Rare stonewalls made of limestone, The contrast of the white limestone walls compliment the green water
Features
Contrast of White and Green colors
Today, the ruins of Yatsushiro Castle mainly remains as Yatsushiro Shrine including the Main Enclosure. The enclosure doesn’t have castle buildings, but still have its stone walls and the Inner Moat which are in a good condition. The castle was originally built near the sea, but you can’t see it at all around the ruins because of the land reclamation.
The aerial photo around the castle
Yatsushiro Shrine
If you get close to the ruins from the city area, you will find they have a different atmosphere from other castles or ruins. The stone walls of Yatsusiro Castle partially looks white because they were built mainly using limestone, which is rare to see in Japanese castles. These stones have discolored with time like normal ones, so they must have looked much more white when they were new. The water in the Inner Moat comes from Kumagawa River, and it looks green because of algae in the river. The contrast of the white and green colors is unique and beautiful.
Getting close to the castle ruinsThe stone walls use white limestonesThe water in the Inner Moat comes from Kumagawa River
Overhanging Masugata square spaces
The enclosure has three entrances, two of which are original to the castle, and the other one was added when the shrine was established. The front is at the eastern side while the back is on the northern side. If you want to enter the front entrance, you can walk across Rankan-bashi or the Handrail Bridge whose one of its ornamental caps is intact, which has the year and month of when the castle was completed.
The Handrail Bridge at the front entranceThe ornamental cap which has the year and month of the castle’s completion, quoted from the website of Yatsushiro City
The overhanging Masugata square shape is also intact, surrounded by great stone walls. The stone wall base for Migaki-yagura Turret supports its left side and alternating stone walls stand on the back and right sides. You need to walk in and turn right to enter the inside of the enclosure. This design is very defensive.
The Handrail Bridge seen from the stone wall base for Migaki-yagura Turret, the front of the Masugata system overhangs towards the bridgeThe Masugata system of the front entranceThe alternating stone walls surround the path to the center of the Main Enclosure
The back entrance on the north also has a similar design.
The back entrance
Outstanding Main Tower base
The highlight of the ruins is the stone wall base for the Main Tower at the northwestern corner of the Main Enclosure. The base has two tiers for the Large Main Tower and Small one. These towers were burned down by a lightning fire in 1672. After that, only the Small Main Tower was restored. Today, though only their stone wall bases remain, if you look at them from the outside of the Inner Moat, they look so great! The base for the Large Main Tower also supported the back entrance of the enclosure on the right side to prevent enemies form attacking it easily.
The base for the Large Main Tower on the left and the base for the Small Main Tower on the rightThe stone wall base for the Large Main Tower at the northwestern corner of the Main EnclosureThe Large Main Tower base also supports the back entrance on the left
Unfortunately, you can’t climb up these Main Tower bases from the inside of the enclosure because of partially collapsing walls as of December 2022. Alternatively, you can climb up other stone walls to sit and rest, see a view around the castle, and understand how the castle was protected.
Looking up the Large Main Tower base from the inside of the Main EnclosureIt was prohibited to clime the Main Tower base as of December 2022You cam climb the tops of other stone walls
沖縄北部の優美な城跡です
Elegant castle ruins in the northern Okinawa
立地と歴史～Location and History
北山王国の首都～Capital of Hokuzan Kingdom
１４、１５世紀頃、琉球諸島（現在の沖縄諸島）は貿易により栄えました。その結果、「按司」と呼ばれる多くの有力な豪族が中国や他国と貿易を行い、力をつけていきました。彼らは「グスク」と呼ばれる大規模な要塞を琉球諸島周辺に３００以上築きました。やがて「北山」「中山」「南山」のという３つの王国にまとまっていきます。今帰仁城は北山王国の首都でした。 Around the 14th and 15th centuries, the Ryukyu Islands (what is now Okinawa Islands) prospered thanks to trading. As a result, many powerful clans in Ryukyu called “Aji” traded with China and other countries, and had great power. They built over 300 large-scale fortresses called “Gusuku” around the Ryukyu Islands. They eventually gathered three large groups called the Kingdoms of “Hokuzan”, “Chuzan”, and “Nanzan”. Nakijin Castle was the capital of the Hokuzan Kingdom.
