Okinawa Nakagusuku Castle Ruins: World Heritage Review

Stone Wall Museum × Stage of Lord Gosamaru's Tragedy × 360-Degree Stunning Views! 🌿 Environment and Historical Atmosphere: The "Stone Museum" of the Ryukyu Kingdom Nakagusuku Castle Ruins are the best-preserved ancient Ryukyu castle in Okinawa, listed as a World Heritage Site. Its most notable feature is the ability to observe three distinct stone masonry techniques in one place: - Nozura-zumi (Southern Enclosure): Rough and primitive stacking of natural stones. - Nunozumi (First and Second Enclosures): Neatly arranged rectangular stones resembling tofu blocks, showcasing elegance. - Aikata-zumi (Northern and Third Enclosures, expanded by Lord Gosamaru): Seamlessly fitted polygonal stones, even impressing U.S. Commodore Perry! The curves of the castle walls combined with the blue sky and ocean create breathtaking scenery, especially the postcard-worthy view of the Pacific Ocean from the First Enclosure. ⚔️ Historical Story: The Tragic Stage of Loyal Lord Gosamaru The soul of Nakagusuku Castle is "master builder Lord Gosamaru," who was tasked by the king to defend the castle against the ambitious Amawari. However, due to false accusations, he was forced to commit suicide. Walking through the castle, one can almost feel the weight of this tragic history. - Highlights: Blacksmith's Workshop Ruins (weapon production site), Large Well (designed by Gosamaru for prolonged warfare). - Comparison to Shuri Castle: Nakagusuku Castle offers a more "authentic" experience with minimal reconstruction, emphasizing its raw, ruinous charm. ⚠️ Notes & Minor Drawbacks - Inconvenient transportation: No direct railway access; driving or taking a bus is recommended (about 1 hour from Naha). - Limited facilities: No restaurants, and no restrooms inside the castle (available near the ticket booth). - Steep areas: Wear comfortable walking shoes! The stone steps in the Northern Enclosure are steep, but the view at the top is worth it. 📌 Practical Information - Admission: ¥400 for adults - Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (extended to 6:00 PM from May to September).