The World Heritage Site Nakijin Castle and Cherry Blossoms

The remains of Nakijin Castle are a National Historic Site and a World Heritage Site.
The castle has a long history, which is considered to go back to the 13th century.
It is said to be built by the king of Hokuzan, the ruler of the northern part of the island, in the “Sanzan Period” before Ryukyu was unified into one country, but it is uncertain when and who began to construct it.



The one-hundred-curves castle wall built on a steep place stands impressively and gallantly, and the view of this beautiful wall spreading for 1.5km and the magnificent sea makes you lose your words.
On sunny days, you can see the Izena and Iheya islands in the distance.



This castle wall has a solid structure that is reminiscent of the Great Wall of China.
The view of the undulating solid wall running on the hills with steep slopes is beautiful, and, said to be a “nozurazumi” (dry stone wall built of unshaped stones), it is considered to be the oldest structure in the prefecture.

The main gate, called “Heiromon”, was restored in 1962, in the period of the Government of the Ryukyu Islands.

In the Nakijin Village History and Culture Center, accessible with the common ticket to castle, it is possible to learn in-depth about Nakijin, from the Castle, to the history of the village or the ceramics found during the excavations and the ruins.

Actually, the Nakijin Castle remains is also very popular as a place famous for Taiwan cherry blossoms, and at the end of January when the trees are in full bloom, you can enjoy viewing the elegant cherry blossoms in the space of the historic Nakijin Castle remains.

Walking along the stone paths in the castle and admiring the blooming cherry blossom trees…What a wonderful time.♪



The “Cherry Blossom Festival” will be held from this weekend until February 2nd.
The vibrant pink cherry blossoms make their appearance along the stone path that passes through Heiromon Gate.♪



The cherry blossoms are lit up at night, what’s more, you an enjoy both the Nakijin Castle remains and the night-time cherry blossoms.

There’s so much history, sacred spots and beautiful places in the Nakijin Castle remains that I can’t tell you about all of it here, so I want you to please take a look there yourself and feel the beauty and the history of Okinawa.
 
7th Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival
Jan. 18 – Feb. 2
Place/ Nakijin Castle Remains
 
Nakijin Castle Remains
Address/ 4874 Imadomari, Nakijin Village, Kunigami-gun
Hours/ 9:00am – 5:00pm
Admission Fee/ Adults: \400
High school student or younger: \300
Child not yet in elementary school: Free
(The fee includes entrance for the Nakijin Castle Remains and the Center of History and Culture. Only during exhibitions at the Center of History and Culture, there is an additional \150 charge)
Closed Days/ None
Parking/ Available (approx. 320 spaces/free)

Okinawa CLIP Photowriter 0173 (Reina Chinen)