城の位置～The location of the castle
発掘の成果によれば、この城は最初は１４世紀の初め頃、沖縄本島北部の本部半島にある、１００ｍの高さの丘の上に築かれました。しかし当初は丘の上の平地を柵で囲っただけだったようです。その後、北山王国の勢力が高まるにつれ、城は拡張され、１５世紀までに正殿や長大な高石垣が築かれました。中国の古書には、この城や王国から中国への朝貢があったことが記録されています。当時の中国製陶器の破片が遺跡から発掘されています。 According to the excavation, the castle was first built on a 100m high hill in Motobu peninsula of the northern Okinawa Island around the beginning of the 14th century, but it was just plane area on the hill which was surrounded by fences. After that, the castle was developed with the main palace and long, high stone walls being built until the 15th century, while the power of the Hokuzan Kingdom grew. An old Chinese book records the castle and the kingdom bringing a tribute to China. Peaces of Chinese potteries at that time are also unearthed from the ruins now.
現地にある城跡の模型～The miniature model of the castle ruins at the site
２度の落城～Castle fell twice
最盛期にはこの城は、後に琉球王国になる中山王国の首都にある首里城に匹敵する規模となりました。ところが、城はそこから２度落城します。１４１６年、中山王国の家臣である護佐丸がこの城を攻撃しました。最後の城主、攀安知（はんあんち）は城外で護佐丸と戦いますが、彼の部下である本部平原（もとぶていはら）の裏切りに合い敗れてしまいます。それ以来、城は琉球王国のものとなり、島の北部を治めるために「監守」と呼ばれる行政官が置かれました。 At its peak time, the castle became as large as Shuri Castle, the capital of the Chuzan Kingdom, the later Ryukyu Kingdom. However, the castle fell twice after the peak. In 1416, a retainer of Chuzan Kingdom, Gosamaru attacked the castle. The last lord of the castle, Han-annchi fought with Gosamaru outside the castle, but his retainer, Teihara Motobu betrayed him, and he was lastly beaten. Since then, Ryukyu Kingdom owned and stationed an administrator called “Kanshu” in the castle to govern the northern part of the island.
監守の業績を記した記念碑～The monument for the achievements of Kanshu
１６０９年、薩摩の武士たちが琉球王国に侵攻したとき、真っ先にこの城を占領し焼き払いました。侵攻後、王国は薩摩の支配下に置かれますが、この城には領主は置かれませんでした。その代わりに沖縄の人々が城を祈りの地として維持したのです。 In 1609, when the Satsuma warriors invaded Ryukyu Kingdom, they first captured and burned the castle. The kingdom was under the control of Satsuma after the invasion, but the castle had no lord. Instead, the people of Okinawa maintained the castle as a spiritual center.
祈りの場所の一つ、城内下之御嶽（うたき）～Jonai Shitano-Utaki, one of the places for praying
特徴～Features
城跡に入る～Entaring the castle ruins
現在、今帰仁城跡は素晴らしい景色と自然の中に位置しています。城跡の近くには便利な施設もあります。グスク交流センターでは、城跡へのチケットを買ったり休憩することができます。また、歴史文化センターでは、城やその周りの地域のことをより深く学ぶことができます。 Now, the ruins of Nakijin Castle are located in wonderful views and nature. There are also useful facilities near the ruins. One of them is the Gusuku Exchange Center where you can buy a ticket to the ruins and rest. The other is the History & Culture Center where you can learn more about the castle and the area surrounding it.
城周辺の航空写真～The aerial photo of around the castl
城跡の入口に歩いていくと、見事な曲線を描いた高石垣が目に入っていきます。この石垣は大隅（ウーシミ）の城壁と呼ばれ、高さが８ｍあり、この城の中では最も高いものです。城の守備兵は、曲線の頂点部分から敵に対して反撃することができました。城跡ガイドの方は、この石垣は中国の万里の長城に影響されていると説明しています。観光客は、現在石垣の脇にあるアーチ門を通って城跡に入っていきます。この門は１９６２年に復元されたものです。 When you walk to the entrance of the ruins, you will see finely curved high stone walls. They are called Ushimi Stone Walls and 8m high, the highest ones in this castle. The defenders of the castle could counterattack enemies from the top of the curve. The Guides of the ruins say that the walls were inspired by the Great Wall of China. Visitors will now enter the ruins through the arch gate beside the stone walls which was restored in 1962.
