thedrifter
07-17-09, 09:20 AM
Centuries-old castle offers glimpse into Ryukyuan history
Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Cordero
NAHA, Okinawa (July 17, 2009) -- After enduring hundreds of years of weather, erosion, fire and war, and completely restored in 1992, Shuri Castle continues to stand as a symbol of a nation's power at a time when kings ruled over feudal lords.
Shuri Castle Park is just one place Status of Forces Agreement personnel and their families can visit while on Okinawa. It offers visitors a glimpse of Ryukyuan history and a brief glance at a social structure centuries old. At the center of the park stands Shuri Castle with its unique Ryukyuan architecture and construction.
Although the castle's original construction date is unknown, its use has been traced back to the 15th century when it was used as the royal court and administrative center of the Ryukyu Kingdom. When King Sho Hashi unified the three sections of Okinawa and established the Ryukyu Kingdom, he used Shuri Castle as a residence. The area grew as the main trading center of the Ryukyus. For more than 450 years, Shuri also served as the center of foreign trade, as well as the cultural and political heart of the Ryukyus.
What once housed kings and was the center of trade now bustles with tourists from all over the world.
In 1879, the Japanese government took over Okinawa, ending the Ryukyu rule. Since then, the castle has served several purposes, to include sheltering Japanese soldiers during World War II and as the site for several educational facilities.
The castle has endured several fires and was nearly destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. After the war, the Shureimon gate was rebuilt in 1958, and the University of the Ryukyus relocated there until 1975.
The current area is now called Shuri Castle Park, and in 2000, was designated a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site.
The current castle was restored in 1992, based on historical records, and is modeled after the 18th century facility. The castle's location sits proudly above Naha and some of its nearby neighborhoods, detailing a breathtaking view of the city.
When coming through the front of the castle, visitors will walk in through Shureimon, the main gate to Shuri castle. To the left after entering the gate stands a shrine erected by King Sho Shin, which he used to pray for order throughout the kingdom and his travels.
After going through Houshin Gate, visitors will notice the courtyard which was the site of important ceremonies throughout the year in Ryukyuan times.
Upon entering the castle, a route is marked and directed by staff for visitors to follow through each of the three buildings displaying the different sections of the castle including artifacts such as a throne and a replica of a traditional crown worn by the king. A brief description and history is displayed next to key items in English and Japanese for visitors' convenience.
Throughout the year, there are a variety of performances for visitors to enjoy prior to entering the castle's main compound.
Most of the park is open for free but visitors must pay to enter the castles central courtyard. Prices vary from 300 yen for children to 800 yen for adults, with discounts for groups and students. Paid parking is available, near the facility but it is also accessible through public transportation. The park is approximately a 15 minute walk from Shuri Station, the last stop on the monorail coming from Naha Kuko.
Marine Corps Community Services offers tours to the site several times throughout the year. For more information or to participate in a tour, contact MCCS Tours Plus at 646-3502.
Ellie
Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Cordero
NAHA, Okinawa (July 17, 2009) -- After enduring hundreds of years of weather, erosion, fire and war, and completely restored in 1992, Shuri Castle continues to stand as a symbol of a nation's power at a time when kings ruled over feudal lords.
Shuri Castle Park is just one place Status of Forces Agreement personnel and their families can visit while on Okinawa. It offers visitors a glimpse of Ryukyuan history and a brief glance at a social structure centuries old. At the center of the park stands Shuri Castle with its unique Ryukyuan architecture and construction.
Although the castle's original construction date is unknown, its use has been traced back to the 15th century when it was used as the royal court and administrative center of the Ryukyu Kingdom. When King Sho Hashi unified the three sections of Okinawa and established the Ryukyu Kingdom, he used Shuri Castle as a residence. The area grew as the main trading center of the Ryukyus. For more than 450 years, Shuri also served as the center of foreign trade, as well as the cultural and political heart of the Ryukyus.
What once housed kings and was the center of trade now bustles with tourists from all over the world.
In 1879, the Japanese government took over Okinawa, ending the Ryukyu rule. Since then, the castle has served several purposes, to include sheltering Japanese soldiers during World War II and as the site for several educational facilities.
The castle has endured several fires and was nearly destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. After the war, the Shureimon gate was rebuilt in 1958, and the University of the Ryukyus relocated there until 1975.
The current area is now called Shuri Castle Park, and in 2000, was designated a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site.
The current castle was restored in 1992, based on historical records, and is modeled after the 18th century facility. The castle's location sits proudly above Naha and some of its nearby neighborhoods, detailing a breathtaking view of the city.
When coming through the front of the castle, visitors will walk in through Shureimon, the main gate to Shuri castle. To the left after entering the gate stands a shrine erected by King Sho Shin, which he used to pray for order throughout the kingdom and his travels.
After going through Houshin Gate, visitors will notice the courtyard which was the site of important ceremonies throughout the year in Ryukyuan times.
Upon entering the castle, a route is marked and directed by staff for visitors to follow through each of the three buildings displaying the different sections of the castle including artifacts such as a throne and a replica of a traditional crown worn by the king. A brief description and history is displayed next to key items in English and Japanese for visitors' convenience.
Throughout the year, there are a variety of performances for visitors to enjoy prior to entering the castle's main compound.
Most of the park is open for free but visitors must pay to enter the castles central courtyard. Prices vary from 300 yen for children to 800 yen for adults, with discounts for groups and students. Paid parking is available, near the facility but it is also accessible through public transportation. The park is approximately a 15 minute walk from Shuri Station, the last stop on the monorail coming from Naha Kuko.
Marine Corps Community Services offers tours to the site several times throughout the year. For more information or to participate in a tour, contact MCCS Tours Plus at 646-3502.
Ellie