- Culture
- Okinawa
Katsuren Castle Ruins
Considered the oldest castle in Okinawa, Katsuren Castle stands on a hilltop and illustrates its prosperous past
The city of Uruma is located at the center of the Okinawa main island, and the Katsuren Castle Ruins can be found atop a hill on the eastern coast of Uruma, on the Katsuren Peninsula jutting out onto the Pacific Ocean. Amawari, the lord of Katsuren Castle, attacked the royal palace of Shuri Castle in hopes to take over the kingdom, but suffered a major defeat and perished in 1458. Climb the steep steps of Katsuren Castle and you'll rewarded with a grand panoramic view of the ocean.
Katsuren Castle Ruins
In 2000, Katsuren Castle Ruins was registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu." While known as an unconquerable fortress utilizing a natural cliff, its graceful stature is accentuated by artistically curved castle walls. The site is also one of the top scenic spots of Okinawa, with a sweeping view of the glittering cobalt blue Pacific Ocean from the hilltop. Since Katsuren Castle is still in the midst of excavation, the entirety of the grounds is still under investigation. Let your imagination take you back in history through the rise and fall of the great castle of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Modern ensemble dance "Kimutaka-no-Amawari"
While Amawari has long been painted as the renowned rebel against the Shuri monarchy, a book of poetry compiled by the royals describes the castle lord as “kimutaka,” meaning noble in the local dialect. From 2000, a modern version of the traditional ensemble performance portraying him through song and dance, called “Kimutaka-no-Amawari,” has been staged by local junior high and senior high school students. Since its premiere, over 300 performances have been presented to over 190,000 audiences in total. Passionate fans from around the country come to witness the energetic young performers narrate the sensational story of Amawari, the maverick lord of Katsuren Castle during a turbulent age in the history of Okinawa.
Location
| Name | Katsuren Castle Ruins |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.katsuren-jo.jp/english-1/ |
| Address | 3908 Katsurenhaebaru, Uruma-shi, Okinawa |
| Access | Approximately 1-hour drive from Okinawa-kita IC on the Okinawa Expressway. From Naha Bus Terminal, take the Yokatsu Line (No. 52) and get off at the Katsuren-jo-ato-mae bus stop and walk for approximately 10 minutes. |
| Business Hours | 9:00 to 18:00 |
| Closed | Open year-round (May be temporarily closed for certain occasions.) |
| Inquiries | TEL: 098-978-7373 (Katsuren jo-site Amawari Park Visitor Center) |
| Admission | Adults (high school students and over): 600 yen; group fare (20 or more members) 480 yen Children (junior high school students and under): 400 yen; group fare (20 or more members) 320 yen Under age 6: Free |