大隅（ウーシミ）の城壁～Ushimi Stone Walls遺跡入口のアーチ門～The arch gate at the entrance
石の階段が城の中心部に向かって伸びていますが、これは最近になって観光用に作られたものです。旧道が階段の右側に沿って残っています。敵からの攻撃から守るため、狭く、急で、岩がごつごつした道になっています。 The stone steps go straight to the center of the castle, but they were built recently for tourism. The Old Pathway goes along on the right side of the steps. It is a narrow, steep and rocky path for defense against attacks in the past.
石段～The stone steps旧道～The Old Pathway
城の中心部～Center of Castle
城の中心部は３つの部分に別れています。「大庭（ウーミャ）」は入口に最も近い場所であり、行事の際に使われた広場です。行事のために正殿、北殿、南殿といった建物がありました。次の場所は、「御内原（ウーチバル）」で城で奉仕する女性たちが住んでいました。ここはまた城の中では神聖な場所でした。現在では、ここから北の方角に素晴らしい海の景色が望めます。最後は「本丸」で、恐らくは城主が住んでいた場所です。発掘によっていくつもの建物があったことがわかっています。 The center of the castle has three parts. “Umya” Court is the first part from the entrance, which is was used as the square for ceremonies. There were the Main, North, and South Palaces for the ceremonies. The next part is called “Uchibaru” Ground where the women who served the castle lived. It is also a very religious place for the castle. You can now have a great view of the sea in the northern direction. The last part is the Main Enclosure or “Honmaru” where the lord of the castle probably lived. The excavation found that several buildings had been built.
大庭（ウーミャ）～“Umya” Court御内原（ウーチバル）～“Uchibaru” Ground御内原からの眺め～A view from “Uchibaru” Groundもう一枚～Another view本丸～The Main Enclosure
背後にある郭～Enclosure in Back
中心部からは、城の背後の部分が見え、そこに行くこともできます。「志慶真門郭（しげまじょうかく）」と呼ばれる場所で、ここもまた、長大な石垣に囲まれています。城主に仕える人たちが住んでいたと考えられています。この郭に降りていくときには、古石灰岩でできた石垣を間近に見ることができます。 You can see and go to the back of the castle from the center. This is called “Shigema-jokaku” Enclosure which is also surrounded by high, long stone walls. It is thought that the closest subjects who served the lord lived at the enclosure. You can also see the walls made of Paleozoic lime stones closely when you go down to the enclosure.
本丸から見た城の背後部分～The back of the castle from the Main Enclosure志慶真門郭（しげまじょうかく）～“Shigema-jokaku” Enclosure石垣～The stone walls
その後～Later History
第二次世界大戦で破壊された他の遺跡と異なり、今帰仁城跡は今に残りました。沖縄戦の戦場からは遠かったからです。戦後、城跡は１９７２年に国の史跡に指定されました。ついには、２０００年から琉球王国のグスク及び関連遺産群として世界遺産に登録されています。 The ruins of Nakijin Castle remained though many other ruins were destroyed during World War II, as they were far away from the battlefields of Okinawa. After the war, they were designated as a National Historic Site in 1972. Lastly, they have also been on the World Heritage List as Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu since 2000.
今帰仁城跡の正面～The front side of Nakijin Castle Ruins
私の感想～My Impression
私が初めて今帰仁城の石垣を見たときは、ただ単に石を積んであるだけのように見えました。日本の本土にある石垣は通常土か細かい石の芯の部分を覆って築かれます。その一つの理由は本土は地震が多く発生するので、石垣は強固な中心部分が必要だからでしょう。沖縄にはあまり地震がありませんが、雨が多く降ります。今帰仁城のような沖縄の城の石垣は雨を素通りさせます。後からその違いの理由を学びました。いすれにせよ、素晴らしい石垣を持つこの城跡は、沖縄の自然とよくマッチしています。 When I saw the stone walls of Nakijin Castle for the first time, they looked like the stones are just piled simply. This is because stone walls in the Mainland of Japan are were usually built covering their core of soil or small pieces of stone. One of the reasons for it this is that the Mainland often suffers from earthquakes, so stone walls needs a strong core. On the other hand, Okinawa has few earthquakes, but has a lot of rain. The stone walls of Okinawa’s castles like Nakijin can make rain slip through. I learned the reason for the difference later. Anyway, I think the ruins with elegant stone walls match the nature of Okinawa.
