Nakagusuku Castle in Japan

Nakagusuku Castle is located in the village of Nakagusuku, Okinawa in Japan. The castle is believed to have been built by the famous Ryukyuan commander, Gosamaru. The castle was purported to defend the land against the assaults from Lord Amawari of Katsuren gusuku. Nakagusuku Castle in Japan adheres to the characteristics of a gusuku castle; the castle has six courtyards, each one bounded by stone walls.

Though, as mentioned earlier, the construction of Nakagusuku Castle is attributed to Gosamaru, many contend that the foundations of the castle were laid long before by his ancestors. Their contentions are aided by the observations which indicate that 1st, 2nd, and 3rd citadels display artistic sensibilities vastly different in style from the north citadel.

Nakagusuku Castle evinces the artistic crescendo which a pliant limestone and dexterous hands can achieve. The curving walls that skirt the castle evidence the ingenuity of traditional artistic skills.

Today Nakagusuku Castle is survived only by its ruins. Through the well scattered desolation of ruins, it is still possible to perceive the various divisions made by the citadels within the castle.

There are six enclosures with two gates; the main gate is on the west side, while the other one is at the back of it. On entering the castle, it is difficult to miss Utaki, which is the sacred grove where prayers for rain were offered.

Nakagusuku Castle overlooks Nakagusuku Bay, which stretches it arms to meet the Pacific Ocean.

Nakagusuku Castle has been recognized as one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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 Nakagusuku Castle

Buses to Nakagusuku Castle

There are no direct buses to the castle from Naha Bus Terminal, therefore it is advisable to take a bus to Futenma and then board bus number 58 to Nakagusuku Castle Park.

Cars to Nakagusuku Castle

When traveling by a car to the castle, one can take Okinawa Expressway and move through Kita-Nakagusuku Junction. From the junction road signs are well marked and those unacquainted with the roads are directed efficiently to the Nakagusuku castle.

Hotels in Okinawa Island

For the well-heeled travelers there resort hotels like-
- The Busena Terrace
- ANA Hotels Laguna Garden Hotel
- Loisir Hotel Okinawa

Some of are budget hotels are-
- Kariyushi Beach Resort Onna
- Pacific Hotel Okinawa
- Okinawa Cape Zanpa Royal Hotel

Other Places of Interest

For those who cannot get enough of the Castles in Japan then it will delight them to know that Okinawa Island has other attractions- Shuri Castle in Japan and Nakijin Castle in Japan - which were built by during the rule of Ryukyu Kingdom.

Accommodation in Japan
Accommodation in Tokyo	Accommodation in Hiroshima
Accommodation in Osaka	Accommodation in Nagasaki
Accommodation in Karatsu	Accommodation in Nagano