Nakijin Castle

Nakijin Castle
今帰仁城
Nakijin, Okinawa in Japan
View of Nakijin Castle walls in 2016
Coordinates26°41′27″N 127°55′49″E / 26.69083°N 127.93028°E / 26.69083; 127.93028
TypeGusuku
Site information
Open to
the public
Yes
ConditionRuins
Websitewww.nakijinjoseki-osi.jp
Site history
Builtearly 14th century
Built byHaniji
In use14th century – 1609 (1609)
MaterialsRyukyuan limestone, wood
Battles/warsInvasion of Hokuzan (1416)
Invasion of Ryukyu (1609)
Garrison information
Past
commanders
Shō Kokushi
OccupantsKings of Hokuzan, Wardens of Hokuzan, Aji of Nakijin Magiri
CriteriaCultural: ii, iii, vi
Reference972
Inscription2000 (24th Session)

Nakijin Castle (今帰仁城, Nakijin Gusuku, Kunigami: Nachijin Gushiiku, Okinawan: Nachijin Gushiku) is a Ryukyuan gusuku located in Nakijin, Okinawa. It is currently in ruins. In the late 14th century, the island of Okinawa consisted of three principalities: Nanzan to the south, Chūzan in the central area, and Hokuzan in the north. Nakijin was the capital of Hokuzan. The fortress includes several sacred Utaki groves, reflecting the castle's role as a center of religious activity. It is today known for the Hikan cherries which bloom in northern Okinawa between mid-January and early February, providing the first cherry blossoms each year in Japan. In 2000, Nakijin Castle was designated as a World Heritage Site, as a part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.