今帰仁城の石垣～The stone walls of Nakijin Castle
ここに行くには～How to get There
ここには車で行かれることをお勧めします。 那覇空港から： 車の場合、那覇空港自動車道に名嘉地ＩＣから入り、西原ＪＣＴで沖縄自動車道に合流し、許田ＩＣで降りてください。城跡はそこから３０分程かかり、城跡周辺に駐車場があります。 バスの場合は、運天港行きのやんばる急行バスに乗ってください。空港から約２時間半かかりますが、城跡近くの今帰仁城址入口バス停で降りてください。 I recommend you to visit it by car. From the Naha Airport: By car, enter Naha Airport Expressway at the Nakachi IC, join Okinawa Expressway at the Nishihara JCT, and get off the expressway at Kyoda IC. The ruins are about 30 minutes away from the IC. There are parking lots around the ruins. By bus, you can take the Yanbaru Express Bus bound for Unten Port. It takes about 2.5 hours from the airport to the Nakijin-joshi-iriguchi bus stop near the ruins.
美しい、しかしとても強力な城です。
Beautiful, but very strong castle
立地と歴史～Location and History
有名なグスクの一つ～One of famous Gusuku
１４、１５世紀ころ、琉球諸島（現在の沖縄諸島）は貿易によって栄えました。結果、琉球には「按司」と呼ばれた有力な豪族が多く現れ、中国や他国と貿易を行い、力をつけていきました。彼らは沖縄諸島一帯に、３００以上の大規模な要塞を築き「グスク」と呼ばれました。勝連城は代表的なグスクの一つです。 Around the 14th and 15th centuries, the Ryukyu Islands (what is now Okinawa Islands) prospered thanks to trading. As a result, many powerful clans in Ryukyu called “Aji” traded with China and other countries, and had great power. They built over 300 large-scale fortresses called “Gusuku” around the Ryukyu Islands. Katsuren Castle was one of the representative Gusuku.
城の位置～The location of the castle
発掘の成果によれば、この城は最初は１４世紀初めころ築かれました。これはグスクとしてはとても早い時期です。当初しばらくは勝連按司がこの城を保有していたと言われています。１５世紀初頭に阿麻和利が１０代目且つ最後の城主となり、この城は最盛期を迎えます。発掘では、高価な中国製陶器の破片も見つかっています。古い琉球歌集である「おもろそうし」には、この城は日本の武士の都、鎌倉のように栄えていた、と書かれています。 According to the excavation, the castle was first built around the beginning of the 14th century which is very early time for Gusuku. It is said that Katsuren Aji clan first owned the castle for a while. In the beginning of the 15th century, Amawari became the 10th and last lord of the castle that reached its peak time. The excavation also found pieces of valuable Chinese ceramic ware. A collection of traditional Ryukyu songs called “Omorososhi” says the castle prospered like Kamakura, the warriors’ capital of Japan.
琉球王国の進貢船、沖縄県立博物館・美術館～A tribute ship from the Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum collection（licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons）
船のようなグスク～Gusuku looking like Ship
勝連城は、沖縄本島の東海岸にある勝連半島の付け根に位置していました。城の近くには貿易港もありました。城は３つの部分からなっていました。北西の部分は「ニシグスク」と呼ばれ、９８ｍの高さの丘上にあり、城の主要且つ最も高い位置にある部分でした。真ん中の部分は、低い位置で城の入口に当たりました。南東の部分は、「へーグスク」と呼ばれ、違う丘の上にありましたが、北西部分よりは低くなっていました。結果的に、城は当時の船の形のように見えたため、別称で「進貢船のグスク」とも呼ばれました。 Katsuren Castle was located in the connecting part of Katsuren peninsula, the eastern coast of Okinawa Island. There was also a trade port near the castle. The castle had three parts. The northwest part called “Nishi-gushiku” on a 98m high hill was the main and highest part of the castle. The middle part was low and the entrance of the castle. Lastly, the southeast part called “He-gushiku” was on another hill lower than the northwest part. As a result, the castle looked like a traditional ship which was nicknamed “the Gusuku of a ship for tribute”.
