If you're planning a trip to Okinawa, Shuri Castle is definitely one of the must-see tourist spots!
The buildings, constructed with red roof tiles, exude a strong historical atmosphere, and stepping inside feels as if you've traveled back in time to the Ryukyu Kingdom era.

However, many people get lost on their way to Shuri Castle from the Yui Rail station.

☆Actually there are two nearest stations
It's often thought that the only way to get to Shuri Castle is from Shuri Station, but there's actually another route from Gibo Station. A writer walked the route to verify this, and found that...

Shuri Station	about 20 minutes
Gibo Station	about 26 minutes

These are the results!　
The Shuri Station route takes less time, making it arguably the best option. However, the Gibo Station route offers a different kind of scenery, making it another attractive option.

If there isn't a significant difference in the travel time between the routes, then knowing which route offers completely different scenery is one of the key points to fully enjoy your Okinawa trip.

Below, we will show you the directions to Shuri Castle from each route.
The goal we chose this time was Shureimon Gate, also known as the main gate of Shuri Castle.

Please enjoy the route from the Yui Rail station to Shuri Castle, along with the scenery of Shuri.

-table of contents-

1. Shuri Station and Gibo Station... We split into two groups and set off!
1-1. Departure from Shuri Station!
1-2. Departure from Gibo Station!
2. The writers, who departed from both stations, finally meet at Shureimon Gate.
3. Memorize the routes to avoid getting lost! Enjoy your Okinawa sightseeing!

1. Shuri Station and Gibo Station... We split into two groups and set off!

Two writers participated in this experiment. The writers were divided into two groups, one starting from Shuri Station and the other from Gibo Station, and each walked their respective routes towards Shureimon Gate.

Once the writers arrive at both stations, they'll grab their stopwatches and set off immediately!

1-1. Departure from Shuri Station!

Once you exit the ticket gate at Shuri Station, a large map of the area around Shuri Station will be waiting for you.
The map has "South Exit" written in the upper left corner, so once you see this, head down to the left.

After leaving the station, once you see a large road on your right and a ramen shop on your left, walk straight ahead to the intersection.

After crossing the traffic light, you'll see another traffic light ahead, so cross that one.
There are two traffic lights, one to the right and one straight ahead. The writer crossed at the one straight ahead, but you can reach Shuri Castle no matter which one you cross, so there's no need to worry.

After crossing the street and turning right, just keep going straight for a while.
To the right is a fairly wide road, and on the right side of the road you can see a supermarket with a building that has red roof tiles.

In the town of Shuri, red roof tiles are used not only on tourist attractions but also on parts of many buildings.
This is a tea house where you can drink "Bukubuku Tea," a type of tea unique to Okinawa.

Bukubuku tea is a unique tea with an appealing texture that's almost like drinking soft-serve ice cream.

Even convenience stores are like this!　
You can also see red roof tiles on various other places such as police boxes, supermarkets, and cafes, so just walking around will make you feel like you've really arrived in Okinawa!

After walking for a while, you'll see a parlor and Blue Seal ice cream shops on your left, so you can take a break on your way to Shuri Castle.
Since we were there anyway, I, the writer, also ordered a Mango Tango ice cream from Blue Seal!

I expected the sweet and sour taste of mango, but it was surprisingly sweet and mild!　
Looking closely, I see that it uses mango and vanilla.

The sweet vanilla flavor is perfectly balanced by the distinct mango taste, making it enjoyable to the last bite.
It was the perfect flavor for summer!

In addition to the Mango Tango, I also ordered the Taro Cheesecake.
I had the impression that this would also have a strong cheesecake flavor, but surprisingly, the taro flavor comes through really well and it's delicious!　
This new combination of ice cream and taro is something I think I'm going to get addicted to.

When you visit Okinawa, be sure to try the taste of taro, an essential ingredient in Okinawan celebrations, in the form of ice cream.

Further along, you'll find another route to Shuri Castle on your left. Look for the Shisa with its mouth open inside this square!　
If you go straight down this road, you will enter Shuri Castle right at the point where "Benzaiten-do Temple and Enkan Pond" are located.

However, the goal is ultimately Shureimon Gate.
This alternative route doesn't allow you to enter Shuri Castle through the Shureimon Gate, so I skipped it this time.

