Recommended for such people
・ I want to know how to enjoy Shurijo Castle now
・ I want to eat delicious Okinawa buckwheat
What is Shuri Castle?
Shuri Castle is a castle of the Ryukyu dynasty in Okinawa.
The fire broke out in 2019, which was a big news, but in fact, it is the fifth time that the main hall has been destroyed by fire. (Others are 5, 1453, 1660, 1709)
The main hall was built in a traditional way and was burned down because no fire extinguishing equipment was installed.
This time, we will mainly introduce the surrounding gates that still remain.
Information on Shuri Castle
Shurijo Castle is on a hill, so you can climb it little by little from the entrance.
When I entered the castle, I often saw a red-faced duck-like bird, the Muscovy duck.
Originally it was a bird that did not live in Okinawa, but it seems that livestock have become wild and bred.
Perhaps I'm used to people, I didn't run away at all when I approached.
Shureimon
The first stop is the Shureimon Gate, which was rebuilt in 1958. (The inside of Shuri Castle was almost burned down during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.)
It is a representative building of Shuri Castle and was safe even in the 2019 fire.
This gate is also drawn on the nostalgic 2000-yen bill.
The listed "Shureimonokuni" means "a country that values etiquette."
Kankaimon
Next is the first gate to enter Shuri Castle.
This was also rebuilt in 1974.
"Kankai" means "welcome".
Ryuhi
It is a spring water that is indispensable for the strategy of the castle.
It has been used as drinking water for Shurijo Castle since ancient times.
The sculpture of a dragon with water is an original one, and it is said that it came from China (then Ming) in 1523.
Zuisenmon
The second gate to protect the castle, rebuilt in 1992.
"Zuisen" means "a splendid spring" and was named because there is a dragon gutter in front of it.
Looking back here, you can see that it is a castle on a hill.
It's a pretty nice view.
Hoshinmon
From here onward, the main hall will be the main hall, but it was burnt down in 2019 and does not remain.
More than 50 billion yen has been donated from home and abroad for the reconstruction, and it seems that construction is underway so that it can be restored in 2026.
I can't wait to see the main hall again.
Recommended restaurant: Shuri Horikawa
If you go to Shuri Castle, you can't miss this "Shuri Horikawa".
Okinawa buckwheat is famous, and the food, restaurant atmosphere, and customer service are all at a high level.
Now that the main hall of Shurijo Castle has been burned down, it is no exaggeration to say that this shop is the main tourist attraction for Shurijo Castle.
The dishes in small bowls are also delicious, so order a set if you can.
Even a set costs around 1000-1200 yen, which is a miracle price setting.
Regular holidays are every Thursday and the third Wednesday.
Business hours are from 11:00 to 16:00, but it will end as soon as the noodles run out, so let's go early.
It is about a 5-minute walk from Shuri Castle.
Admission and travel time
Admission is 400 yen for adults.
Before the fire, it was about 800 yen, so it was a lot cheaper.
I think it will take about 60 minutes because there is no main hall.
Access
It is about a 15-minute walk from the nearest "Shuri Station".
Access: Shurijo Castle Official Website
Finally
The main hall of Shurijo Castle was burnt down, but the surrounding gates remain, so people who like castles can enjoy it normally.
There is "Shuri Horikawa" nearby where you can eat delicious Okinawa buckwheat, so let's visit together.
Rather, there is no loss if you go only for "Shuri Horikawa".