Shuri Castle

The Castle of Okinawa which contains the history of the Island. It is a pity when we went there, the main building was under major construction and rebuild. It was burnt down few years ago due to an unexpected fire. And it really took us 1 hour or so to complete the whole journey of the Castle boundary. It also provides panoramic views of Okinawa since we near the high elevation of Okinawa. Secondly, do try to have your meal in Restaurant Suimui whenever you are in the vicinity. This restaurant serves authentic local Okinawa dishes and the taste was fantastic. The staff was friendly and attentive.

Wonderful experience being able to view the castle grounds. I enjoyed the many plant life surrounding the castle and garden areas. It wasn't too crowded, so it was easy to have space on the paths around, especially near areas that were more tedious. The speaker helped with both messages in English and Japanese to watch your step. The views were amazing to witness and oversee Naha and the ocean view. The renovation over the temple was interesting to see, but I was disappointed with how little room there was inside the observation building with only a small room in and out to see construction for all 3 floors. The gift shop was wonderful, and I found a few magnets, charms, scrunchies, and some postcard art to purchase! I do recommend for sight-seeing and history buffs!

Castle burned down in 2019 fire, so there is no castle to see. You can walk around the castle areal, enjoy the views on Naha and Okinawa. I hope the castle will be rebuild soon, but it looks still like very long journey. Entry is 400 yen for adult.

It would be better if the main building was opened but it was closed for renovations in we were there- June 2025. The castle grounds were sparse and nice to explore but it’s not that spectacular compared to other castles in Japan. You could easily skip this if you’re time poor.

It was amazing getting to see the view from the observation deck and the exterior grounds. Really polite staff and the restoration crew is working hard on bringing back the castle after the fire using traditional techniques.

I visited the castle on a weekend and there were no waits. There are written explanations in both Japanese and English about the various sections of the castle area. Unfortunately in 2019, the main courtyard’s structures had a fire. Between 1429 and 1879, it was the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Currently you can see the progress in rebuilding this beautiful structure. There’s a 400 yen entry fee. There’s a great view of Okinawa at the top of the observatory. This World UNESCO Heritage sight is expected to have its renovations completed in 2026. Hopefully I can return to see this magnificent structure in its former glory.

Visited on a weekday morning, arriving at about 8.20am before the daily gate opening ceremony at 8.35am. Guards dressed in Ryukyu court clothing were friendly and directed me to the main entrance. The free access areas were quiet without any crowds, perfect for photo opportunities. The paid area allows access to view the main hall currently being restored and also other areas of the castle grounds. If you hold a Yui rail 1 or 2 day pass, you can get a discount off the admission ticket. Access from Shuri station is an easy 15 mins walk if you opt for the more scenic approach from the north, rather than from the east. Do try out the on-site restaurant above the tourist information centre as it serves delicious local Okinawan meals at affordable prices. I will return once Shuri Castle is fully restored in autumn 2026.

Even though Shuri Castle is under renovation it was a fantastic experience to walk through the extensive grounds and learn more about the history of Okinawa. I would love to return once the meticulous restoration is completed.

This used to be the imperial residence of the Ryukyu kingdom. Quite a spacious area with castles and gardens and small forests. Great view points as well since this is built on the top of a small hill. There are several world heritage original structures. Definitely something to see to get a view into the history. It's fascinating how the Ryukyu kingdom was so successful as its own culture and had strong ties with China as well as Japan in old history, but only recently (history timeline wise) became part of Japan and was given the name Okinawa to replace its more locally accepted identity of Ryukyu.

I should have read more about Shuri Castle before visiting. Had I known the current status of the castle, I could have level-set my expectations about visiting or skipped it altogether. The castle is currently undergoing reconstruction as there was a fire in 2019 and the rebuild will not be completed until next year. As a result, this castle feels more like viewing castle ruins at the moment. The castle is a Ryukyuan gusuku castle located in Naha. It is relatively accessible via the monorail as Shuri Station is nearby. Though the path to reach it was a bit unclear, so I ended up taking an alternative route through a park. The most impressive things about this castle have to be its fortress walls and the castle's view of the island. At the moment, that seems to be the biggest appeal of the castle. If that does not interest you, I would skip the castle.

Before the Shuri Castle entrance you will find a photographer and two staff to help dress you properly for a fee. They have gorgeous kimonos, head pieces, hats and flower adornments, The man putting on hubs' Obi told him lose weight. Sad but truth hurts. We had fun but a few men did not join us to get in costume and weren't in the photo although urged to join in. This was part of our tour and fortunately we took the group photo before the rain poured down.

