Shuri Castle
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The main building of Shuri Castle |
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Shureimon |
Shuri Castle (
Okinawan:
sui ugusiku,
Japanese: 首里城
Shurijō) is a
gusuku (
Ryukyuan castle) in
Shuri,
Okinawa. It was the palace of the
Ryukyu Kingdom. In
1945, during the
Battle of Okinawa, it was almost completely destroyed, with only a few walls standing as high as a few tens of centimeters. In 1992, it was reconstructed on the original site based on photographs, historical records, and memory.
The date of construction is uncertain, but clearly it was in use as a castle during the
Sanzan period. It is thought that it was probably built during the
Gusuku period, like the other castles of Okinawa. When
King Sho Hashi unified the three sections of Okinawa and established the
Ryukyu Kingdom, he used Shuri Castle as a residence. At the same time, Shuri flourished as the capital, and continued to do so during the second Sho dynasty.
For 450 years from the beginning of the 15th century, it was the royal court and administrative center of the
Ryukyuan Kingdom. It was the focal point of foreign trade, as well as the
political,
economical and
cultural heart of the Ryukyus.
According to records, Shuri Castle burned several times, and was reconstructed each time. Before the war, it was designated a
National Treasure, but during the war, the Japanese military set up its headquarters underground at the castle, and beginning on May 25, 1945, the American battleship
Missouri and others shelled it for three days. On
May 27 it burned.
After the war, the
University of the Ryukyus moved to the castle site. In 1958, the
Shureimon gate was rebuilt, and in 1992, the main building of the castle was reconstructed. At present, the entire area around the castle has been established as Shuri Castle Park. In
2000, along with other gusuku and related sites, it was designated as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Because of its central role in Ryukyuan political and religious life, Shuri Castle is surrounded by various sites of historical interest. Featured in their own articles are
Shureimon, the main gate to the castle, and
Tamaudun, the royal tombs located adjacent to Shuri Castle.
Stone Gate of Sonohyan-utaki
This stone gate to the left of
Shureimon gate was erected in 1519 by
King Sho Shin, the third king of the second
Sho dynasty. Here at the Sonohyan-utaki, the King offered
prayers for order throughout the Kingdom and safety at the outset of all his travels. The stone gate reflects the Kingdom's advanced
limestone masonry skills. It is designated an important national cultural property, and is itself also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site, separate from Shuri Castle.
Shikina-en
Built in
1799, the royal gardens and
villa were not only where the royals relaxed but was also used to host the investiture envoys who came from the Great Empire, China. The garden's circle layout resembles plans used in modern
Japanese gardens, but the Villa itself with its red tile is uniquely Ryukyuan, and pond and bridge to the miniature island is in the Chinese style. This is a rare, historically valuable example of Ryukyuan
landscape gardening, and Shikina-en is also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, separate from Shuri Castle.
*
Shuri Castle Park*
Prefecture of Okinawa | Shuri-jo*
Okinawa Prefectural Government | Shurijo
