First published: 10/11/23.

Noahfranc 4.0

Gusuku Of Ryukyu

Gusuku of Ryukyu (Inscribed)

Gusuku of Ryukyu by Els Slots

During our honeymoon in Okinawa, I insisted that we stop at at least a few of the Ryuku sites. The first place we went to was Nakijin-Jo, in the north of the island. Out of the castle ruins, these were the most expansive and still offer both great views and a sense of the scale, size, and layout of the place when it was in use. There is an excellent visitor center and parking. 

While driving south, we stopped at Zakimi-Jo, which was much smaller and more contained, but still nice to see, and a local couple was taking their wedding photos there.  

Later, we visited the main complex at Shuri Castle, which sadly burned down just months after we were there. I certainly am glad they are committed to rebuilding it, because the rebuilt palace complex was stunning. 

However, easily the best of out all the sites (at least the ones we visited) was Sefa-utaki. A little out of the way but very reachable by bus from Naha. This is more of a natural site, a spot of unspoiled tropical forest with massive, limestone formations rising out of the ground. Before it was conquered by Japan and an independent kingdom, this was a place reserved solely for royalty and the priests of the local religion, and that sense of spirituality still pervades the grounds today. Though the ancient religion itself is no longer practice, the locals who tend to the site are still extremely reverent, and an atmosphere of quiet peace is maintained on the grounds. One of them, while gardening, stopped to show me a butterfly passing by and we admired it together. A beautiful site and, honestly, probably my single favorite spot on the whole island. 

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