The Pinay Wanderer: Trip to Okinawa, Japan: Discovering Japan's tourist attraction

Sunset in Okinawa Japan

Modotte Kimashita (I'm back in English)! Let me now take you to one of the best places in Naha-shi, Okinawa. But before that, I'd like to give you some trivia about its capital city, Naha. Aside from it being the capital city of Okinawa prefecture, it is by far the largest city with an estimated population of 320,966 and a population density of 8,179.56 persons per km2 as of June 2015.

Okay now, let's have a look in one of the best tourist attractions in Naha-shi Okinawa Prefecture.

Shuri Castle

A Look of the famous Shurijo Castle in Naha Okinawa

Shuri Castle (首里城 Shuri-jō) is a Ryūkyūan gusuku in Shuri, Okinawa. During the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, Shuri Castle was almost completely destroyed. It was in the beginning of 1992 when it was reconstructed on its original site based mainly on photographs, historical records and memory.

Shurijo Castle Park leaflet that you can get in the information booth

How to get there?
via Public transportation: Shuri Castle is a 15 to 20 minute walk or a five minute bus ride (150 yen) from Shuri Station of the Okinawa Monorail. You may also take bus number 7 or 8 and get off at Shurijo-mae (首里城前).

via Car: Shuri Castle can be reached within ten minutes from central Naha or 20 minutes from Naha Airport. Kindly take note that you may take longer hours when traveling during rush hour.

Tourist attraction in Shurijo Castle

Shurimon Gate of Shurijo Castle

Before going inside the Shurijo Castle, stand firm is the Shurimon Gate. It is the second of Shuri Castle's main gates built in the 16th century. It is also called Shurimon and Wī nu Aijō in the local dialect.

Closer look of Shureimon Gate

Getting inside the Shurijo Castle, you might see a pair of Shisa, resembling a cross between a lion and a dog, from Okinawan mythology. It is a traditional Ryukyuan decoration, often in pairs which serves as wards and is believed to protect from some evils. It is believed to be placed in pairs. Left shisa traditionally has a closed mouth and the right one has an open mouth. The open mouth wards off evil spirits while the closed mouth keeps good spirits in.

Shisa in Shurijo Castle

When wandering around the Shurijo Castle, you may want to take note of not stepping into the humps or block of wood found in every main door steps of each gate. Japanese people believed that when a person steps on that platform, it brings bad luck to that person who stepped on it.

Gate of Shurijo Castle

Before you get in to the famous Shurijo Castle, you may need to pay for an admission ticket which may cost you 850 Japanese Yen (as of July 2016).

Shurijo Castle Park Admission Ticket cost 850 Japanese Yen as of July 2016

Panoramic view of Shurijo Castle

Going inside the Castle may have some restrictions as follows:
1. Taking off your shoes when going inside the Castle
2. Some section of the Castle may restrict you from taking picture or video
3. You may need to avoid causing too much noise when inside the Castle

Wandering inside the Castle will make you wonder how Japanese people value life and history. You will realize how beautiful it is to live in that place!

This is just one of the many tourist attraction in Naha-shi. Our next stop will be Naha's main shopping place where you can buy cheap souvenirs and sweet treats. Hinpan ni modotte kimasu (Come back often)!