Nakijin Castle Ruins

UNESCO World Heritage

今帰仁城跡

Nakijin Castle Ruins stand on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa. Before the Ryukyu Kingdom united the islands, this was the castle of the King of Hokuzan, and in its time it was the second largest castle after Shurijo. A stone wall about 1.5 km long winds around the site; its construction began in the 14th century. A cherry blossom festival is held here from late January to early February. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage property "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu".

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Visitor information

Opening hours: Jan–Apr and Sep–Dec: 8:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30). May–Aug: 8:00–19:00 (last entry 18:30).
Closed: Open all year. It may close temporarily in storms or typhoons.
Admission: Adult 1,000 yen; junior high/high school 500 yen; elementary school and younger free (group rates for 10+).
Getting there: Take the Yanbaru Express bus from Naha Airport or Nago Bus Terminal to Nakijinjoshi-iriguchi, then about a 20-minute walk to the entrance.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

Stone steps continue through the ruins, so visiting with a wheelchair or stroller is difficult.
Parking is very crowded in cherry blossom season.

Tips for Muslim visitors

Behind the castle is Kubo Utaki, a sacred site; visitors may simply look around respectfully.
Inside many castle keeps you take off your shoes and climb steep, narrow wooden stairs. Wear socks and clothing that is comfortable for climbing.
Castle grounds are large. Plan a prayer stop before or after your visit at one of the places to pray listed below.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Okinawa and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.