Among the many historical sites and scenic spots in Okinawa, Katsuren Castle Ruins (Katsuren Gusuku Ato) attracts many visitors throughout the year. It is the oldest gusuku (castle) registered as a World Heritage Site and is known as an impregnable "iron fortress."

This time, for those of you wondering, "What's so appealing about Katsuren Castle Ruins?", we'll introduce its history and highlights in an easy-to-understand way. Did an Okinawan hero live in Katsuren Castle?! Let's begin our journey to Katsuren Castle Ruins, full of historical romance!

1. An impenetrable defense! What kind of place is Katsuren Castle Ruins?
2. Rebel? Hero? Who was the last lord of Katsuren Castle?
3. Here are the highlights of Katsuren Castle Ruins!
4. Katsuren Castle Ruins and surrounding tourist spots
5. Access to Katsuren Castle Ruins
6. World Heritage Sites You Can Visit on a Whim

1. An impenetrable defense! What kind of place is Katsuren Castle Ruins?

©OCVB

Okinawa has nine World Heritage Sites. One of them, "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu," is Katsuren Castle Ruins, which is registered alongside Shuri Castle and Nakijin Castle Ruins.

The Katsuren Peninsula lies in the central-northern part of Okinawa Island, nestled between Nakagusuku Bay and Kin Bay. The ruins of Katsuren Castle are situated on a small hill overlooking the sea. Known as an "impenetrable fortress" due to its sturdy walls and meticulously designed defensive structure, it is a fortress with a strong defense.

When viewed up close, this imposing castle evokes an indescribable sense of tension due to its imposing walls. However, the view that unfolds beyond this impenetrable fortress is breathtaking! In fact, Katsuren Castle Ruins is popular partly because of the beauty of its scenery.

The elevation ranges from 60m to about 98m at its highest point, but because there are no other high-altitude areas nearby, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view.

The last lord of Katsuren Castle was "Amawari".

True to its reputation as an "impenetrable fortress," Amawari is said to have resisted the Ryukyu Kingdom until the very end. Indeed. The image of "solitude" that one gets when looking at the ruins of Katsuren Castle may not be entirely wrong.

Yes, the Katsuren Castle ruins are not only beautiful, but they are also irresistible to history buffs. Knowing about Amawari before visiting will make your experience 100 times more interesting! So, let me first introduce you to Amawari, the last lord of the castle.

2. Rebel? Hero? Who was the last lord of Katsuren Castle?

In Okinawan history, Amawari is a famous figure, on par with Gosamaru. At the time, both were powerful figures known as Aji. However, until very recently, their reputations were completely opposite. While Gosamaru was loved as a hero, Amawari was portrayed as a rebel.

However, as historical research progressed, it became clear that Amawari was a remarkable person with both great virtue and wealth. The decisive evidence was that he was praised as "Kimutaka no Amawari" in the "Omoro Sōshi," the oldest collection of Okinawan songs.

Kankou (金高) means "high-minded" or "noble-hearted," and he was praised as a hero and a man of great ability, rivaling even the king. Far from being a villain, he was a trusted figure who was considered a "leader of his time"! Currently, the historical evaluation of Amawari has been re-evaluated, and his name has been properly cleared.

3. Here are the highlights of Katsuren Castle Ruins!

Now that we've learned a little about Amawari, let's move on to introducing the highlights of Katsuren Castle Ruins!

3-1. Stairs waiting in the "Fourth Enclosure"

The Katsuren Castle ruins are made up of sections called "kuruwa" (enclosures). As you proceed from "Yon-no-kuruwa" (Fourth Enclosure) to "San-no-kuruwa" (Third Enclosure) to "Ni-no-kuruwa" (Second Enclosure) to "Ichi-no-kuruwa" (First Enclosure), the elevation gradually increases.

First and foremost, the most striking feature at the front of the castle is this staircase leading up to the "Third Enclosure." This long, steep staircase boasts a staggering 20-meter elevation difference! Furthermore, it makes such a wide, almost malicious turn that you can't see the top...

And for good reason, as these stairs are the first obstacle to the impregnable fortress of Katsuren Castle. They were deliberately made difficult to climb in case of an enemy attack. The castle walls were also designed to allow for attacks from atop them, showing just how much thought went into its construction.

It is said that a fierce battle took place on these stairs when the royal army from Shuri attacked, marking the end of Amawari's life.

3-2. View of the castle walls and the "first enclosure"

After climbing the stairs, breathless, you'll find the "Third Enclosure" and the "Second Enclosure."

One of the highlights is the castle wall that curves and extends towards the "Ichinokuruwa" (first enclosure) in front of the castle. Also, in the "Sanno-kuruwa" (third enclosure), there is the Kimitaka Utaki, which enshrines Amawari. You can also see Utaki in various other places within the castle grounds.

