Central - Chuzan

Included in this section

Agena Castle (安慶名城跡)

⭐⭐ Good

Agena Castle Image
Okiu fs, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Castle Data

Points of Interest

  • Massive, nozura (stacked stone) north-east wall
  • Spectacular view of the bullring and Uruma city
  • Original stone steps and walls
  • Jungle adventure vibe with shade
  • Agena Bullring (安慶名闘牛場)
  • War Memorial (慰霊顕彰碑)

Getting There and Parking

  • Distance: 34 km north of Naha / 9 km north-east of Okinawa City
  • Car: Navigate to Agenachuo Koen Parking Lot, 1045 Agena, Uruma, Okinawa 904-2214, Japan. (安慶名中央公園 駐車場)
  • Parking: Parking lot closed for COVID (Spots for about 60 cars)
  • Admission: no charge
  • Hours: 24 h
  • https://www.city.uruma.lg.jp/bunka/2399

Where to Eat

Side Trip

  • Chichi Gusuku (Tengen Gusuku) (天願グスク) (inside USMC Camp Courtney) - 1.6 km
  • Uken Beach (宇堅ビーチ) - 3 km
  • Chibana Castle Ruins (知花グスク) - 6.7 km
  • Southeast Botanical Gardens 美らヤシパークオキナワ・東南植物楽園 - 6.7 km
  • Katsuren Castle Ruins (勝連城跡) - 7.4 km

Maps - Agena Castle

Agena Map Image
Map data ©2023 Google

Overview - Agena Castle

This is a mountain top castle that uses the natural landscape of the river and cliffs to its advantage, and like Kakinohana Castle, it has an Indiana Jones / lost in the jungle vibe, with great views from the top. The castle is easily overlooked as it’s in the middle of town, and walking distance from the US Marine Corps Camp McTureous, being on its eastern boundary. It’s also overshadowed by the Agena Bullring, and just aching to be explored. Agena Castle is in central Okinawa, and on the east side of the island. Kin Bay is just to its north east, and the Tengan River meanders along its north side. It has a number of distinct features including nozura (stacked stone) walls, original stairways, a couple of baileys, a natural cave-like entrance, a viewing port and some interesting rock formations. It was designated as a Nationally Designated Cultural Property S47-5-165 on 15 May 1972.

On The Trail - Agena Castle

From the left or south end of the parking lot, make your way across the park lawn toward the left side of the verdant hill. You’ll soon see a cluster of monuments.

Agena Monuments
Okinawaphile, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The leftmost vertical stone marker says (on multiple sides):

Historical site Agena Castle Ruins, National Designated Property 15 May 1972

The concrete & tile monument with a bluish colored brass plaque says:

Agena Castle Ruins Akena Castle is said to have been built by Agena Okawa Aji around the 14th century, and is also known as Okawa Castle. Cliffs were skillfully used as castle walls, and the castle walls were built from the middle of the mountain by the Nozura method.The central part is the summit plateau. A stone stairway is installed along the slope from the lower east side to the castle gate that opens on the south side of the interior. The castle gate is partly cut down using a crack in the natural bedrock, and then further the castle gates are spaced relatively narrowly at 1.0m, and near the center of the interior there are thresholds and lintel holes on both sides for attaching doors. Chinese ceramics and earthenware from the Gusuku period have been excavated from within the castle.

Make your way into the tree covered jungle up the stairs and feel how the atmosphere changes. Advance a little more than 1/2 the way up and there’s a little landing where the trail splits. The left fork heads up to the left where you can see a bench at the top, and the right fork heads for a few more feet through the jungle and becomes the top of the thick, wide outer wall. Most castles would have signs at this point saying stay off the walls, so please use discretion and good judgment. Back at the fork on the staircase, head to the left, up the last few dozen steps to the bench.

Agena Castle 2017 staircase
Okinawaphile, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Just before you reach the bench, you’ll see a small tomb built into the right hand cliff with nuno-zumi cut limestone blocks. This style of stone work - Ashlar masonry - is different from most of the existent walls and is often reserved for important features like gates, and strongly fortified walls. It’s not clear if this is the tomb of the last Aji (ruler) of Agena castle. At the top of the staircase, take a breather on the concrete bench if you’d like, and take in the natural surroundings, the light in the trees, and the roots that seem to be hugging the old walls. When you’re ready, make a hairpin right turn and head up the last few rough steps to the inner castle gate.

Agena Castle Upper Gate
Juniper, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The gate utilizes a low, natural stone arch, and is narrowed to about 1 m in width by more nuno-zumi cut limestone blocks along one side. My own theory is that this natural funnel would prevent horses from entering the top of the castle, and be much easier to defend. It might also help to emphasize the religious importance of the site, since most gusuku seem to have been built at utaki (holy) sites. Whether it was a military tactic, or religious-political theater, it is pretty special to squeeze through the ancient gate, and be greeted by the bright sky, vertical limestone formations that separate the two main areas (baileys). Head to the left and you’ll come close to the edge of the wall, and be rewarded with great views of Agena Bullring below and Uruma City. There’s a bench here too if you’d like to just enjoy the view and air up here. Continuing to the left, it opens up to a partially shaded grassy area with low stone walls.

