Source: Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park) and other restoration work related

The fire at Shuri Castle, which occurred in the early hours of October 31, 2019, had a tremendous impact on the region, as it was a symbol of Okinawa Prefecture's identity. It was widely reported not only by local media but also by national and international media.
This fire resulted in the loss of 391 valuable works of art and crafts in nine facilities, including the main hall.
In December 2019, the "Ministerial Meeting for the Restoration of Shuri Castle," chaired by the Chief Cabinet Secretary, decided on the "Basic Policy for the Restoration of Shuri Castle." The following year, the "Roadmap for the Restoration of the Main Hall of Shuri Castle" was decided, and restoration work on the Main Hall of Shuri Castle began in 2022.
Currently, construction is steadily progressing with the aim of completing the restoration of the main shrine building by the end of fiscal year 2026.
This article will provide information on the current state of Shuri Castle as of 2024, as it is undergoing reconstruction, as well as information on nearby tourist attractions!

<Table of Contents>
■1. Highlights of Shuri Castle as its reconstruction progresses
┗① Shurei Gate
┗② Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate (World Heritage Site)
┗③ Kankaimon Gate, Zuisenmon Gate, Rokokumon Gate
┗④ Shimo no Oniwa
┗⑤ Main Hall - The Reconstruction of Shuri Castle (Paid Area)
┗⑥ Ladies' quarters (Museum shop/Paid area)
┗⑦ Eastern Azana (Paid Area)
┗⑧ Western Azana
┗⑨ Tamaudun
■2. Events at Shuri Castle
■3. Access to Shuri Castle and Parking
■4. Nearby tourist attractions
┗① Kinjo-cho Stone Pavement Road
┗② Shuri Textile Museum Suikara

Show all table of contents

1. Highlights of Shuri Castle as its reconstruction progresses

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Timber Warehouse

At Shuri Castle, instead of simply announcing the completion and opening of the main hall, they are also showcasing the progress of the reconstruction under the theme of "a reconstruction that can be seen."

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Main Hall

As before, there are both paid and free areas, and in the paid area, visitors can follow a designated route to experience the front lines of reconstruction.

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Shuri Castle Restoration Exhibition Room

From here, we will report on the progress and highlights of Shuri Castle's restoration as of September 2024, following the main sightseeing route!

① Shurei Gate

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Shureimon Gate

Shureimon Gate stands alongside the main hall of Shuri Castle and is known as a symbol of Shuri Castle. Originally built in the 1500s, it is characterized by its Chinese-style architecture and is a must-see spot for commemorative photos.

② Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate (World Heritage Site)

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Sonohiyan Utaki Stone Gate

After passing through Shureimon Gate and walking a short distance, you will see Sonohyan Utaki Ishimon Gate on your left. Although it is a gate, it is not meant for people to pass through, but is a sacred site that has been used as a place of worship for the royal family. In 2000, it was registered as a World Heritage Site along with Shuri Castle.

③ Kankaimon Gate, Zuisenmon Gate, Rokokumon Gate

Kankaimon

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Kankaimon Gate

The Kankaimon Gate is the first main gate leading into the Shuri Castle fortifications. It was named Kankaimon (meaning "welcoming gate") to signify the welcoming of guests, including envoys from China.

Zuizenmon

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Zuizenmon Gate

The Zuisenmon Gate is the second gate you encounter after passing through the Kankaimon Gate. It is a beautifully designed gate that stands atop a stone staircase.

Rokumon gate

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Rokokumon Gate

The Rokokumon Gate is the third gate you'll see on your left after passing through the Zuisenmon Gate. Rokoku means water clock in Chinese, and the gate was named "Rokokumon" because time was measured by the amount of water leaking from a water tank installed on a tower atop the gate.

④ Shimo no Oniwa

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Lower Courtyard

Shichanuunaa is the area that stretches out in front of the Hoshinmon Gate, which leads to the main hall of Shuri Castle. As the name suggests, "oniwa" means garden, and while there is an "oniwa" in front of the main hall of Shuri Castle, Shichanuunaa is called "Shichanuunaa" because it is located below the Hoshinmon Gate.

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Lower Courtyard

Here you'll find a ticket office selling admission tickets to Shuri Castle's main hall, as well as the "Shuri Castle Tea House" where you can enjoy traditional Ryukyuan sweets.

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Lower Courtyard

Additionally, there is a "Great Dragon Pillar Repair Exhibition Room" that displays the "Great Dragon Pillars," which were originally positioned facing each other in front of the main hall of Shuri Castle before the fire and remained standing despite being damaged by the fire.

⑤ Main Hall - The Reconstruction of Shuri Castle (Paid Area)

Upon passing through the Hoshinmon Gate, you will come across the "Wood Warehouse." Because a large amount of timber is needed for the restoration of the main hall, this warehouse was established for the purpose of storing and processing the wood.

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Timber Warehouse

Although it's called a warehouse, it's not entirely enclosed by walls; in some areas, there are glass-enclosed viewing areas. From these viewing areas, you can get a glimpse of what's going on inside the warehouse, and depending on the timing, you might even catch a glimpse of the craftsmen working with the wood.

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Timber Warehouse

After passing the timber warehouse, you'll see the "Temporary Roof Viewing Area," which is built to cover the main hall. Like the main hall, this is a three-story building, and you can observe different work scenes on each floor.

