Nakijin Castle (Nakijin-jo)

The basics

Okinawa’s Ryukyu kingdom lasted from the early 15th century until 1879 when Japan annexed Okinawa. History buffs can visit the ruins of the former kingdom, including its UNESCO-listed castles. But unlike the four other Ryukyu-era structures, Nakijin is in a striking natural setting. It’s also conveniently located next to Ocean Expo Park, home of the world-famous Churaumi Aquarium. Nakijin can be visited independently or included as a stop on a customized island tour.

Things to know before you go

• A small on-site museum recounts the history of the local region, with exhibits on the culture and traditions of Nakijin Village. You can also see a selection of archaeological findings unearthed, from ceramic pottery to old coins.

• Count on spending up to an hour visiting the site, depending on how long you explore the grounds and museum. As for the castle itself, you’ll only find the foundations of its walls left.

• Wear appropriate footwear. Visitors have a lot of steps to climb, so make sure you can get around comfortably.

How to get there

Nakijin Castle is located 56 miles (90 kilometers) from Naha. If coming from the Naha city center or airport, you can take Yanburu Express to the Nakijinjōshi-iriguchi stop—about 2.5 hours. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the castle ruins. You can also get to Nakijinjōshi-iriguchi from Nago on bus 65 or 66. In a rental car, take the Okinawa Expressway and exit at Nago, then follow signs to the castle.

When to get there

The castle is open year-round from 8am to 6pm, with the last admission 30 minutes before closing. It stays open for an extra hour during the summer months (May–August). The best time to come is in winter during cherry blossom season, typically between mid-January and early February. That’s when Nakijin Castle hosts the Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival, which includes special nighttime illuminations until 9pm each night.

Exploring the Motobu Peninsula: Churaumi Aquarium

Located just a 10-minute drive from Nakijin Castle, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a favorite with children and adults alike. It recreates a range of underwater ecosystems indigenous to the region, including the colorful Coral Sea tank and Deep Sea World (containing around 100 creatures found in the ocean’s lowest depths) to the Kuroshio Sea tank, which features whale sharks and manta rays. It can be combined with a visit to the castle, either independently or as part of a customized tour.