Nakijin Castle in Japan

Nakijin Castle in Japan

Located on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa Honto, Nakijin Castle was built in 950 A.D during the Sazan Period. The ravages of time have now rendered this once beautiful castle into an unmitigated ruin.

Experts place the date of construction of Nakijin Castle to the end of 13th century. The castle was expansive enough to contain the king and his family, together with his vassals and hordes of servants. In terms of area Nakijin castle occupied approximately 14 acres of land and was easily the largest during its time. The castle comprised several inner walls to protect the king.

Nakijin Castle was, apart from being a secured gusuku, also regarded as being steep in sanctity. The walls of Nakijin Castle with prayers written on them bear testimony to its sacredness. It is assumed that some portions of the castles were allotted to the priestesses called Noru.

There are many shrines constructed within the Nakijin Castle. A trail, popularly known as Hanta Trail leads one to many sacred sites where stone pavements have been carved out of bedrocks.

Nakijin Castle provided a strategic position for the kings to either launch an assault or defend the wall. The castle has River Shigema on its eastern side, a thick forest on the south, while the north and north west was in full view of the castle.

How to reach Okinawa Island

Planes to Okinawa Island

Naha Airport or Okinawa Airport receives flights from most major cities from Japan and from cities of neighboring countries like Shanghai, Manila, and Seoul amongst others.

Ferries to Okinawa Island

There is a regular flow of traffic between the ports of many port cities in Japan and Naha-some of the cities being Tokyo, Fukouka, Kobe, Osaka and Kagoshima. A ferry trip from Tokyo to Naha takes over forty hours.

How to Reach Nakijin Castle

By Bus

From Naha Bus Terminal, you are advised to take bus number 111 to reach Nago Bus Terminal; from here you can take buss number 66 to Nakijin Gusuku Ato Iriguchi bus stop.

By Car

If traveling by car, it is sensible to take Okinawa Expressway. The expressway leads from Naha to Nago. From Nago the castle is less than half an hour's drive.

Hotels in Okinawa Island

Okinawa Island, being a popular tourist spot, has hotels of all price range. Some of the popular ones being-

- Okinawa Harbor View Hotel
- ANA Hotels Laguna Garden Hotel
- Renaissance Okinawa Resort
- Okinawa Cape Zanpa Royal Hotel

Okinawa Island is known for its ancient castles like Nakagusuku Castle in Japan, Shuri and Castle in Japan. Besides, the island also has Shikinaen Garden in Naha.

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