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Temporary Roof Viewing Area

In addition to scenes of the construction work, each floor also features panels dealing with topics related to Shuri Castle, as well as displays introducing the building materials used in its construction, which are definitely worth checking out.

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Temporary Roof Viewing Area

A little further from the area where the timber warehouse and temporary roof viewing area are located, you will find the "Shuri Castle Restoration Exhibition Room." This facility displays panels introducing the restoration process and parts of the main hall that survived the fire.

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Shuri Castle Restoration Exhibition Room

With restrooms and benches available, it's a great place to stop for a short break. While the surviving exhibits give a renewed sense of the damage caused by the Shuri Castle fire, this area also allows you to learn about the efforts being made toward reconstruction based on the reality of the fire.

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Shuri Castle Restoration Exhibition Room

⑥ Ladies' quarters (Museum shop/Paid area)

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Ladies' Quarters

The ladies-in-waiting's quarters have been converted into a museum shop called Kyuyo, which sells original Shuri Castle merchandise and other items.

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Ladies' Quarters

The bright interior of the shop is characterized by its abundance of Shuri Castle-related goods, including the popular "castle stamp" that is a popular souvenir for visitors to the castle. The shop also sells light meals such as pork and egg rice balls, making it a recommended place to take a break during your visit to Shuri Castle.

⑦ Eastern Azana (Paid Area)

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Eastern Azana

Higashi no Azana is located behind the main hall of Shuri Castle, literally on the east side of the castle grounds, and is the highest observation deck within Shuri Castle. It offers a spectacular view of the city of Naha and the surrounding sea. On a clear day, you can even see Kudaka Island.

⑧ Western Azana

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Western Azana

Located across the lower courtyard from the main hall is the western Azana, a stone-walled observation post situated on the west side of the castle grounds. Like the eastern Azana, it offers a spectacular view of the city of Naha. On clear days, you can even see the Kerama Islands, making it a great spot to enjoy the sunset.

⑨. Tamagusuku Mausoleum (World Heritage Site)

Tamaudun is a mausoleum located a short distance from Shuri Castle, where the kings of the Second Sho Dynasty are buried. While it's simply called a tomb, its size is far beyond what one might typically imagine, and its scale is truly awe-inspiring. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000, along with Shuri Castle.

2. Events at Shuri Castle

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park): Main Hall

Among the regular events held at Shuri Castle, the "Shuri Castle Restoration Festival," held annually around November 3rd (Culture Day), is the largest. Previously known as the "Shuri Castle Festival," the event's name was changed to promote the restoration efforts until the completion of the main hall in 2026.
In addition, there are New Year's celebrations held during the first three days of the year, the "Spring Castle Ugushiku Festival - Shuri Handmade Market" held in March, and hands-on events held during Golden Week and summer vacation when children are on holiday.
Additionally, Shuri Castle is illuminated every day from sunset until midnight.

3. Access to Shuri Castle and Parking

Shuri Castle is easily accessible, just a 10-minute walk from the nearest monorail station, Shuri Station. It's also easily reachable from Naha Airport by monorail.

Okinawa Memorial National Government Park (Shuri Castle Park): Parking Lot

If you're coming by car, we recommend the parking lot near "Shurishakan," which is operated by Shuri Castle Park. For regular cars, the first 60 minutes cost 400 yen, and then 200 yen for every 30 minutes thereafter. There is also a maximum charge.

Okinawa Memorial National Government Park (Shuri Castle Park): Parking Lot

However, it's often full. In that case, use a coin-operated parking lot near Shuri Castle Park.

Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park)

Address

1-2 Shuri Kinjo-cho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture

HP

https://oki-park.jp/shurijo/

Business hours

8:30 AM to 19:00 PM (Hours vary depending on the free/paid areas and the time of year. Please check the website for details.)

Remarks

Admission fees: Adults 400 yen, high school students 300 yen, elementary and junior high school students 160 yen, children under 6 years old free.

4. Nearby tourist attractions

① Kinjo-cho Stone Pavement Road

The Kinjo-cho Stone Pavement Road is a roughly 300-meter-long slope located just a stone's throw from Shuri Castle. Literally a stone-paved road, it's characterized by the use of Ryukyu limestone. Its picturesque scenery has made it a popular spot for taking photos.
If you're going to the cobblestone path, I recommend visiting "Ishidatami Chaya Madama," a cafe that offers refreshing treats like shaved ice and drinks.
The signature mango shaved ice is a treat that offers a refreshing sweetness and coolness, perfect for a tired body after strolling along the cobblestone streets. It's a great spot to take a break while visiting Shuri Castle or exploring the cobblestone streets.

② Shuri Textile Museum Suikara

The Shuri Textile Museum Suikara is a facility themed around a type of textile called "Shuri-ori." Shuri-ori is a highly prestigious textile that was said to have been worn only by royalty and samurai during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, and is designated as a national traditional craft.
At the Shuri Textile Museum Suikara, they exhibit and sell kimonos and accessories made with Shuri textiles, so if you visit in conjunction with a tour of Shuri Castle, you can enjoy seeing what kind of things people who lived in Shuri Castle wore back then.

Final thoughts

Shuri Castle suffered tragic damage from a fire. However, the reconstruction, which is meant to be seen, allows people to appreciate not only its history and culture but also its architectural techniques, providing an opportunity to learn about Shuri Castle anew.
Why not take a trip to see the steady progress of the reconstruction?