Nakagusuku Castle Ruins

If I had to recommend one castle site to visit during a trip to Okinawa, it would be this one, hands-down.

It’s an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why. This is a sprawling complex built in the 1400’s, with panoramic views of the waters surrounding the island.

I found myself thinking what it must have been like back then to reside in the castle and be able to take in such unadulterated views (as they would’ve been back then).

The construction of this place is astounding, especially some of the walls that were built on cliff edges. It’s hard to imagine anything made today that would last the way this castle and others have. A testament to the engineering of the day!

Give this one a try. For 400 yen, it’s well-worth the admission price!

Came here for the first time with my family and it's just an amazing view from top of the castle! The whole experience was great starting with a cart ride that takes you to the top. You get a sense of how royalty used to live. Totally recommend it here if ever visiting Okinawa!

So far this is my favorite castle ruins we have visited in Okinawa. Some of the other castle might have a little better views of the ocean and city but they overall design of this one is what I favor. A great place to spend a couple hours and learn a little more history of Okinawa.

Staff at entry welcoming and helpful, also they have small golf cart to take you up to the entrance of the castle. Ruins have 3 levels and slowly you are moving towards to exit. Territory clean and some areas maintains under reconstruction. View from the walls to the ocean beautiful. Nice experience, even on cloudy day.

Is just another historical site that need to visit...
Alot of History around all the walls ...
The amazing thing is how they build all the walls in the past...
Is a big area that u can walk around n look at the beautiful views around it.....
Worth visiting

Well maintained with a great view of the surrounding area along with ruins of a past civilization with relics left in their natural state. It was a nice walk and recommended for anyone interested in the history of the civilization from the shogunate period of Japan.

Nakagusuku Castle Remains or Nakagusuku Castle Ruins was probably from the castle which was built around 14th century. It is still unknown for the size or scale of the castle at that time. Because its important location in relations to Shuri Castle, it seems that the Castle was expanded a few times as the defense blocking point to against the invaders.

The Castle was mainly built with huge stone cuts and was believed that it used hundreds or thousands of labors or prisoners to build the Castle. In 1853, when U.S. Naval General Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry visited Okinawa, he did stop by Nakagusuku Castle Remains and was impressed with building structure, techniques, and sturdiness.

Visitors or tourists can take free golfcart rides from entrance gate to the top of Castle Ruins. Compared to other castle remains or ruins, Nakagusuku Castle Remains has better paved steps and roads, and it has better safety handrail for visitors to work up the castle top.

Entrance fee is $ 400 Yen for adult and $ 200 to $300 Yen for students.

Such a beautiful piece of history! So windy when we were there but it was absolutely beautiful to walk through the levels.

My favorite castle experience in Okinawa. Very different from most Japanese castles, which are generally Edo Period. This castle was of Ryukyu origin, probably 15th century. And it is impressive! The advanced technique of the outer stone walls, the complex layering of enclosures each with their stone wall outposts, and the beautiful portal archways and staircases are amazing to see in person. From these stone wall observation decks with walls that curve like waves you get a perfect view to the east of the Pacific Ocean and coastal villages below as well as a good view in the distance to the west of the East China Sea. Highly recommend

World heritage site 👍
Well maintenance 👍
Round trip golf cart was included.

Easy peasy trail, enjoy 😉

Love the panoramic views.

I have seen three different ruins while visiting Okinawa, and Nakagusuku Castle Ruins are at the top of the list. We went on a weekday during the off-season and almost had the entire castle to ourselves. The staff were all extremely friendly. They also offer a free golf cart ride to the top if you need it! Also, the little coffee shop by the ticket office is SO good!

My friend and I did not expect much for this sightseeing spot. But it’s actually quite nice because you can stand at the top to see Pacific Ocean and take a lot of insta-worthy photos. We stayed here for around forty mins. If you stop by and have a spare time, can consider to give a look. There is a parking area in front of entrance.

A truly breathtaking view of the surrounding area. I recommend going on a clear and sunny day. There is some really nice open area at the top and there is definitely some elevation change. It may be quite challenging to traverse for those who are wheelchair-bound.

Admission: If you're not paying too much attention when you enter, then you might walk right passed the admission shack. ¥400 for adults and lower for children/students and elderly. Less if you have a group of 20+.

I highly recommend visiting this castle. I've heard it's one of the largest and best preserved castles in Okinawa. It's pretty big, so plan to be there a while. There is so much to explore. My favorite was the well. Make sure you check it out, but be careful, those steps are slippery (although it has been raining for a while now). This castle is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Definitely a must of you are in the area.

A historical walk and a breathtaking view from the top of the ruins. This is so far my favorite ruins I've seen. There are plaques in English with history of what happened in particular spots on the grounds, make sure to stop at each one! There is a 400 yen entrance fee and they give you a ride to the top in a golf cart! The walk is not very far down at all on the way back so children and elderly would be ok.

If you like history you will love this place. A lot of good markers to help you distinguish different areas and structures. Don't expect a complete castle. There are a few great shots to see the ocean on both sides.

Make a day of surrounding areas and explore the castle! You can see both sides of the islands in unbelievable views. It was slightly cloudy so I liked the fog overcast. Many steps and windy to other areas of the castle! Don't skip anything, everything has its own unique area. I loved being in the well, the coolness dampness was refreshing from the heat.

400¥ to get in, and its yen only. There is parking that is free at the base of the castle.

My favourite castle ruin on the island. Very serene and beautiful. The 360 view is wonderful.

Lovely castle ruins. You can see both sides of the island! My kids had a great time. Prices were great! 1,000¥ for 2 adults, 1 elementary student, and a 2 year old.

These are the first castle ruins I visited on the island, and out of the others I have encountered these are by far the most well preserved and impressive to experience. There is a small fee to get in, once you pay they have a shuttle service to get you in. The masonry is impressive, considering it's built in the 14th century it's astounding how it's all put together with such accuracy