Agena Castle Upper Gate
Juniper, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you keep curving to the left you’ll see what looks like a wide trail that heads upwards, keep going and you’ll end up climbing up the jagged limestone that will remind you of coral at low tide, up to the highest point in the castle. Stand on the bench and you’ll get a view of the Agena Middle School and USMC Camp McTureous. Head back down, and investigate this larger of the two castle open areas. Notice that most of the +600 year old stone walls that line the perimeter here are hand stacked limestone in the nozura-zumi style. When you’re ready, backtrack and check out the 2nd and smaller bailey that was to the right of the gate. While here, look for a small square hole in the wall that is an example of an opening that could be used for defending the castle with archers or possibly fire bombs.

Agena Castle Square Hole
Juniper, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

I can imagine the original walls could have contained many such openings at advantageous positions with overlapping fields of fire, to help defend the castle. While up here, keep your eye out for a number of small shrines with offerings.

Agena Castle Square Hole
Juniper, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Strategically, this castle is in a great hilltop position, but has a weakness because the river would have been far below during a siege. Another weakness is it’s so close to town and the jungle has overgrown it’s walls that it’s easy to be overlooked, but this small, special castle is eagerly waiting for you to explore it.

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Katsuren Castle (勝連城跡)

⭐⭐⭐ Great

Katsuren Castle Image
kanegen, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Castle Data

Points of Interest

  • Views of the Pacific Ocean on two sides
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site (UNESCO 972-005)
  • In 2016, archaeologists unearthed medieval Ottoman and ancient Roman coins
  • Year round activities & events, check their website

Getting There and Parking

  • Distance: 33 km north of Naha
  • Car: Navigate to Amawari Park, 3807-2 Katsurenhaebaru, Uruma, Okinawa 904-2311, Japan. (あまわりパーク)
  • Parking: Spots for about 170 cars plus motorcycles and buses
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Admission: ￥600 adults, ￥400 for 6-12yrs, free under 6
  • Hours: 9am-6pm
  • https://www.katsuren-jo.jp

Where to Eat

Side Trip

  • Hamahiga Island (浜比嘉島)
    • Muruku Beach (ムルク浜ビーチ)
    • Tomb of Amamichu (アマミチューの墓), who was the creator god of Ryukyu Islands
    • Shirumichu Cave (シルミチュー) - home of Amamichu and Shirumichu gods

Maps - Katsuren Castle

Katsuren Castle Map Image
Katsuren Area Map Image
Map data ©2024 Google

Overview - Katsuren Castle

Katsuren Castle (勝連城, Katsuren jō, Okinawan: Kacchin Gushiku), perched atop a 98-meter (322 ft) limestone crag on the Katsuren Peninsula, is a sight to behold. The ruins of this 13th-14th century castle, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean – making it easy to see why it's called the "Ocean Gusuku". Imagine the power of the Aji of Katsuren, Amawari, who ruled during the castle's "golden age" in the mid-15th century. Amawari's ambition and eventual downfall at the hands of the Ryukyuan army in 1458 are significant events in Okinawan history. You can almost hear the shuffle of feet and the shouts of guards as you walk through the gates.

Unlike many gusuku, Katsuren Castle has a distinct five-part layout. The highest point, called the Upper Gusuku, contains the first three baileys – almost a self-contained fortress within the castle walls. The second bailey is where historians believe the main hall once stood, and the first bailey houses a shrine to Kobazukasa. The Lower Gusuku, comprising Bailey 4, boasted five wells, a testament to the castle's ability to withstand a siege. You'll be awed by the castle’s sturdy construction, including examples of nozura-zumi (stacked stone) walls, ingenious water drainage systems and evidence of a moat (堀切, horikiri).

Exploring Katsuren Castle isn't just about marveling at the past – it's about connecting with it. As you stroll through the grounds, remnants of Chinese porcelain and roof tiles hint at a thriving trade network that once flourished here. And don't miss the opportunity to witness a true oddity: the excavation site of ancient Roman and Ottoman coins – the first of its kind in Japan! Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a captivating day trip, Katsuren Castle offers a unique glimpse into Okinawa's fascinating past.

On The Trail - Katsuren Castle

Katsuren Castle (勝連城), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beckons travelers to uncover its secrets. Perched atop a limestone plateau on the Katsuren Peninsula, this "Ocean Gusuku" affords breathtaking views of the Pacific, serving as a reminder of the powerful Aji who once ruled here. This guide will lead you through the castle’s five baileys, highlighting intriguing details and offering glimpses into Okinawa's captivating past.

