CASTELLO SHURIJO
It is a complex of several buildings surrounded by
stone walls. It features a unique architecture that mixes Chinese, Japanese and
Okinawan styles.
At the time, the castle was the residence of the
sovereigns, and the religious seat of the Ryukyu kingdom. Declared a UNESCO
heritage site in 2000, it was destroyed,
due to fires, three times during the reign of the
Ryukyu (in 1453, 1660 and 1709), and then destroyed again in the
Second World War during the battle of Okinawa, fought between Japanese army and
Allies. After the Second World War the castle was restored and until the end of
the seventies it was the seat of a public university. The complete restoration
of the building was completed in 1992.
The Castle was completely destroyed due to a fire on October
31st 2019.
Fortunately for me, I was able to see it before the fire. I assure you it was of rare beauty.
KINJO PAVED ROAD
This street is lined with old houses with red-tiled
roofs and stone walls.
10 minutes walk from Shuri Castle
SHIKINAEN GARDEN
This site classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it
includes a beautiful garden and the summer residence of the royal family of
Okinawa, built in the 17th century.
20 minute walk from Kinjo road
FUKUSHU-EN GARDEN
It is a real Chinese
garden
that extends for 8500 square
meters. All buildings are built in wood and the inputs and outputs are placed at the four cardinal points,
each door has a different style and a traditional Chinese structure.
From the Shikinaen gardens take a taxi to the Fukushu-en
Gardens.
