Shurijo Park is a staple of Okinawa sightseeing, but now is the time to visit. This is a historical park where Shurijo Castle, once the political and cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom, has been restored and maintained. This is also a rare opportunity to actually observe the process of rebuilding the main building, which is currently underway after a fire in 2019. Located on a hill about 120 meters above sea level, it is also a popular spot for viewing Naha City and the East China Sea.
Table of Contents
- 1 A special moment that connects the past and future of Shurijo
- 2 Restored facilities that can be seen only now - Behind the scenes of the Shuri Castle reconstruction
- 3 Space for children to enjoy history and nature
- 4 An intelligent sightseeing experience that can be enjoyed even when it rains
- 5 Excellent access from Naha city center
- 6 The "now" of Shurijo Castle, which can only be seen now.
- 7 Sightseeing and lodging spots nearby (within a 15-minute drive)
- 8 Spot Information
Recommended for
Those who wish to spend half a day sightseeing in Naha City.
Those who are attracted by "Shurijo Castle under restoration" which can be seen only now.
A special moment that connects the past and future of Shurijo
The charm of Shurijo Park is that visitors can experience the world of the Ryukyu Kingdom as they walk through the restored gates, buildings, and plaza. In the free area alone, there are abundant attractions such as the Shureimon Gate and the Zuisenmon Gate, and you can immerse yourself in the historical romance just by strolling around.
Restored facilities that can be seen only now - Behind the scenes of the Shuri Castle reconstruction
The main hall of Shuri Castle was destroyed by fire in October 2019. Reconstruction work is now steadily underway, with completion scheduled for 2026.
Upon entering the toll area, the main hall undergoing restoration appears in front of you, along with a huge scaffolding. The museum is designed for both children and adults to learn how to assemble the wood, the lacquer coating process, and traditional building techniques with panels and explanations by the guides. It was impressive to see even foreign visitors looking on with great interest.
It is wonderful to see the "completed form," but now is the only time you can see the "process of completion. Why not witness the story of Shurijo's rebirth with your own eyes?
Space for children to enjoy history and nature
Although there are steps and cobblestones on the large site, the free area is designed as a route that can be walked slowly with children. There are colorful gates, viewing spots, stores, and refreshment outlets, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for you and your children.
What was the Kingdom of Ryukyu like? and it is a perfect place for parents and children to explore history together while learning about the Kingdom of Ryukyu.
An intelligent sightseeing experience that can be enjoyed even when it rains
The main area is outdoors, but the main hall area undergoing restoration, the archives display, and the shop/restaurant are covered and can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.
The spectacular view on a sunny day is attractive, but on a rainy day, there are fewer people and the air is quieter, and it is likely to be a time when you can take the time to savor the history. In the event of rain, we recommend using the exhibitions and restaurant at the Shuri Mokan.
Excellent access from Naha city center
It is about a 15-minute walk from Shuri Station on the Yui Rail. There are also several bus routes from the Naha Bus Terminal, making it easily accessible from downtown Naha.
Parking is available (for a fee), making it ideal for those who rent a car. It is also ideal for those who want to do a little "intellectual sightseeing" in between trips.
The "now" of Shurijo Castle, which can only be seen now.
We spent a total of about two hours slowly touring both the free and toll-free areas. We started at the Shoreimon gate, and as we walked along the cobblestone streets, we were amazed at the scale of the restoration compared to the photos taken before the fire. In the toll area, we were able to see up close the Shoden (main hall) under reconstruction, and felt the "value only now" in the construction site itself.
Blue Seal Ice Cream and "Shurijo Soft" are also a part of the fun. The Shurijo soft ice cream comes in three colors: acerola, mango, and red sweet potato. Akagawara Soft is acerola. The price was 500 yen.
Next time, I would like to try the Shurijo Set Meal at Restaurant Shuri Mori!
Sightseeing and lodging spots nearby (within a 15-minute drive)
Kinjo-machi Stone Paved Road - within walking distance from Shurijo Park
Tsuboya Yachimun Street - 10 minutes by car
Naha Kokusai Dori - 15 minutes by car
Spot Information
| Spot Name | Shurijo Park |
| genre | Historical Parks and Cultural Heritage |
| Business Hours | Free area 8:00-19:30 Paid area 8:30-18:00 (last admission 17:30) |
| regular closing day | open every day of the year |
| Admission Fee | Free area available, paid area (400 yen for adults) |
| parking lot | Pay parking: approx. 100 cars (max. fee 800 yen) Coin-operated parking is available in the vicinity. |
| address (e.g. of house) | 1-2 Shuri Kinjo-cho, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan |
*This information is current as of the last update of the article. Check before you go!
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Contributor Profile
- Okinawa travel media "OKIBRA" has been happily operated since 2020 by Kazunari, a computer geek, and Son-chan, an anime & food lover! They love Okinawa so much that they have visited more than 50 hotels and 500 restaurants in the prefecture, and they share the charms of Okinawa on Instagram and on the web. We will bring you the charms of Okinawa that you can't find anywhere else, from the unique perspective of a husband and wife team!