Starting Your Journey:

  • The Approach: As you ascend the path towards the castle, take a moment to appreciate the panoramic views. Picture the bustling port that once thrived below, connecting Okinawa to a vast trade network.
  • Bailey 5 (東グスク): Your journey begins in the easternmost section, Bailey 5. Once thought to be a flat expanse, recent excavations revealed a horikiri (moat), underscoring the castle’s defensive capabilities. Imagine the moat, now filled in, once serving as a formidable obstacle to invaders.
  • Bailey 4 (下グスク): Continue your ascent to Bailey 4, the Lower Gusuku. This bailey, with its five wells and two fortified gates, highlights the castle’s self-sufficiency during times of conflict. Look for evidence of these wells, vital sources of life-sustaining water during sieges.
  • Bailey 3 (三ノ郭): Make your way up to Bailey 3, stopping to admire the gusuku-dō (castle road), a testament to the castle's enduring connection to the spiritual realm. This bailey, where historians believe a wooden gate once stood, offers captivating views of Bailey 2.
  • Bailey 2 (二ノ郭): Entering Bailey 2, you'll stand on the grounds where the castle's main hall once commanded attention. Imagine the Aji of Katsuren holding court here, surrounded by advisors and dignitaries. This bailey, the heart of the castle’s political and social life, offers a glimpse into the daily routines of the Aji and his court.
  • Bailey 1 (一ノ郭): Finally, ascend to the highest point – Bailey 1. This sacred space is home to a shrine dedicated to Kobazukasa, a testament to the enduring presence of Ryukyuan religion within the castle walls. Take a moment for quiet reflection as you soak in the panoramic views of the Pacific. This vantage point, once a place of worship and strategic observation, offers a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscape and ocean.

Don't Miss:

  • Stonework: As you explore the different baileys, note the different types of stonework. From the carefully fitted nuno-zumi (masonry) style used for fortified walls to the more rustic nozura-zumi (stacked stone) construction, Katsuren Castle showcases the craftsmanship of the Ryukyuan people.
  • Water Drainage System: Look for evidence of the castle's ingenious water drainage system. These strategically placed channels and cisterns helped prevent flooding and ensured a continuous supply of fresh water, a testament to the ingenuity of the Ryukyuan architects.
  • Excavation Site: Near the castle, you'll find the excavation site where ancient Roman and medieval Ottoman coins were unearthed – a testament to Okinawa’s far-reaching connections in the past. This unexpected discovery, the first of its kind in Japan, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the island's role in global trade networks.

Reflecting on the Past: As you leave Katsuren Castle, carry with you the stories whispered by the wind through the ruins. This "Ocean Gusuku", with its majestic views and tangible history, is a testament to the ingenuity, resilience, and cultural richness of the Ryukyuan people.

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Nakagusuku Castle (中城城跡)

⭐⭐⭐ Great

Nakagusuku Castle Image
Photo by 663highland/CC BY 2.5

Castle Data

Points of Interest

  • Nakagusuku Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (972-006)
  • Forge Site
  • Walls built in all 3 major styles (nozura, nunozura, aikatazura)
  • Multiple wells
  • Warrior walkways on the walls

Getting There and Parking

  • Car: Navigate to Nakagusuku Castle (中城城跡), 503 Ogusuku, Kitanakagusuku, Nakagami District, Okinawa 901-2314, Japan. This will take you east of Ginowan City and MCAS Futenma, and is sandwiched between the Ocean Castle Country Club, and the Onishi Terrace Golf Club.
  • There's parking for +30 cars and multiple spots for tour busses.
  • There is a public wheel-chair accessible restroom just inside the entrance on the right.
  • Admission is 400¥ for adults and 300/200¥ students and children.
  • Hours: 8:30am-5pm.
  • https://www.nakagusuku-jo.jp/

Where to Eat

Gabusoka Soba (我部祖河食堂 中城店), 2018-1 Kuba, Nakagusuku, Nakagami District, Okinawa 901-2401, Japan. Hours: 11am-8:30pm. http://www.gabusokasoba.com

Side Trip

Okinawa Naritazan Fukusen Temple 沖縄成田山福泉寺. 617 Ishado, Nakagusuku, Nakagami District, Okinawa 901-2403, Japan. https://okinawa-naritasan.jp

Maps - Nakagusuku Castle

Nakagusuku Map Image
Map data ©2021 Google

Overview - Nakagusuku Castle

The 215m x 80m castle overlooks Nakagusuku Bay and the Philippine Sea to the east. The south east side of the castle is a natural cliff. The castle is fairly linear running from the south east at a diagonal to the north west at an elevation of 100m. There are 6 areas (baileys) enclosed by stone walls still in this castle. The four baileys along the south side are linear, and the other two are along the north side. The majority of the castle is made from cut limestone. The top corners of the walls you will notice have rounded peaks that add to the aesthetic appeal of this castle. The back gate is a beautiful stone arch. The front gate at the top of the stairs is thought to have been built in a tower style. There are 8 sacred places of worship inside the castle, primarily on the west end. There was an iron works onsite and it was believed to be for the production of weapons.

