Nakijin Castle Ruins

Nakijin Castle is one of many castles, built across Okinawa during the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The independent kingdom had existed for several centuries prior to becoming a Japanese prefecture in 1879. Only ruins remain of the Nakijin Castle today.
Nakijin Castle is among the sites, which were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the collective title "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu" in the year 2000.
The castle served as the fortress of the chieftains who ruled the northern district. Built on a mountain with a wide view, the castle is enormous, second to Shurijo Castle in size, and erected strategically yet in harmony with the surrounding geographical features. The curved walls are exquisitely constructed and extend 1.5 kilometers. As you stroll through the grounds, you will see that this invincible castle commands an extraordinary view of pristine blue waters. Nakijin Castle is famous for its early-blooming cherry trees and attracts many visitors every spring.