Today, only the Main Enclosure remains as the ruins of Kurume Castle. The ruins have no castle buildings, but its stone walls are still mostly intact. The scale of the enclosure is not so large, about 150m from north to south and about 100m from east to west. It is surprising to imagine there were seven three-story turrets all connected by two-story row-style turrets in such a limited space. There is the Sasayama Shrine which worships the Arima Clan in the enclosure.
The map around the castle
The ruins of Kurume Castle now have only the Main EnclosureSasayama Shrine
Newer Stone Walls of Southern side
The front side of the enclosure is facing the south, which is also the entrance of the shrine. The only remaining water moat is located on that side. You can see the great high stone walls with a height of 15m. The stone walls of this side are constituted of piled, aligned square cut stones, in a method called Nuno-zumi. This method is newer than the one used in the rest of the castle, so it is thought that they were built by the Arima Clan.
The entrance of the southern sideThe high stone walls of the southern side
The three three-story turrets; Tatsumi(Southeast), Taiko(Drum) and Hitsujisaru(Southwest) Turrets used to stand on the stone walls. In particular, the Tatsumi Turret was the largest, which meant it was the symbol and the substitute of the Main Tower of the castle.
The ruins of Tatsumi TurretThe stone walls under the Tatsumi Turret Ruins
Inside of Main Enclosure
You can enter the enclosure through the ruins of the Kabuki-gomon Gate, on the paved route turning left. The route used to pass by a defensive square space called Masugata, but it is not visible clearly since the route was paved.
The ruins of the Kabuki-gomon GateEntering the Main Enclosure
In the enclosure, there is the Arima Memorial Museum which exhibits the legacy of the Arima Clan, which the Sasayama Shrine isn’t a part of. The museum is on the ruins of the Hitsujisatu and Nishishita(West) Turrets. On or beside the ruins of the other turrets, there are several monuments about the local history. For example, there is the monument for remembering the sufferers of the incident in 1871 on the ruins of the Taiko Turret, where you can see its great stone walls close nearby.
The ruins of the Taiko Turretthe monument for remembering the sufferers of the incident on the Taiko Turret Ruins, on the right of the picture (licensed by そらみみ via Wikimedia Commons)A view of the high stone walls from the Taiko Turret Ruins
There is also the monument for the 56th Infantry Regiment of the Japanese Army beside the ruins of the Ushitora(Northeast) Turret, where you can see the Chikugo River.
The monument for the 56th Infantry Regiment of the Japanese Armythe ruins of the Ushitora TurretA view of the Chikugo River
The Older Stone Walls of Eastern side
You can also enjoy a great view of the stone walls at the eastern side of the enclosure. The surface of the stone walls is made of piled roughly processed stones with small stones filling the gaps. This method is called Uchikomi-hagi. On the other hand, their corners are made of piled processed rectangular stones alternately, following the method called Sangi-zumi. These methods are older than the one used at the southern side, so these stone walls might have been built by the Mori or Tanaka Clans.
The stone walls of the eastern sideThe stone walls at a corner, made of piled processed rectangular stones alternately
There is another entrance with stone steps on this side, beside the ruins of the Tsukimi(Moon watching) Turret. It might had also been the front gate as this side had originally been the front side of the enclosure. You can see the Kurume University playground from the turret ruins, which was once a water moat of the castle.
The ruins of the Tsukimi TurretThe entrance of the eastern side beside the Tsukimi Turret RuinsThe Kurume University playground
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.
宮殿のような優雅な城跡です。
Elegant castle ruins looking like a palace
立地と歴史～Location and History
繁栄する琉球とグスク～Prospering Ryukyu and 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。当時、中国の明王朝は海外の国との民間貿易を禁じていました。その代わりに、日本（琉球とは違う国とみなされていました）、朝鮮、東南アジア諸国は、琉球を通して中国と交易していました。中国は、琉球が頻繁に朝貢することと、諸国と貿易することを認めたからです。結果的に、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。 Around the 14th and 15th centuries, the Ryukyu Islands (what is now Okinawa Islands) prospered thanks to trading. At that time, the Ming Dynasty that governed China banned private trading with foreign countries. Instead, countries like Japan (considered different from Ryukyu), Korea, and South East Asians traded with China through Ryukyu, because China allowed Ryukyu to bring a tribute frequently as well as to trade with them. As a result, many powerful clans in Ryukyu called “Aji” traded with China and other countries, and had great power.
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）
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。グスクは城のようでもありましたが、館や礼拝所としても使われたようです。中城城はもっとも大きなグスクの一つであり、グスク跡としてももっともよく保存されているものの一つです。 They built over 300 large-scale fortresses called “Gusuku” around the Ryukyu Islands. They looked like a castles, but they could also be used as a hall or shrine. Nakagusuku Castle was one of the largest Gusuku, and is one of the best preserved Gusuku ruins.
