Okinawa – Shuri Castle & Naha

Shuri Castle served as the centre of politics, diplomacy and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom for around 450 years, and archaeology dates the earliest main hall (Seiden) on the site to the late fourteenth century. The castle burned several times during the kingdom's history and was rebuilt each time. After Okinawa became part of Japan, it was damaged, and in 1945 it was destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa.

The main hall and related buildings were carefully reconstructed and reopened in 1992, informed by historical drawings from 1768 and the memories of residents. In 2000 the castle site was inscribed by UNESCO as part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu. On 31 October 2019 a fire destroyed the Seiden and other buildings. Reconstruction is under way, and official tourism sources have given 2026 as the target for completing the main hall.

Okinawans hold Shuri Castle close as a symbol of Ryukyuan identity, and the 2019 fire was felt as a deep loss; volunteers have helped with the recovery, sorting damaged roof tiles, and craftspeople have shared their work on the rebuilding. Ryukyuan culture lives on in music, dance, textiles such as bingata, Tsuboya pottery, and a distinct cuisine. Look for shisa lion-dogs on rooftops and gateways and stone ishiganto markers at street corners, both traditional guardians against misfortune.