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Gusuku is the Okinawan word for "castle" or "fortress." This entry describes gusuku and related cultural remains the Ryukyu Islands that UNESCO lists as World Heritage Sites.
⑥ Stone Gate of Sonohyan-utaki
This stone gate to the left of Shureimon gate was erected in 1519 by King Sho Shin, the third king of the second Sho dynasty. Here at the Sonohyan-utaki, the King offered prayers for order throughout the Kingdom and safety at the outset of all his travels. The stone gate reflects the Kingdom’s advanced limestone masonry skills, and is designated an important national cultural property.
⑦ Tamaudun
Tamaudun, mausoleum for generations of the Ryukyuan royals, was built in 1501 by King Sho Shin, the third King of the second Sho dynasty. The three compartments of the mausoleum are laid out east to west, with kings and queens in the eastern compartment and the princes and rest of the royal family in the western compartment. The stone lions guarding the tomb are excellent examples of Okinawan stone sculpture.
⑧ Shikina-en
Built in 1799, the royal villa was not only where the royals relaxed but was also used to host the investiture envoys who came from the Great Empire, China. The garden’s circle layout resembles plans used in modern Japanese gardens, but the Villa itself with its red tile is uniquely Ryukyuan, and pond and bridge to the miniature island is in the Chinese style. This is a rare, historically valuable example of Ryukyuan landscape gardening.
⑨ Sefa-utaki
Legend says the goddess Amamikyo, who gave birth to the islands of the Ryukyus, descended here. From this sacred grove, people prayed to Kudaka Island, Okinawa’s most sacred place. Once the inaugurations of the high priestess of the Shuri Court, Kikoe-ogimi, took place here. The utaki (grove) testifies to the unique form of nature and ancestor worship that underlies the animist beliefs of the Ryukyus.
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