Shikinaen Garden is one of the finest historic gardens of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Located in Naha, it once served as a villa and reception facility for the royal family of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Surrounded by lush subtropical vegetation, the garden combines elegant landscapes with buildings and features influenced by both Chinese and traditional Okinawan design.
At the heart of the garden is a beautiful pond surrounded by subtropical trees. Traditional buildings, stone bridges, and lanterns create a peaceful landscape that feels distinctly different from the urban environment of Naha.
Shikinaen was also known as Shichina-nu-Udun, meaning the Shikina Palace. Because it was located south of Shuri Castle, it was also called Nan’en, or the Southern Garden.
Construction is believed to have begun during the Second Sho Dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom, although the exact starting date is uncertain. The garden was completed in 1799, during the reign of King Sho On.
Shikinaen was designed as a harmonious blend of Chinese architectural influences and traditional Okinawan styles. After its completion, it was used to entertain and receive envoys from the Chinese imperial court. The garden therefore played an important role in the diplomatic relations of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
One of the most intriguing features of Shikinaen is the Kanko-dai, a viewing platform within the garden. Unlike many scenic viewpoints, it does not offer a view of the sea.
One traditional interpretation is that this was intentional. By preventing visitors from seeing the ocean, the garden may have helped create the impression that the Ryukyu Kingdom was larger and more extensive than it appeared from the garden. The design reflects the delicate political and diplomatic position of the Ryukyu Kingdom between Japan and China.
Shikinaen combines elements of Chinese garden design with the distinctive landscape traditions of Okinawa. The Hexagonal Pavilion standing beside the pond has a distinctly Chinese character, while the stone bridge is said to have been inspired by bridges found over canals in southern coastal China.
The result is not simply a Chinese-style garden transplanted to Okinawa. Instead, Chinese influences were adapted to the local climate, landscape, and culture, creating a unique garden style characteristic of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
The garden is organized around a pond known as Shinji Pond. The pond and its surrounding subtropical vegetation form the central scenic feature of the grounds.
Important structures and features include the main gate, guardhouse, Ikutoku Spring, palace building, Shinji Pond, Hexagonal Pavilion, Chinese-style stone bridge, and Kanko-dai viewing platform.
The palace and garden were designed as a unified landscape, allowing visitors to enjoy changing views as they move through the grounds. The combination of water, greenery, stonework, architecture, and carefully positioned viewpoints is one of the defining characteristics of Shikinaen.
Almost all of the buildings within Shikinaen were destroyed during World War II. The garden was left in ruins, and its historic buildings and landscape disappeared.
Restoration began in 1975 and continued for approximately 20 years. The reconstruction was completed in 1995, allowing the historic garden and its architectural features to return to the landscape.
Because of this history, much of what visitors see today is the result of an extensive restoration project. The work carefully revived the garden as an important example of Ryukyuan royal architecture and landscape design.
Shikinaen was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1941. After being destroyed during the war, it was designated again in 1976 following its restoration efforts.
In 2000, Shikinaen was designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. In the same year, it was registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.”
This recognition reflects the garden’s importance not only as a beautiful landscape but also as a cultural site that preserves the history of the Ryukyu royal family and the kingdom’s distinctive relationship with China.
A spring called Ikutoku-sen rises within the garden. The spring supports a rare aquatic plant known as Shimachisuji-nori, which has been designated a National Natural Monument of Japan.
The presence of the spring and its associated natural environment adds another dimension to Shikinaen. Here, historic architecture, traditional landscape design, and Okinawa’s subtropical natural environment exist together in one setting.
Shikinaen also continues to serve as a venue for cultural activities. Every year on November 3, Culture Day in Japan, the Shikinaen Poetry Gathering is held, bringing together people who enjoy composing and appreciating tanka, a traditional form of Japanese short poetry.
On the fourth Sunday of November, the Shikinaen Yu-Yu-Kai is held, featuring performances of traditional local arts. These events offer visitors an opportunity to experience Okinawan culture in the historic surroundings of the royal garden.
Shikinaen Garden offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural world of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Its tranquil pond, subtropical vegetation, Chinese-inspired pavilion and bridge, traditional architecture, and carefully designed viewpoints reveal how the Ryukyu royal family created a garden that was both beautiful and politically meaningful.
For travelers exploring Naha, Shikinaen provides a quieter alternative to the city’s more prominent historic attractions. Walking through its restored grounds is an opportunity to experience the elegant atmosphere of a royal villa while discovering the unique cultural connections between Okinawa, China, and the wider East Asian world.
April-September 9:00-17:30
October - March: 9:00-17:00
Every Wednesday
Adults 400 yen
Children 200 yen (junior high school students and under)
Free for children before elementary school age accompanied by a parent or guardian
From Mie Castle Bus Terminal to Shikinaen-mae Bus Stop, take No. 1 Shuri/Shikina Line or No. 5 Shikina Line (about 30 minutes) → get off at Shikinaen-mae Bus Stop and walk for 1 minute.