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Invitation for World Heritage
From mid-15th century for approximately 450 years, there was a kingdom centering on Shurijo Castle inOkinawa. “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu” was registered asUNESCO’ s World Heritage Sites in 2000, and it was developed independently as an island nation influenced by Asian countries and Japan. The kingdom also developed its own culture and belief. By watching castle ruins and architectural style, you can learn about the historical background of RyukyuKingdom and the wisdom of Ryukyuan people.
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1. Nakijin-jō site (Nakijin Castle Remains)Back in the old days, there was a civil war period called “Sanzan Period,” and Ryukyu Kingdom was divided into 3 nations – Hokuzan, Chuzan and Nanzan. Nakijin Castle was a castle o...See More
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2. Zakimi-jō site (Zakimi Castle Remains)Zakimi Castle was built by Gosamaru, a great commander who played an important role during “Sanzan Period (war-torn era)” and worked hard to secure the Ryukyu Kingdom after its uni...See More
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3. Katsuren-jō site (Katsuren Castle Remains)The Katsuren Castle Remains are a “Teikaku-shiki” style castle that places four flat terrains in a staircase pattern. The castle wall was built utilizing a natural landscape and he...See More
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4. Nakagusuku-jō site (Nakagusuku Castle Remains)Nakagusuku Castle was built to defend against attacks from the east by Lord Amawari of Katsuren Castle and was lived in by the great commander Gosamaru. ...See More
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5. Shuri-jô site (Shurijo Castle Park)Shurijo Castle was the kings’ castle after the unification of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It became the center of politics, diplomacy, and culture during the Ryukyu Kingdom Era. ...See More
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6. Tamaudun (Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum)The Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum is the mausoleum where the 2nd Sho dynasty is entombed. It was built in 1501 during the period of King Sho Shin, the golden age of the Ryukyu Kingdom. ...See More
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7. Sonohyan-utaki Ishimon (Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate)Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate was built in 1519 and used as a spot for the royal family to pray at. They prayed for a safe journey when the king went outside the castle. ...See More
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8. Shikinaen -Shikinaen Royal Garden-Shikinaen Royal Garden was the second residence for the royal families. It was built to entertain envoys of the Chinese Emperors, in 1799. ...See More
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9. Sēfa-utakiUtaki both a sacred place and a place of prayer. Sefa Utaki was the highest-ranking sacred place in the Ryukyu Kingdom. There is no artificial structure, the thick wood and bare ro...See More