Katsuren Castle Ruins is a World Heritage Site, along with Shurijo Castle
, Nakagusuku Castle Ruins, Zakimi Castle Ruins, and Nakijin Castle Ruins.
The site is known as the stronghold of Amawari, who defeated Gosamaru, lord of Nakagusuku Castle overlooking the southwestern side of Nakagusuku Bay, only to be defeated and killed himself by the royal court.
A visit begins at “Uruma-ru,” a shop at the foot of the hill selling local specialties from Uruma City. Be sure to see the intricate scale model, which recreates an imagined view of what the gusuku may have looked like at the time, complete with a palace and residences.
The castle ruins also provide a highly detailed pamphlet, while illustrated explanatory panels are placed throughout the site. These make it easy to understand what you are looking at, including cultural features unique to Okinawa, such as utaki, or sacred sites, and wells known as “kaa”
The stone walls of the gusuku, rebuilt and restored over time, seem to have regained the imposing appearance that once earned the castle a reputation for being impregnable.
The graceful, sweeping curves of the castle walls are truly magnificent.
Another highlight is the spectacular view from the castle, with the blue sea stretching out in three directions.