Ancient Castle of Ga-Ga-Gus-Ko, Lew Chew Image
Lithograph by Heine & Brown/Public Domain

Construction occurred from the 13-15th centuries in 2 main stages. Gosamaru was the architect of the castle and took inspiration from Nakijin Castle. The walls are built in three styles. Nozura (rubble) style, the main enclosure (bailey 1) and bailey 2 are made with the nunozumi/tofuzumi (masonry) style, similar to rectangular brickwork. The 3rd bailey on the north east end is the first wall you see from the parking lot and it is by far the thickest and it's built in the aikata (turtleback) style, you'll see the stones each have a unique shape, and fit together very tightly, this make for an extremely strong and stable wall. Wilhelm Heine, drew the castle during Admiral Mathew C. Perry's 1853 expedition to Okinawa, as "Ancient Castle of Na-Ga-Cus-Ko, Lew Chew", seen above.

On The Trail - Nakagusuku Castle

Make your way from the ample parking lot to the kiosk on the right of the path to pay. Continue down the asphalt path along the entire side of the castle, if you're lucky, catch a ride on the golf cart that ferries guests to the front gate. You'll see a black stone UNESCO World Heritage monument.

Nagagusko Interior Image
Lithograph by Heine & Brown/Public Domain

Climb the stairs, and a large grassy field opens up to you, and you'll see a signpost guiding you to the Forge Site. As you turn toward the castle, it towers overhead, and the Forge Site is at the base of the cliff slightly to the right of center.

As you face the cliffs, head to your left along the cliffs, and follow the stone path as it heads slightly uphill to the main gate. Notice how tall the walls are here as you approach. If you have the tourist map with you, this section is really small on the map, even though it's an imposing entrance. The walls here are nunozumi, and are rectangular in shape. Ahead on your right, you'll see the white marker for Nakagusuku Castle Ruins.

Shuri Castle, Okinawa, Japan Image
Photo by 663highland/CC BY-A-2.5

As you enter through the main gate area, it almost feels like a tunnel made from massive stones. As you pass through the gate, you'll see the stone walls on your right for the ramp are made in the aikata (turtleback) style, where the rocks are fitted together. You are now inside the Western bailey. This section is about 120m long and was used in the drilling of soldiers and horse riding.

Make your way up the wooden, and then stone steps to enter the gate into the Southern bailey. You'll see a number of signposts explaining the features, including a number of sacred places of prayer that are still used.

  • Sacred Place of Prayer: Utuukura Hinukan (Fire Deity) - Common Name: Shuri Utuushi (Worship Area)
  • Sacred Place of Prayer: Kugusuku no Oibe - Common Name: Kudaka Utuushi (Worship Area)
  • Sacred Place of Prayer: Amagoi no Utaki

If you look around the walls you may notice square hole cutouts, which were used for early non-western firearms (火矢). There's a great view out to the ocean from this bailey as well. Head up the stairs and through the arched stone gate. You are now inside the 1st bailey, which was home to the Main Hall.

Ground-Plan of Nagagusko Image
Lithograph by Heine & Brown/Public Domain

Turn to your right and head up the stairs to check out the great views of Nakagusuku Bay from the top of the wall. You'll see signs for:

  • Main Hall Site
  • Sacred Place of Prayer: Nakamori no Oibe - Common Name: Chigee Utaki

Make your way through the next arched stone gate into the 2nd bailey. As you transition from space to space you are reminded how much square footage this castle has. You'll see a sign for:

  • Sacred Place of Prayer: Shiraitomi no Oibe

Make your way to the top of the wall, and walk along the warrior paths, where the sentinels would keep watch. While you're here take note of the sinuous lines that the walls have.

Follow the sign for "Route" down the wooden staircase and into the end of the West bailey. You'll see another "Route" sign at a gate that is shored up with wooden beams. On the other side of the gate, you'll see a sign for the Ufugaa Well.

Head down the stairs and into well area and notice all the green moss and ferns, this is a great place to cool off. When ready, head out of the well, and along the path. You'll see a sign for the Third Enclosure - also known as the Miigusuku - or new castle.

Head up the stairs. Notice the walls in the 3rd bailey (enclosure) are in the aikata (turtleback) style, where the stones are shaped to fit together organically. Pass through the massive arched stone back gate, and notice it's built of giant stone masonry, in the nuno style. This opens out into a large grassy area with a static model of the castle and hill top, it'll give you an opportunity to review what you've just seen and notice if you missed anything.

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