While the image of it as an "impenetrable fortress" has been emphasized, it's clear that it's still cherished not only as a fortress but also as a sacred place where gods are worshipped. Since it's a sacred site that the people of Okinawa have carefully protected, we should show proper respect when passing by it.

©OCVB

Furthermore, in the "Second Enclosure," you can see foundation stones that are remnants of the architectural style of that time. It is believed that a building called a "densha," which served a function similar to a government office in modern terms, stood here.

3-3. Overcoming the final obstacle and reaching a breathtaking view.

Only the "First Enclosure" remains. Or so we thought, but then another set of stairs appeared... Although shorter than the first set, it's still quite steep. Once you get through the narrow stairs and step into the "First Enclosure," you're greeted with a 360-degree panoramic view!

From the lush, natural city of Uruma in the north to the sacred island of Kudaka in the south, and if you look closely, you can even spot the ruins of Nakagusuku Castle, the stronghold of his rival, Gosamaru! I wonder if Amawari gazed upon this beautiful scenery just as we do today.

The permanent exhibition at "Amawari Park," located across the street, provides a good overview of the history surrounding Katsuren Castle, so be sure to visit that as well.

Katsuren Castle Ruins (Amawari Park)

Address

3807-2 Minamihara, Katsuren, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL

098-978-2033

HP

https://www.katsuren-jo.jp/

Business hours

9:00AM ~ 18:00 PM

Remarks

Admission fee: Adults 600 yen, Children 400 yen. *This is only available as part of the Amawari Park set; there is no separate admission fee for Katsuren Castle Ruins.

4. Katsuren Castle Ruins and surrounding tourist spots

Finally, let me introduce some tourist spots around the Katsuren Castle ruins!

My top recommendation is the "Kaichu Road," which connects the Katsuren Peninsula to Henzajima, Hamahigajima, Miyagijima, and Ikejima islands.

The road stretching straight out to the sea offers an indescribable sense of exhilaration! Along the Kaichu Road, you'll find "Umi no Eki Ayahashi-kan," where you can enjoy Okinawan cuisine and buy souvenirs. With the ocean stretching out before you, you can also enjoy a little beach-like atmosphere.

After exploring the Katsuren Castle ruins, be sure to check out this place too!

[Access to Kaichu Road]

From Katsuren Castle Ruins, take Prefectural Road 10 towards the Kaichu Road (sea road) in about 10 minutes.

[Ayahashi Seaside Station]

■Business hours:

Summer hours: 09:00 AM - 18:00 PM (until 18:30 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)

Winter: 09:00-18:00

■ TEL: 098-978-8830

■Address: 4 Yonashiro Yahira, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture (Along the Kaichu Road leading to Henza Island)

■URL: http://ayahashikan.co.jp/

5. Access to Katsuren Castle Ruins

[Access by car]

From Naha Airport, take the Okinawa Expressway to Okinawa Kita Interchange. Then take Prefectural Road 36 towards Uruma. The journey takes approximately 60 minutes.

*Please enter the address below, not the phone number, when setting your car navigation system.

[Access by bus]

■ From Naha Bus Terminal, take bus number 27 on the Yakena Line and get off at the "Nishihara" bus stop. The fare is 1,240 yen. (Bus journey time: approximately 120 minutes). It's a 10-minute walk from the bus stop.

■ From Naha Bus Terminal, take bus number 52 on the Yokatsu Line and get off at the "Katsuren Castle Ruins" bus stop. The fare is 1,210 yen. (Bus journey time: approximately 120 minutes)

*Since there are few buses, please check before departure.

<Bus Navi Okinawa>

■URL: http://www.busnavi-okinawa.com/map/

<Detailed information about Katsuren Castle Ruins>

■Viewing hours: None in particular (※Please be careful of your footing as it is dark during nighttime visits)

■Closed days: Open all year round

■Parking: Available (free)

■ Admission fee: Free

■Other: There is an information center, a shop, and restrooms next to the parking lot.

■Address: 3908 Minamihara, Katsuren, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture

■ TEL: 098-978-7373

■URL: http://www.katsuren-jo.jp/

6. World Heritage Sites You Can Visit on a Whim

Katsuren Castle Ruins is a World Heritage Site that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It's great that you can easily stop by on your way to or from sightseeing, or during a drive!

You can enjoy everything from sunrise and sunset to nighttime views. The fact that its appearance changes depending on the time of day and season may be one of the reasons why it attracts so many people. Please enjoy the various aspects of Katsuren Castle Ruins while being careful of the weather and the footing on the paths at night!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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