城の位置～The location of the castle
中城城の完成～The completion of Nakagusuku Castle
中城城は最初１４世紀中頃に先中城按司によって築かれました。城は、沖縄本島にある標高１６０ｍの丘の上にあり、東側は天然の要害として高い崖となっていました。また、わずか２ｋｍのところに、当時は貿易港であった八木港がありました。先中城按司は、一の郭、二の郭、南の郭、西の郭といった主要な曲輪を作りました。１５世紀になって琉球王国の重臣であった護佐丸が三の郭、北の郭を加えて城を完成させました。 It is said that Nakagusuku Castle was first built in the mid 14th century by Sachi-Nakagusuku Aji clan. The castle was located on a 160m high hill on Okinawa Island with a high cliff in on the east as natural barrier. It was also only 2 km away from the Yagi Port which was once a trade port. Sachi-Nakagusuku Aji clan built the main parts of the castle, such as the First Enclosure or Ichinokaku ,the Second Enclosure or Ninokaku, the South Enclosure or Minaminokaku, and the West Enclosure or Nishinokaku. In the 15th century, a senior vassal of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Gosamaru completed the castle, adding the Third Enclosure or Sannokaku, and The North Enclosure or Kitanokaku.
現地にある城跡の模型～The miniature model of the castle ruins at the site
護佐丸の乱～Gosamaru Rebellion
護佐丸は、王国に反抗していた勝連城の有力な按司である阿麻和利から王国を守るため、中城城に滞在していました。ところが、護佐丸は阿麻和利によって王国への反逆者として仕立てられてしまいます。護佐丸はそれを知って嘆き悲しみ自ら命を絶ってしまったのです。これは阿麻和利が王国や護佐丸をだましたのだと言われていますが、真相は不明です。その後、阿麻和利も王国により討たれてしまったからです。 Gosamaru stayed at the castle to protect the Ryukyu Kingdom from another powerful Aji called Amawari at Katsuren Castle who was against the Kingdom. However, Gosamaru was considered as a rebel against the Kingdom by Amawari. Gosamaru felt very sad about it, and killed himself. It is said that Amawari deceived the Kingdom and Gosamaru, but the details are uncertain, as Amawari was also defeated by the Kingdom later.
城周辺の地図～The map around the castle
その後、この城は王国の王子の所有となりました。江戸時代に王国が日本の薩摩藩の支配下にあった間は、城は番所として使われていました。 After that, the castle was owned by the Prince of the Kingdom. During the Edo Period, when the Kingdom was under the Satsuma Feudal Domain of Japan, the castle was used as a guardhouse.
中城城跡～The ruins of Nakagusuku Castle
特徴～Features
城周辺の航空写真～The aerial photo of around the castle
城跡に入る～Entering the Castle Ruins
現在、中城城跡は今でもとてもよい場所にあると言えます。城跡は島が狭くなっている部分の高い場所にあるので、東は太平洋の、西は東シナ海の素晴らしい景色を見渡すことができます。この城の城主は、敵味方の動きを容易につかめたことでしょう。 Now, the ruins of Nakagusuku Castle still have a very good location. They are located on a high point where the island is narrow, so you can have a great view of the Pacific Ocean on the east and the East China Sea on the west. That meant that a lord of the castle was able to see the movement of his friends and enemies.
城跡から見た太平洋～A view of the Pacific Ocean from the ruins
観光客が城跡の入口に入ると、カートで城の正門の近くまで乗せていってもらえます。そこからその門まで登っていきますが、それは西の郭の入口でもあります。この郭は、一の郭と南の郭に隣り合っています。一の郭の素晴らしい高石垣が見えることでしょう。 When visitors enter the entrance of the ruins, they are driven near the front gate of the castle by a cart. You can walk up to the gate which is also the entrance of the West Enclosure. The enclosure is next to the First Enclosure and South Enclosure. You can also see the great high stone walls of First Enclosure.
正門～The front gate一の郭の高石垣～The stone walls of the First Enclosure
更に南の郭の入口に進みます。この郭は城で最も古い部分と考えられています。その石垣が部分的に自然の石灰岩により積まれていて、「野面積み」と呼ばれる原始的な方式によるからです。この郭には３箇所の拝所跡があり、例えばその一つでは雨乞いを祈願していました。 You can go further to the entrance of South Enclosure. The enclosure is thought to be the oldest part, because its stone walls were partly piled with natural lime stones, a primitive method called “Nozura-zumi”. There are three places for worship in ruins in the enclosure, such as one where you could pray for rain.
