In the old days, the land of Okinawa was in an era known as the “Three Mountains Triumvirate,” when the three forces of Kitayama, Nakayama, and Nanzan fought against each other.
Nakayama unified the Ryukyu Kingdom in the 14th century, but the “Nakijin Castle,” the residence of King Kitayama, remained after his destruction.
The legendary charismatic King Kitayama’s castle was said to be “martial arts immortal, lewd and cruel,” and was an impregnable fortress with stone walls built using the oldest construction method, “field masonry” and ingenious walls that took advantage of the surrounding terrain.
The castle was invaded through treachery by bribes, but the warlord who broke through the gate was a descendant of an angler (a member of a powerful family) who was beaten by the King of Kitayama.
Selected as one of the “100 Great Castles of Japan,” it is known for its spectacular view of the sea and castle walls, and for its beautiful cherry blossoms, including rows of hikanzakura cherry trees.
In 2000, it was registered as a World Heritage site as “Gusuku and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.
Regular hours (January - April, September - December)
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (last admission at 5:30 p.m.)
Extended summer season (May-August)
8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (last admission at 6:30 p.m.)
Open year-round
Adults 600 yen
Junior high and high school students: 450 yen
Elementary school students and younger: free
Free (accommodates approx. 320 cars)
By bus: 15-minute walk from Nakijin Jogijiguchi Entrance bus stop on the Motobu Circulation Line, Nakijin Village, Imadomari