Gusuku and Related Properties of the Kingdom of the Ryukyus

Gusuku and Related Properties of the Kingdom of the Ryukyus (Japan)
Registration year: 2000
World Heritage Type: Cultural Heritage
Registration criteria:
• It represents a significant exchange of human values in the development of architecture, technology, monuments, town planning and landscape architecture over a given period or in a given cultural area of the world.
- They bear unique or rare testimony to a cultural tradition or a civilisation, still living or now extinct.
- It must have a direct or demonstrable association with a unique event, living tradition, idea, belief, artistic or literary work of outstanding universal value relating to a cultural tradition or a civilisation, living or now extinct (although this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with the other criteria);

Access: Shuri Castle Ruins is about 11km from Naha Airport, about 31 minutes by car.

What is Okinawa's World Heritage Site "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of the Ryukyus"?

The Ryukyu Kingdom flourished in the Okinawa Islands, Sakishima Islands, Amami Islands, and other areas from the 15th to 19th centuries. The "Gusuku and Related Properties of the Kingdom of the Ryukyu", which was registered as a World Heritage Site (cultural heritage) in 2000, consists of nine historical sites from the dynasty period scattered mainly in the southern part of Okinawa Island. "Gusuku" is an Okinawan word meaning "castle", but the World Heritage Site also includes the sacred "Utaki" in Ryukyu faith, as well as the tombs and gardens of the Ryukyu Dynasty.

There are nine historical sites that make up the "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of the Ryukyus." These are preserved as cultural heritage sites: Nakijin Castle ruins in Nakijin Village, Zakimi Castle ruins in Yomitan Village, Katsuren Castle ruins in Uruma City, Nakagusuku Castle ruins in Kitanakagusuku Village, Shuri Castle ruins, Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate, Tamaudun, Shikinaen Garden in Naha City, and Sefa Utaki in Nanjyo City.

The history and traditions of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which flourished from the 15th to 19th centuries

The "Gusuku and Related Properties of the Kingdom of the Ryukyus" consists of nine historical sites from the Ryukyu Dynasty period, but what is the origin of the Ryukyu Kingdom?

Humans are said to have lived in the Ryukyu Islands for about 32,000 years, and it is said that around the 12th century, which corresponds to Japan's Kamakura period, powerful clans known as "Aji" appeared in various parts of the islands. After that, a period of rival warlords led by the Aji continued, but eventually in 1429, Sho Hashi took control of the main powers in each region and established the first unified dynasty in the Ryukyus. This was the beginning of the Ryukyu Kingdom (the First Sho Dynasty).

After that, in 1462, there was a change of government and the Second Sho Dynasty was established. After the Satsuma Domain invaded Okinawa in 1609, Okinawa was effectively placed under their control. Then, with the Meiji Restoration, the Japanese government was established and Okinawa Prefecture was founded. The history of the Ryukyu Kingdom came to an end in 1879.

The Ryukyu Kingdom was a unified dynasty centered on the main island of Okinawa for 450 years, from 1429 to 1879. The traditions and culture of the dynasty, which developed as a maritime nation through transit trade with China and Japan as well as Korea and Southeast Asian countries, remain in various locations throughout the World Heritage Site "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of the Ryukyu".

For example, Shuri Castle, which developed as the political, cultural and diplomatic center of the Ryukyu Kingdom, is a symbol of the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Although most of it was destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa, buildings such as the Seiden and Shureimon Gate have been reconstructed and symbolize the former glory of the dynasty. *Registered as a World Heritage Site as the "Shuri Castle Ruins". In addition, the "Nakijin Castle Ruins" located in Nakijin Village was the castle of the Hokuzan King, who ruled the northern part of Okinawa Island and the southern part of the Amami Islands before the establishment of the unified Ryukyu dynasty. Furthermore, "Sefa Utaki" in Nanjo City is an utaki built during the reign of King Sho Shin in the 15th to 16th centuries. As the most sacred place in the Ryukyu Kingdom, it is the place where many national festivals have been held. Each of the nine historical sites that make up the "Gusuku and Related Properties of the Ryukyu Kingdom" has its own unique characteristics. Please enjoy the charm of the Ryukyu Kingdom along with its history and traditions.

How to visit beautiful World Heritage sites. We recommend a two-day, one-night drive trip to Okinawa.

The "Gusuku Sites and Related Heritage Sites of the Ryukyu Kingdom" are scattered throughout Okinawa Island, from the south to the north. Here we will introduce a two-day, one-night drive plan to visit the World Heritage sites, allowing you to enjoy the attractions at your leisure.

The trip begins at Sefa Utaki, a sacred site located in the southern part of Okinawa's main island. From Utaki, where a dignified atmosphere flows, you can see Kudaka Island, which has been worshipped as the "island of the gods" since ancient times, so please take your time to enjoy the beautiful view. After Sefa Utaki, head to Naha City to see the World Heritage sites scattered around Shuri Castle.

There are many World Heritage sites scattered around the area, including the Shuri Castle Ruins, Tamaudun, which was discovered in 1501 as the royal tomb, Shikinaen, the largest villa of the Ryukyu Dynasty, built in 1799 as a retreat for the royal family and a guest house for foreign envoys, and Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate, where successive kings of the Ryukyu Dynasty prayed for safety. Of course, there are many other sights to see around Naha City, such as Kokusai-dori, known as the largest shopping district on the island of Okinawa, so be sure to check that out too.

On the second day of your tour of World Heritage sites, enjoy a drive from central to northern Okinawa. First, visit Zakimi Castle Ruins in Yomitan Village, Nakagusuku Castle Ruins in Kitanakagusuku Village, and Katsuren Castle Ruins in Uruma City to see the beautiful castle walls that are woven together with the natural terrain and rocks. Yomitan Village, where Zakimi Castle Ruins is located, is home to other scenic spots such as Cape Zanpa, one of Okinawa's most famous sites. Also, to the east of Katsuren Castle Ruins is the Mid-Sea Road, a scenic drive route that connects Okinawa's main island with small islands by bridge, so be sure to stretch your legs.

After touring the World Heritage sites in the central part of the island, head straight to the northern part of the island. Nakijin Castle Ruins in Nakijin Village is a castle ruin located on a hill overlooking the natural beauty of the Motobu Peninsula. The beauty created by the dynamic topography and the large-scale castle walls is a must-see. The Motobu Peninsula is also dotted with popular tourist spots such as the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and Kouri Island, so don't miss them.

Travel from south to north on the main island of Okinawa, visiting World Heritage sites. Adding a "World Heritage" theme to your drive will surely make your trip to Okinawa even more memorable. Be sure to enjoy the beautiful traditions and history left by the Ryukyu Dynasty.

Travel writer/Toru Yoshihara

The Ryukyu Kingdom has built its own unique traditional culture. If you want to enjoy its charm, we recommend not only visiting World Heritage sites, but also trying your hand at traditional crafts. On the main island of Okinawa, there are plenty of theme parks where you can experience Ryukyu culture, such as "Ryukyu Mura" and "Okinawa World"! You'll be able to get a glimpse of the culture that is deeply rooted in Okinawa, such as the sanshin, bingata, and eisa!

*Some content was updated on August 15, 2019.