There are six gates in Shuri Castle, and this is the “Second Gate” or the main gate of Shuri Castle in Japanese castle architecture.
At first, it was named “Waitenmon” (Gate of Waiten), but later it began to display the character for “Shuri” and was called “Shurimon” (Gate of Shuri).
Then, during the reign of King Sho-cheong, it began to display the characters “Shurei Jibang” and was called “Shureimon.
This gate was built around 1550, and although it has a Chinese appearance, it was actually built using techniques unique to Ryukyu, and was one of the representative works of architectural culture of the dynasty at that time.
Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire during the war, but was rebuilt in 1958. The reconstructed appearance has a beautiful red and white mosaic patterned tile roof, an odd arrangement of the two-tiered roof, and four pillars supporting the sturdy upper part, and a stately and elegant appearance.
The gate is a truly magnificent architectural structure that shines in the tropical sunlight.
Take bus No. 1 or 17 on the city line or No. 46 on the intercity line from Naha Bus Terminal, and get off at Shurijo Koen Iriguchi bus stop. → 3 min. on foot from Shurijo Koen Iriguchi bus stop.
27 minutes by monorail from Airport Station → 10 minutes on foot from Shuri Station → 5 minutes by bus from Shuri Station