Zakimi Castle Ruins

UNESCO World Heritage

座喜味城跡

Zakimi Castle Ruins are in Yomitan Village in central Okinawa. The castle was built around 1420 by Gosamaru, a famous castle builder and commander of Chuzan, to guard against the northern kingdom of Hokuzan. Its curved stone walls still stand, and it has what is said to be the oldest arched gate in Okinawa. On clear days you can see as far as Shurijo Castle, and it is a good place to watch the sunset. 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

The Yuntanza Museum next to the ruins opens 9:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30).

Closed

The museum is closed on Wednesdays and from December 28 to January 4.

Admission

The village page says the castle ruins can be entered freely.

Museum (permanent exhibition), visitors from outside the village: high school and older 500 yen, elementary/junior high 300 yen; small children free.

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

Good to know

Museum phone for visitor questions: 098-958-3141.

Tips for Muslim visitors

The castle walls are a good place to watch the sunset.
If you come by bus, the entrance is about a 20-minute walk from the bus stop.
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.