南の郭へ進みます～Going to the South Enclosure南の郭の入口、写真の右上部分は野面積みです～The entrance of the South Enclosure, the upper right portion in this picture is built with “Nozura-zumi”雨乞イノ御嶽（拝所）～The place of praying for rain
素晴らしい石垣と景色～Wonderful Stone Walls and Views
南の郭から、アーチ型の門を通って一の郭に進みます。この門は護佐丸がこの城を拡張したときに作ったと言われています。一の郭は、この城の中心であり、最も大きい郭です。ここには正殿がありました。ここの石垣は、四角く加工した石灰岩により築かれており、「布積み」と呼ばれます。この方式は南の郭のものより進歩しており、このため一の郭は南の郭より後に作られたようです。また、石垣の上には展望台があり、太平洋の絶景を見渡すことができます。二の郭がまた隣りにあります。その郭の石垣の輪郭はとても美しいです。 From the South Enclosure, you can go to the First Enclosure through the arch entrance gate. It is said that Gosamaru had this arch shaped when he improved the castle. The First Enclosure is the main and largest enclosure of the castle. There was the main hall in it. Its stone walls were built with processed square lime stones, a method called “Nuno-zumi”. The method is more developed than the South Enclosure’s, so the First Enclosure seemed to have been built after the South Enclosure. There is also the observation deck on the stone walls where you can have a great view of the Pacific Ocean. The Second Enclosure is the next one. The shape of this enclosure’s stone walls is very beautiful.
一の郭へのアーチ門、石垣は布積み～The arch entrance gate to the First Enclosure, its stone walls are built with “Nuno-zumi”正殿跡～The ruins of the Main Hall一の郭から見た太平洋～The Pacific Ocean from the First Enclosure二の郭の石垣～The stone walls of the Second Enclosure
護佐丸の貢献～Work of Gosamaru
護佐丸が後から追加した北の郭に行くには、一旦西の郭に戻る必要があります。北の郭には「ウフガー」と呼ばれる井戸の跡があります。それまでは城の内部には井戸がなかったので、これも護佐丸により築かれました。 You need to go back to the West Enclosure to go to the North Enclosure which was added by Gosamaru later. The North enclosure has the ruins of a well called “Ufugaa”. The well was also built by him, as the castle didn’t have no well inside.
北の郭にある井戸～The well at the North Enclosure
最後の三の郭には北の郭から向かいます。この郭は最も新しい郭で、アーチ型の裏門があり、護佐丸が築きました。北の郭と三の郭の石垣は、「相方積み」といわれる方式で作られています。この方式は加工した石灰岩をランダムに、しかし強固に積んでいくもので、この城では最も進化した複雑なものです。それでこれらの郭が最新とわかるのです。 You can walk from the North Enclosure to the Third Enclosure, the last one. The enclosure is also the newest one with the arch shaped back gate that Gosamaru built. The North and Third Enclosures have stone walls built in the method called “Aikata-zumi”. This method refers to piling randomly processed lime stones solidly. It is the most advanced and complex way in the castle, so we can see these enclosures are the newest.
三の郭～The Third Enclosure裏門～The back gate相方積みで積まれた三の郭の石垣～The stone walls of the Third Enclosure built with “Aikata-zumi”
その後～Later History
明治維新後、日本政府により琉球王国は廃止され、日本の一つの県になりました。城は中城村の役場として使われていました。第二次世界大戦で焼けてしまうまでは何らかの建物が残っていたようです。更には、日本陸軍が城に駐在し、陣地を作り始めました。ところが、その後すぐ命令により他に移っていきました。そのために石垣や土台など城の遺跡が現在までよく保存され残っているのです。この遺跡は２０００年に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。 After the Meiji Restoration, the Ryukyu Kingdom was abolished, as it was taken in as one of Japan’s prefectures by the Japanese Government. The castle was used as the village office of Nakagusuku Village. Some buildings seemed to remain until they were burned during World War II. In addition, the Japanese Army once stayed at the castle and started to build a position. However, they were ordered to moved to another soon after. That’s why the ruins of castle (stone walls, foundation etc) remain well preserved until today. They have been on the World Heritage List as Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu since 2000.
石垣の下の日本軍が掘った壕～The shelter that the Japanese Army dug under the stone walls
私の感想～My Impression
日本の本土では、石垣造りの城が一般化するのは１６世紀のことです。戦での鉄砲の使用への対応と、建築技術の向上が要因であると言われています。沖縄では、石垣造りの城が本土より２世紀も早く出現しました。その理由の一つは、石灰岩が加工しやすいこともあったでしょう。もちろん戦いのための城であるからには、より強力な城にする必要もありました。更にもう一つの理由は、グスクの城主たちは彼らの権威や信仰を表したかったのだと思います。それでこんなにも美しく見えるのでしょう。 In Japan mainland, castles with stone walls became popular in the 16th century. It is said that the needs for wars using guns and developing construction technology caused that change. In Okinawa Island, castles with stone walls appeared two centuries earlier than on the mainland. One of the reasons for that was that lime stones were easier to process. Of course, the castles were used for a battle. Stronger castles were another reason. I think that another reasons was the lords of the “Gusuku” castles wanted to show their authority and faith, so that’s why they look very beautiful.
二の郭～The Second Enclosure
ここに行くには～How to get There
ここに行くには、車を使う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、北中城ＩＣで降りてください。城跡はそこから５ｋｍ以内で、駐車場もあります。 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 Kita-Nakagusuku IC. The ruins are within 5 km from the IC, and offers a parking lot.
