Nakagusuku Castle Ruins is one of Okinawa’s representative gusuku (castles). Among the many gusuku scattered across Okinawa, it boasts the best state of preservation, showcasing the Ryukyuan Kingdom’s unique stone-masonry techniques that cleverly utilize natural terrain and rock.
It’s said that when Admiral Perry visited, he too was struck by the beauty of these castle walls. Thanks to their robust construction, many walls still stand today.
In 2000, Nakagusuku Castle joined Shuri Castle and others on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Here are its four highlights:
1. Six Enclosed Bailey Areas (Kaku)
Nakagusuku Castle is a renkaku-shiki mountain fortress, built as a series of connected enclosures called kaku. Its exact origins are unclear due to lack of records, but it’s believed to date from the late 14th century. There are six kaku: the First, Second, Third, North, West, and South Enclosures. Though sizable today, it grew over time through repeated additions, and each construction phase reveals different stone-masonry methods—an intriguing detail for visitors.
First Enclosure: The largest, built with the “nuno-zumi” (cloth-weave) technique. After the Ryukyu Kingdom’s fall, this area served as a magiri (district) office and later the Nakagusuku Village hall, but was destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa.
Second Enclosure: Also uses nuno-zumi; its graceful curves are especially photogenic. Third Enclosure: Called “Niigusuku” (New Castle) because it was added later, it employs “aikata-zumi” (tortoise-shell chaos) stonework. The North, West, and South Enclosures likely served for troop drills, prayer, and other functions.
2. Sun and “Holes” Spiritual Beliefs
Nakagusuku Castle Ruins is considered a power spot. The back gate of the Third Enclosure is arched so that, on the summer solstice—when daylight hours are longest—the rising sun passes perfectly through its center. It’s thought this design was meant to harness the sun’s power, and many visitors gather on that day to witness it.
The West Enclosure (about 120 m long) was used for cavalry drills; the South Enclosure served as a worship site for the Shuri king; the North Enclosure contains a well to sustain defenders during sieges.
Holes cut into the walls of the North, South, and West Enclosures align with the cardinal directions—a feature believed connected to Ryukyuan religious reverence for “holes” as sacred.
3. Castle Walls That Amazed Admiral Perry
One of the site’s prime attractions is its stone walls. In 1853–54, Commodore Matthew Perry visited the Ryukyus en route to demand Japan open its ports, dispatching an exploration party whose sketches appear in his Expedition to Japan. Perry’s reports praise the Castle’s walls in detail, indicating how profoundly they impressed him. You can even walk along the routes he and his party used and see the flag-raising sites nearby.
4. Kitanakagusuku Village Youth Eisa Festival
Eisa is a traditional Okinawan Bon-period dance, and it’s performed right here among the World-Heritage ruins. Visiting on festival days lets you enjoy both the heritage site and vibrant cultural performances.
Under atmospheric lighting, with views of the sea beyond the grassy plazas, dancers wield paranku (small drums) and kijōdaiko (belt drums), culminating in spectacular fireworks at night.
Multiple troupes perform from afternoon into evening, offering a thrilling fusion of traditional culture and World Heritage surroundings.
Name: Nakagusuku Castle Ruins
Address: Kitanakagusuku and Nakagusuku Villages, Nakagami District, Okinawa
Website: http://www.nakagusuku-jo.jp/
◎ Summary
Nakagusuku Castle Ruins tell the story of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s former glory. Fortunate enough to escape major damage in the Battle of Okinawa, many original structures remain.
From the elegant curves of walls that awed Admiral Perry to solstice-aligned gates and lively Eisa festivals, this ancient gusuku is a richly rewarding spot. Be sure to make the journey when you visit Okinawa!