Shuri Castle: A Symbol of Power in the Ryukyu Kingdom

Revisit Okinawa and its Tiramisu-colored Shuri Castle, once the symbol of power for the Ryukyu Kingdom. Surrounded by a vast moat and towering walls, the castle stands majestically. Passing through the red and yellow outer courtyard, the fiery red palace stands prominently, dazzling in its splendor. The main hall, a wooden structure, was highly susceptible to fire in the hot weather. After my visit in 2019, it was almost entirely destroyed by a fire later that year. The complete restoration is expected to be finished by 2026. Ryukyu's limestone geology was used for the stone gates and walls, and while thatched stone houses were common, wooden structures were rare. Only the Shuri Castle palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom used wood on such a large scale, showcasing its wealth and prosperity. The entire Shuri Castle Park is quite large. Besides the palace complex under restoration, the surrounding areas are free to enter. It's conveniently accessible by taking the monorail to Shuri Station and walking for about 15 minutes. The Shurijo-kan at the entrance has strong air conditioning in its shops and restaurant rest areas, making it a comfortable place to rest after a long walk.