Zakimi Castle Ruins

The Zakimi Castle Ruins is one of the Ryukyu World Heritage Sites. It seems that it was once used as a signal station for the US military. It is a small but beautiful castle with curving walls.

About Zakimi Castle in Okinawa

Zakimi Castle is located in Yomitan Village, Okinawa. The castle, which was built during the late 14th or early 15th century, is considered one of the most important examples of Ryukyuan gusuku, a type of fortress found in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. The castle was used as a military fortress during the Ryukyu Kingdom period, and it played a key role in the defense of the kingdom against invading forces.

Today, the ruins of Zakimi Castle are a popular tourist destination and a designated National Historic Site of Japan. Visitors to the site can see the remains of the castle walls, gates, and watchtowers, as well as the surrounding moats and stone walls. The castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and the site is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom season, when the trees surrounding the castle bloom.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Zakimi Castle is also valued for its architectural and engineering features. The castle’s walls and structures were built using traditional Ryukyuan techniques and materials, including stone, coral, and clay. The intricate stone walls and precise masonry of the castle are a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the Ryukyuan builders, and they serve as an important reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the Ryukyu Islands.

Zakimi Castle Ruins tours

There is few regular tours available to visit Zakimi Castle Ruin. If you like to visit there by a tour, try this.

Photos of Zakimi Castle

The curved and arched ramparts are distinctly different from castles on mainland Japan.

Such a curve is not found in castles on the mainland. It’s a pity that there are no buildings left.