Soak Up the Spiritual Past of Okinawa
The Tamagusuku Castle Ruins are a breath of fresh air for those favouring the more off-the-beaten-path approach to travel.

The ruins feature an arch traditionally found in Gusuku—Okinawa-style castles. The characteristic of these ruins is that they are hollowed out from natural rocks.
The Tamagusuku Castle Ruins are one example of a quasi-spiritual spot located in the southeast of the main island of Okinawa.
Built before the establishment of the Ryukyu Kingdom, it is the oldest castle on Okinawa, and legend says that the god Amamikiyo built it herself.
According to legend, Amamikiyo is the god who came from beyond the sea to create Okinawa.
While there are only ruins left in the present, the hike up the hill that the castle was built on does offer some great views of the area.
It also presents a good contrast to the opulent Shuri Castle, showcasing a more traditional “Gusuku” castle.

A site deemed sacred, located within the castle. The exact age of the castle is unknown.

A castle wall that draws a curved form, perfectly aligned to the terrain.
Tamagusuku Castle Ruins
444, Tamagusuku, Nanjo-city, Okinawa
TRENDING
-
The Tattoos that Marked the Criminals of the Edo Period
Traditional tattoos were strong signifiers; murderers had head tattoos, while theft might result in an arm tattoo.
-
Paris, Tokyo: Robert Compagnon
With his co-chef and talented wife, Jessica Yang, Robert Compagnon opened one of the top new restaurants in Paris: Le Rigmarole.
3:31 -
The Story of Sada Yacco, the Geisha who Bewitched Europe
Described by Dazed magazine as the first beauty influencer, she has been restored to her former glory since 2019.
-
Ito Jakuchu's Naturalist Paintings
From 15 September until 14 October 2018, the Petit Palais showcased the artist's iconic ‘Images of the Colourful Realm of Living Beings’.
-
Images of Tokyo Captured from Fire Escapes
In 'Tokyo Twilight Zone', photographer Shintaro Sato presents the capital from an angle more familiar to its residents than visitors.



