs, are symbols of protection and good fortune throughout Okinawa. Nearby Ichiba-hondori leads to a farmers’ market showcasing fresh produce, while Mutsumi-dori provides another glimpse into the city’s traditional shopping culture. Dining and nightlife are central to the Kokusai-dori experience. Visitors can sample Okinawan specialties at izakaya and restaurants, with awamori, a rice-based distilled spirit, frequently on the menu. Stronger varieties reach up to 60% alcohol content, while habushu—awamori infused with a preserved habu viper—offers a distinctive local specialty. Evenings are the most vibrant time to visit. Street performers gather on Saturdays, providing traditional music, folk dance, and contemporary acts. On Sundays the street is closed to vehicles, transforming into a pedestrian-friendly space filled with activity. Shops typically remain open until 11 p.m., and the nightlife in surrounding bars and venues continues into the early morning hours. Easily accessible from Naha Airport by monorail, Kokusai-dori serves as both a cultural introduction and a lively gathering place. With shopping, entertainment, and food available at nearly every hour, it remains the centerpiece of Naha’s urban life.
Naminoue Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. It is located on a high cliff overlooking Naminoue Beach and the ocean. Any boat that enters and exits the trading base of Naha Port looks to the shrine on top of the high cliff and prays for a safe journey, the shrine has always been revered and people pray for a rich fish catch and a rich harvest as well. Each new year the king himself visited the shrine on behalf of his people to pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation. The Naminoue Shrine is admired as the "" main shrine of the kingdom "". It was classified as a Kanpei-shousha (Shrine of National Significance) and Okinawa Sochinju (Shrine that protects all of Okinawa) in the Meiji era, but it was destroyed during the war. After the war, the shrine office (Shamusho) and the main shrine (Honden) were rebuilt in 1953. The church (Haiden) followed a little later and was rebuilt in 1961. In 2006 the Naminoque Shrine was declared a Historic Heritage Site of the City of Naha.
Sonohyan Utaki was the stone gate used by the Ryukyuan King as a prayer point and exit when departing Shuri Castle. It is one of Okinawa's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.