Nakagusuku Castle is one of the best-preserved gusuku, or fortified castles, of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Located on a hill approximately 160 meters above sea level, the castle is renowned for its beautifully curved stone walls and sophisticated masonry techniques.
The castle occupies the eastern edge of a ridge extending from northwestern to southern Nakagusuku Village. Its elevated position provided a natural defensive advantage, while its proximity to Yagi Port, once an important trading port, gave the castle strategic importance.
From the top of the stone walls, visitors can enjoy sweeping views in both directions. The East China Sea stretches to the west, while Nakagusuku Bay and the Pacific Ocean lie to the east, with islands visible offshore on clear days.
The origins of Nakagusuku Castle date back to the late 14th century, when the local lord known as the Saki-Nakagusuku Aji began constructing the major sections of the fortress. These included the Southern Bailey, Western Bailey, First Bailey, and Second Bailey.
In 1440, Gosamaru Moromasa, the lord of Zakimi Castle, moved to Nakagusuku. He expanded the fortress by adding the Third Bailey and Northern Bailey, completing much of the castle in the form that can still be seen today.
The walls added during Gosamaru’s expansion feature an advanced masonry technique known as aikata-zumi. The stones were carefully fitted together to create strong, elegant walls, demonstrating the remarkable architectural skills of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Nakagusuku Castle is closely associated with Gosamaru, one of the best-known figures in the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In 1458, Gosamaru came under attack by Amawari, who arrived with forces of the royal government. Through a strategy that ultimately led to his defeat, Gosamaru was forced to take his own life.
The exact circumstances of the conflict have also been interpreted as involving a strategy by the royal government, adding another layer of intrigue to the history of the castle. The story of Gosamaru and Amawari remains one of the most famous episodes associated with the Ryukyu Kingdom.
After Gosamaru’s death, the castle was used as the residence of the Prince of Nakagusuku. Following the invasion of the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1609, it was used as a banjo, a local administrative and official station.
After the abolition of the feudal domains in 1879, the site was used as the Nakagusuku Village Office until before World War II. This long history of changing functions reflects the important role the castle continued to play long after the age of the Ryukyu kings.
There is also a tradition that during the period of Satsuma influence after 1609, officials from Satsuma hid at Nakagusuku Castle when Chinese investiture missions visited the Ryukyu Islands, in order to conceal Satsuma’s presence from the Chinese delegation.
Nakagusuku Castle also attracted the attention of Commodore Matthew Perry, who visited Okinawa in May 1853. He was impressed by the quality of the castle’s stone walls and arched gates and left a detailed account of the site in his reports.
The surviving masonry demonstrates why the castle impressed visitors from overseas. The walls combine practical defensive design with carefully constructed curves and patterns, making Nakagusuku one of the finest examples of traditional Ryukyuan stone architecture.
Many historic cultural properties across Okinawa were destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Nakagusuku Castle, however, suffered comparatively little damage, allowing much of its historic stonework to survive. Some restoration and repair work has been carried out after the war.
The site was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1972. In November 2000, it was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu,” together with sites such as Shuri Castle.
In 2006, Nakagusuku Castle was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Castles, ranked as number 99. It was also selected in 2013 as one of Okinawa’s 100 notable sites for flowers and greenery, particularly for its fields of tsuwabuki flowers.
Nakagusuku Castle is a mountain fortress arranged in connected baileys, consisting of six main sections. The walls were primarily constructed from cut Ryukyuan limestone, and several different masonry techniques can be seen throughout the site.
Nozura-zumi, using roughly shaped stones, can be seen in the Southern Bailey. Nuno-zumi, in which stones are arranged in regular horizontal courses, appears in the First and Second Baileys. The Northern and Third Baileys and the lookout area feature the distinctive aikata-zumi technique, also known as turtle-shell or irregular polygonal masonry.
The First Bailey is the largest section of the castle. It once contained the main palace buildings and a moon-viewing platform where Gosamaru is said to have held banquets.
It later became the location of the local administrative station and, after 1879, the Nakagusuku Village Office. The buildings were destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa, leaving the stone structures as important reminders of the site’s past.
The Western Bailey was used for military training and stretches approximately 120 meters from east to west. The Southern Bailey is one of the older sections of the fortress and contains several sacred worship sites.
These areas demonstrate that Nakagusuku Castle was not simply a defensive structure. It was also a place where military activities, administration, religion, and daily life came together.
The Second Bailey features walls built using the nuno-zumi technique. The Third Bailey, also known as Miigusuku or “New Castle,” is distinguished by its sophisticated aikata-zumi stonework.
The Northern Bailey is thought to have been expanded by Gosamaru after incorporating a well into the castle. Having a reliable water source within the fortress was an important advantage during periods of conflict or siege.
Among the other features of the castle is Kanjā-gama, believed to be the remains of a blacksmith’s workshop. It is not known whether the workshop served the castle itself or the surrounding settlement.
A number of wells were also located within the castle grounds, highlighting the importance of securing water within the fortified complex. Approximately 200 meters east of the castle stands the tomb of Gosamaru, providing another important connection to the site’s history.
Archaeological discoveries at Nakagusuku Castle include Chinese celadon ceramics dating from the late 14th to early 15th centuries. These objects provide evidence of the extensive trade connections maintained by the Ryukyu Islands with China and other parts of Asia.
Metal and stone projectiles believed to have been used as ammunition for firearms developed during China’s Ming dynasty have also been discovered. Together, these artifacts offer valuable clues about the castle’s connections to international trade and the military technology of its era.
Nakagusuku Castle Ruins offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom through its surviving stone walls, arched gates, sacred sites, and spectacular hilltop views.
Its association with Gosamaru, its sophisticated masonry, its survival through the Battle of Okinawa, and its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site make it one of the most significant historic sites in Okinawa. For travelers interested in history, architecture, archaeology, and panoramic scenery, walking through the six baileys of Nakagusuku Castle provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
8:30 - 17:00
May - September 8:30 - 18:00
Open all year round
Adults 400 yen
Junior/senior high school students: 300 yen
Elementary school students: 200 yen
Futenma Nakagusuku Park Line 15 min.