Shuri Castle

Shuri Castle served as the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom for several centuries before Okinawa became part of Japan in 1879. The castle's distinctive red-lacquered buildings blend Chinese and Japanese architectural influences, reflecting the Ryukyu Kingdom's role as a trading hub between East and Southeast Asia. Originally designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the main hall was tragically destroyed by fire in October 2019. Reconstruction is underway with a target completion of autumn 2026. The castle grounds and many of the outer buildings remain open to visitors, and the reconstruction process itself has become an attraction. The castle sits atop a hill overlooking Naha, accessible from Shuri Station on the Okinawa Monorail followed by a 15-minute walk or local bus.