城周辺の起伏地図～The relief map around the castle
城の想像画～The imaginary picture of the castle（現地説明板より～from the signboard at the site）
阿麻和利の乱～Amawari Rebellion
阿麻和利は有力な按司となり、その勢いは琉球王国の王に並ぶほどでした。実際、国王は彼の娘を阿麻和利に嫁がせ、親戚としていました。ところが、阿麻和利は国王に取って代わろうとしたと言われています。まずは国王の家臣、中城城の護佐丸を滅ぼします。次に王国を攻撃する準備をしますが、彼の妻は国王である彼女の父に夫の計画を伝えたのです。１４５８年、３日間の籠城戦の末、阿麻和利はついに王国によって討たれてしまいました。歴史家の中には、王国の方が阿麻和利をだましたのだという人もいますが、真相は不確かです。 Amawari became a great Aji, almost an equal to the king of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The king actually married his daughter with Amawari to make him his relative. However, it is said that Amawari wanted to take over for the king. Amawari first beat the king’s retainer, Gosamaru at Nakagusuku Castle. Amawari secondly prepared to attack the Kingdom, but his wife informed her father, the king, of her husband’s plan. Amawari was finally beaten by the Kingdom after the three-day siege in 1458. Some historians argue that the Kingdom might have deceived Amawari and beat him. The fact is still uncertain.
阿麻和利の墓～The tomb of Amawari（licensed by Kugel~commonswiki via Wikimedia Commons）
特徴～Features
城跡に入る～Entering Castle Ruins
現在、勝連城跡は主にその北西部分に残っています。城跡を車で訪れる場合は、城跡休憩所の所に駐車できます。休憩所では城跡に行く前に城のことを学ぶこともできます。 Now, the ruins of Katsuren Castle remain mainly in the northwest part. If you drive your car to visit the ruins, you can park at the guide house. You can also learn about the castle at the house before you walk to the ruins.
城周辺の地図～The map around the castle
最初に城跡に入るには、西原御門跡、四の曲輪と呼ばれる城の入口である中間部分を通っていきます。「外郭」と呼ばれる石垣が、この曲輪と南東部分を囲っていましたが、現在ではその基礎部分しか見ることができません。 You will first enter the ruins through the ruins of Nishihara Gate, the entrance of the castle at the middle part called the Forth Enclosure. The stone walls called the Outer Fence or “Gaikaku” rounded the enclosure and the southeast part, but you can only see their base now.
城跡の入口～The entrance of the castle ruins外郭の基礎部分～The base of the outer fence
内郭と石垣～Inner Fence and its Stone Walls
過去には石畳が西原御門と反対側の南風原御門から北西部分の方に伸びていました。現在では過去と同じルートに作られた木製階段に通って進んでいきます。 In the past, the stone pavement spread from another gate called Haebaru Gate at on the opposite side of Nishihara Gate to the northwest part. You will now go through the wooden stairway on the same line as the past.
南風原御門跡から見た風景～A view from the ruins of Haebaru Gate城跡に伸びるルート～The pavement to the castle ruins
北西部分は、一段目の三の曲輪、二段目の二の曲輪、最上段の一の曲輪から成り立っています。この部分を囲んでいる石垣は「内郭」と呼ばれ、よく保存されており、美しく、そして強固です。 The northwest part consists of the Third Enclosure as the first tier, the Second Enclosure as the second tier, and the First Enclosure as the last tier. The stone walls surrounding this part are called the Inner Fence or “Naikaku” and remain very well-preserved and look very beautiful and strong.
内郭の全景～The whole view of the inner fence
この城のほとんど全ての石垣は、「布積み」と呼ばれる方法で、四角く加工された石灰岩で水平に積まれています。また、それを鈎状に組むことで強度を増すための工夫も見られます。 Almost all of this castle’s stone walls are piled with square processed lime stones horizontally, the method called “Nuno-zumi”. They are also arranged in a hooked pattern to increase their strength.
勝連城の石垣～The stone walls of Katsuren Castle
曲輪群と素晴らしい景色～Enclosures and Great Views
三の曲輪の石垣は、訪れる人の前に立ちはだかります。この曲輪に門があり、今はその土台の石垣を見ることができます。この辺りは防衛上重要な地点であったにちがいありません。この曲輪の中は、儀式の場所として使われたようです。 The stone walls of the Third Enclosure stand out high for visitors. The enclosure had a gate, and We can see the gate’s stone wall base. The route to the enclosure turns at a right angle at the gate. This area must have been the an important point for defense. The inside of the enclosure seemed to be used as the space for ceremonies.
三の曲輪の入口～The entrance of the Third Enclosure三の曲輪の内部～The inside of the Third Enclosure
二の曲輪には首里城の正殿ような舎殿がありました。すなわち、この城では最も重要な場所ということです。主殿の屋根は瓦葺きであり、当時の琉球では大変稀なことでした。これらのことからもこの城がいかに栄えていたかがわかります。 The Second Enclosure had the palace like the the Main Palace in Shuri Castle. That meant this place was the most important for the castle. The palace had roof tiles which were very rare for that period in Ryukyu. These facts also prove the prosperity of the castle.
