World Heritage Sites wrapped in historyVisiting the roots of Okinawa and remains of the Ryukyu Kingdom2012.10.

Okinawa has nine World Heritage buildings and ruins registered as the “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu”. Okinawa is also home to the former “Ryukyu Kingdom” and the term “Gusuku” refers to fortresses of regional chieftains in the Ryukyu era. These unique historical heritage sites can be found only in Okinawa. By visiting these sites you will be able to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Okinawa.

Ryukyu's unique history and culture

From the 15th Century to the 19th Century, Okinawa was governed by the Ryukyu Kingdom. The World Heritage Sites found in Okinawa are deeply rooted in the Ryukyu culture that developed after the Ryukyu Kingdom was established.
The capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom was located in Shuri (today known as Naha), where Shuri Castle was built as a palace for the royal family. Successive Kings of Ryukyu put effort into maritime trade, and in time this trade extended to the Japanese mainland, China, Korea, and as far as Malacca. After the golden age of the 15th Century, the Ryukyu Kingdom came to be largely controlled by Japan from the 17th Century onwards, and in the 19th Century it was officially incorporated as part of Japan.
A unique culture was developed during the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom, with influence both from Japan and China, as well as from the south because of the Kingdom's trade relations. Through traditional dances such as the “eisa” and designs used in modern clothing, the Ryukyu culture of that time remains visible in the lives of Okinawan people today.

Shuri Castle: the Ryukyu Kingdom's center of politics, diplomacy and culture

Shuri Castle Ruins is a World Heritage Site that was once the palace of the King of Ryukyu. At the same time it was also used as a government office for political and diplomatic administration, and as a temple for religious acts. In addition, Shuri Castle and its surroundings provided a stage for entertainment and music, as well as forming a center for artistic culture with many arts and crafts specialists gathering here.
Integration of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles and use of colors can be found throughout the castle. The Okinawan lion statues at the castle gates were erected to protect the castle and tombs from evil spirits. Such statues are today also found on the roofs and gateposts of some private houses. The main structure was destroyed by fire in 1945 during World War II, but features such as the Shureimon gate and Seiden (main hall) were restored in 1992.
There are three World Heritage Sites around the Shuri Castle Ruins. Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate was a place of worship where the king would pray for a safe return when leaving the castle. Although it appears to be an actual gate, its solid stone structure means that it is impossible for people to walk through. Tamaudun, situated on the outside of the castle walls, is a royal mausoleum for successive Kings of Ryukyu.
Shikina Gardens, located roughly 2km to the south of the Shuri Castle Ruins, was built around 1800 as the second home of the Ryukyuan kings and was also used as a reception hall to welcome envoys from the Chinese imperial government.

Gusuku – remains of Okinawan fortresses packed with tradition

The “Gusuku Period” describes the 12th to 14th Centuries in Okinawa, when powerful families rivaled each other in various places. “Gusuku” is from the Ryukyuan languages and means “castle”, but these were not considered merely to be military bases. Theories suggest that they may have been holy sites for primeval religion or small villages that developed and were then enclosed by stone walls. Four of Okinawa's Gusuku are registered as World Heritage Sites.
Behind the Nakijin Castle Ruins (located on the west side of the main island of Okinawa) is a religious facility known as the “Domain of God”. The Zakimi Castle Site is situated on top of a hill and has an unbroken view of the western coast of Okinawa. The arch gate where keystones were set is particularly impressive.
Located on the east side of the main island of Okinawa, the Katsuren Castle Remains is said to have the oldest castle construction of any of the Gusuku registered as World Heritage Sites. The Nakagusuku Castle Ruins is the most well-preserved Gusuku, and the architectural style of the limestone ramparts and the arched gate shows how advanced the state-of-the-art architecture was at that time.

Utaki – sacred places closely tied to people's lives

Since ancient times, Okinawa has been home to a unique primitive religion called “Nirai Kanai”. The term refers to a paradise said to exist far away to the east across the ocean. Once a year, gods are said to visit from Nirai Kanai and bestow on the people blessings and good harvests. It is also thought that the souls of living people come from Nirai Kanai while the spirits of the deceased return there. The sites visited by these gods are called “Utaki” - sacred places where the spirits of ancestors are enshrined. Even today belief remains strong in Okinawa, and these places are still an intrinsic part of the lives of the local people.
The most important of these sites is Sefa Utaki, which is a registered World Heritage Site. “Sefa” means “highest position”, and Sefa Utaki was literally the highest sacred place in the Ryukyu Kingdom. Originally only certain people were allowed to enter, but today anyone can visit. You will be able to take yourself back to the Ryukyu era as you inhale the air of this mysterious forest.

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Kudaka Island – the most sacred place in Okinawa

The traditional Okinawan culture of women being connected to gods and protecting their families and husbands remains alive down to this day. During the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom, around the 15th Century, the whole island of Okinawa was organized around priestesses called “Noro”, centering around Ryukyu's Chief Priestess. The Noro held various religious services and events at the sacred places known as Utaki. The most prominent of these sacred places was Sefa Utaki. From the worship site of Sefa Utaki located deep in the forest, Kudaka Island can be seen faintly in the distance on the sea out to the east.
It is said that Amamikiyo, the god who created the Ryukyus, first descended on Cape Kabeeru at the northern tip of Kudaka Island. This small coral reef island has a circumference of 8km and the whole of the island is consecrated ground that has merely been borrowed from the gods. Fubo Utaki, located in the center of the island, is the leading mystical energy site in Okinawa and access to this sacred place is still forbidden. Kudaka Island has been left untouched by modern development. With its pure nature and beautiful unspoilt beaches, this is a place where time flows eternally.

Access: 60 minutes from Naha Bus Terminal, approximately 20 minutes from Azama Port by ferry/high-speed ferry (departing 6 times a day)

Lodging: Kudaka Island Accommodation Community Center (Kudakajima Shukuhaku Koryukan)　Reservations: TEL 098-835-8919
Three other private lodging homes