Just a little further to the finish line, we could see Ryutan Pond on our left.
Ryutan Pond is another must-see tourist spot if you're visiting Okinawa.

There was a large, pure white bird near Longtan Pond! I took a photo to commemorate the occasion.

I spotted a sign when I reached a three-way intersection!　
This will be your landmark. Turn left and go straight up the gentle slope, and you'll see Shuri Castle on your left!

Now, let's take a look at Gibo Station, which departed at the same time.

1-2. Departure from Gibo Station!

Once you exit the ticket gate at Gibo Station, just like at Shuri Station, a large map of the area around Shuri Station awaits you.
The map has "West Exit" written in the upper left corner, so once you see this, head down to the left.

When you leave the station, instead of going up the hill, turn right onto the road and go downhill.

When you reach the intersection, turn left without crossing the street.
By the way, that eye-catching sign you can see across the intersection is Tako-chan House!　

This is a takoyaki specialty shop known for its delicious and affordable takoyaki.

If you go straight, the road curves to the right, so just follow the flow of traffic.
You'll come to a crossroads while walking straight ahead, but just keep going straight.

This street has more houses than shops.
This pleasant stillness, this peaceful space... this is Okinawa!　

Take a leisurely stroll and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of Okinawa.
With plenty of greenery in the surrounding area, you're sure to find it a relaxing and peaceful place.

If you keep going straight, you'll come across a bench.
You can also see the sea in the distance from the right side of the road, so why not take a break if you get tired of walking?　

With a glass of water in hand, the writer takes a short break...

If you continue walking straight ahead, you will come to a crossroads, but here you should cross at the traffic light in front of you.
Then, after crossing the street, turn left and go straight.

To the right is Shuri High School, and to the left, there is a row of houses and shops with red tile roofs.
Once you reach this point, you really start to feel like you're almost at the finish line.

This is an Okinawan soba restaurant with a building that uses red roof tiles.
It would be great to soak up the unique atmosphere of Okinawa with your whole body while refueling with some delicious soba noodles!

We're almost at the finish line, Shureimon Gate!　
Also, on your way there, you'll find Yamashiro Manju, a shop with a 120-year history, and a hot sandwich specialty shop, so be sure to stop by if you get hungry.

When you reach the three-way intersection, turn right and continue straight up the gentle slope, and Shuri Castle will be on your left!

2. The writers, who departed from both stations, finally meet at Shureimon Gate.

The journey takes approximately 20 minutes from Shuri Station and Gibo Station, respectively.
According to Google Maps, both stations are about a 15-minute walk away, so it's about time to head to the finish line.
Beneath the red tiles of Shureimon Gate, the first to appear was...

A rabbit mask in his right hand! The first to reach Shureimon Gate was the writer who started from Shuri Station!
As mentioned at the beginning, it took about 20 minutes to walk from Shuri Station to Shureimon Gate.

A few minutes later, the writer who had departed from Gibo Station arrived, albeit a little late.
As mentioned at the beginning, the walk from Gibo Station to Shuri Castle took approximately 26 minutes.

The two writers walked from both stations to Shuri Castle, experiencing a sense of accomplishment and a moderate level of fatigue.
Since I had come all this way, I decided to take a commemorative photo in front of Shureimon Gate, which was my destination.

The writer, who departed from Gibo Station, was visibly disappointed.
They probably wanted to arrive first... You can really feel their frustration!

Incidentally, I've omitted the time the writer spent eating ice cream or taking a break on a bench.
Therefore, if you also want to take detours along the way, it's recommended to leave with a little extra time to spare.

3. Memorize the routes to avoid getting lost! Enjoy your Okinawa sightseeing!

How was it?　
This test showed that it takes approximately 20 minutes to travel from Shuri Station to Shuri Castle, and approximately 26 minutes from Gibo Station to Shuri Castle.

Looking at the distance, it might seem a little far, but if you take in the surrounding scenery, such as the rare sight of red-tiled roofs, you can easily lose track of time and enjoy the walk.

Of course, the time it takes will vary from person to person.
The writer was walking at a slow pace, so it's possible to arrive earlier depending on your own pace.

If you keep the above information in mind and plan your route, you won't have to worry about getting lost on your way to Shuri Castle.
While you're on your way to Shuri Castle, take a leisurely stroll through the town of Shuri and fully enjoy your Okinawa sightseeing!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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