主殿跡～The ruins of the main palace
一の曲輪は、詰めの曲輪です。この曲輪には敵の攻撃を防ぐため、三の曲輪のように、正面の高石垣と屈曲した入口がありました。この曲輪にも瓦屋根の建物がありました。この場所は最も高い位置にあり、障害物もないため、ここからは３６０度の素晴らしい景色を堪能できます。 The First Enclosure is the last enclosure. The enclosure, like the Third Enclosure, has high front stone walls and a bent entrance route to prevent enemies from attacking. The enclosure also had a building with roof tiles. This place is the highest point with no obstruction, so you can have an excellent 360 degrees view from it.
一の曲輪の石垣～The entrance of the stone walls一の曲輪の入口～The entrance of the First Enclosure一の曲輪からの南方の景色～A southern view from the First Enclosure一の曲輪からの北方の景色～A northern view from the First Enclosure
この城には「御嶽」と呼ばれる多くの祈願所がありました。これは琉球のグスクに見られる共通の特徴です。例えば、一の曲輪には「玉ノミウヂ御嶽」跡があり、それでは城を守るための霊石が祀られていました。建物がその石の上に建てられていました。 The castle had many spots for praying called “Utaki”. That was the common feature for Gusuku in Ryukyu. For example, there are the ruins of “Tamanomiuji-Utaki” in the First Enclosure where people prayed the holy stone for protecting the castle. The building was built on the stone.
「玉ノミウヂ御嶽」跡～The ruins of “Tamanomiuji-Utaki”
その後～Later History
阿麻和利が倒されても城は祈願所として使われていましたが、いつしか廃城となりました。三の曲輪にある「肝高の御嶽」跡はその時代のものです。城のほとんどの石垣は長い間残っていたようです。ところが、約１００年前の大正時代と昭和初期に、残念ながら多くの石垣が工事資材として遺跡から運び出され使われてしまいました。そのために外郭の石垣は基礎だけになっているのです。第二次世界大戦後、遺跡は国の史跡に指定されました。ついには、２０００年から琉球王国のグスク及び関連遺産群として世界遺産に登録されています。 Although the castle was still used as the a places for prayer for a while after Amawari had been beaten, it was abandoned at some point. The ruins of “Chimudaka-nu-Utaki” in the Third Enclosure are from that period. Most stone walls of the castle seemed to remain for a long time. However, in the Taisho Era and the first Showa Era, about 100 years ago, many stones were unfortunately taken away from the ruins for and used as construction materials. That’s why we now see only the base of the Outer Fence. After World War II, they were designated as a National Historic Site. Lastly, they have also been on the World Heritage List as Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu since 2000.
肝高の御嶽があった三の曲輪～The Third Enclosure where Chimudaka-nu-Utaki was
私の感想～My Impression
勝連城は素晴らしい景勝地です。グレーの石垣、緑の丘、沖縄の青い海が素晴らしいコントラストを醸し出しています。ここからの眺めもまた特別なものです。その上にこの城は、まるで阿麻和利から１世紀後の日本本土の戦国時代の山城のように強力だと思います。この城は美しさと強さを併せ持っていると断言できます。 Katsuren Castle is a great place to visit, because its gray stone walls, the green hill, and Okinawa’s blue sky can make a very good contrast. Views from the ruins are also very special. Moreover, I think the castle is so strong that is just like a mountain castle in the mainland of Japan in the Sengoku Period, about one century after Amawari. I can definitely say this castle has both of beauty and strength.
城跡からの眺め～A view from the castle ruins
ここに行くには～How to get There
ここには車で行かれることをお勧めします。 那覇空港から： 車の場合、那覇空港自動車道に名嘉地ＩＣから入り、西原ＪＣＴで沖縄自動車道に合流し、沖縄北ＩＣで降りてください。城跡はそこから１０ｋｍ以内で、休憩所に駐車場があります。 I recommend you to visit it by car. From the Naha Airport: By car, enter Naha Airport Expressway at the Nakachi IC, join Okinawa Expressway at the Nishihara JCT, and get off the expressway at Okinawa-Kita IC. The ruins are within 10 km of the IC, and the guide house offers a parking lot.