I'm gonna go against the grain and say that Shurijo Castle isn't worth it at the moment, despite it being a UNESCO World Heritage site and being featured on many Okinawa magnets. It makes you feel like you gotta check it out just because. It's burned down... I don't think it's worth going unless you want to see the workers building it, some digital models of what it would look like, learn about the rebuilding process, see replicas, or view parts of its frame or roof. Less focus is placed on the history of the castle and its stories, and more on the construction and materials being used to rebuild it. Personally, I would've preferred spending more time learning about another historic World War II site. It also feels kinda risky to rebuild it with wood since it's been burned down like five times, but I suppose they have to stick as close to the original as possible. The views outside the castle aren't particularly amazing compared to other scenic spots in Japan that you can experience through a ropeway or at a viewing tower/temple--eg. the ropeway in Hakone, Miyajima Island in Hiroshima, the ropeway in Kobe, Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, or the skydeck in Tokyo. If you've seen some of those or been to other castles in Asia, you might not be as impressed with the views here. With slopes and all it's definitely not wheelchair friendly around the castle. What annoyed me is that we wasted some time finding parking because the parking lot was already full early in the morning. A worker there was diverting traffic away from their lot, but it didn't seem that full when we were inside the castle next to the lot. The positives about this place are that just outside the exit to the left, we caught a bunch of kids performing with their drums at noon, along with souvenir stands nearby. I mean, it's something to do as a checkbox for Okinawa things to do. If you're hungry, there's also a restaurant next door as you exit with food and snacks. Shurijo Castle is probably okay to skip if you have a tight itinerary like we did for about two full days and 3 evenings. I'd suggest visiting perhaps in 2026 when the construction is complete.

Shurijo Castle was stop #2 for our shore excursion from Norwegian Cruise Line. There were many steps up... with no handrails for senior citizens. At the top, there were clear views of the city and cool breeze on 3.17.24 at 11am. Currently, the Castle is undergoing renovation. We saw remnants from the original building and a wood workshop where work is hopefully ending in 2026. There was a little museum shop with air conditioning at the top... we bought souvenirs!

The SHURI Castle grounds are pretty impressive. It covers a large area with a lot of sloping areas. So wear comfortable shoes. If you decide to go when it is hot and humid (Japan's summers), be sure to bring water. Also give yourself at least a couple hours to get around. It can be a little confusing to find the Main Entrance to the castle when walking from Shuri Station...

A lovely landmark to visit with family and friends! This well kept Castle Park is absolutely stunning and full of history. You're greeted by staff wearing traditional Japanese clothing and they are so helpful with answering questions. I really appreciate that this park is accessible to everyone. There's no charge for the first incline up to the castle where you can find gorgeous view of Okinawa. Once you meet a certain threshold though there is a charge of ¥400 per person or $23 USD. Once you enter there are endless staircases that take you up this castle to overlook the surrounding area. There are gardens, water channels, and magnificent architecture to explore. I spent about 3 hours exploring this location. Bring comfortable shoes, pack some snacks, and bring yen that way you can take advantage of their convenient vending machines!!

Very cool place to visit while in Naha/Okinawa - it's about a 20 minute cab ride from the Naha cruise terminal. I do wish the main reviews posted in Google actually showed that the main building burnt down in 2019 (5th time it burnt down apparently) and the massive palace building is being meticulously recreated. I was disappointed but when we got our tickets (approx $3 USD pp and they DO take small USD bills!) and went inside, the restoration process was fascinating to watch - workers are there on week days so you can see the work being done. That said, it was still worth a visit and the grounds were quite extensive and the other buildings/walls/gates were really neat. There are also multiple places to get food (the top floor of the info building has a full service restaurant and a small cafe with snack offerings like popcorn chicken, soup noodles and ice cream), museum shops and some shopping kiosks from various vendors selling tourist Knick knacks. FYI you only need tickets if you want to go into the building to see the restoration work and the other back areas of the compound

Shurijo castle was built about the 14th century and has both Chinese and Japanese influences. This is where the royal family lived. It burned down in 1945 during the battle of Okinawa. It's absolutely absolutely beautiful and well worth walking around..

Visiting a castle is kind of a traditional thing for tourists to do when you visit any major city in Japan, so I definitely wanted to make sure we visited at least one castle while we were in Okinawa visiting my sister and brother-in-law. Of course, Shurijo is the largest and most famous castle in Okinawa, so it definitely made its way to the top of our "must see attraction" list! There's a large lobby space indoor where they had moving lights that kept our kids busy for a long time - yay for FREE entertainment! It was nice walking around sight-seeing and our kids learned about vending machines for the very first time at Shurijo. I didn't realize it would be under construction due to fire and also other structural damages over the year, but it's really nice that they're spending the time and effort to reconstruct the castle to restore its former glory!

Shurijo castle is a must come to, especially if you're a tourist in Okinawa, the castle being located in Naha. To get there you can drive or take a taxi, as this is a tourist destination. They do have shows or events here throughout the year which always makes visiting the castle even more interesting. When we went, there was some traditional Japanese old school dancing. The castle itself is beautiful. There are several great views of the castle and the surrounding area in Okinawa from the castle.

During my 3 years living in Japan, I had NO interest whatsoever to visit Okinawa. Born and raised in Hawaii I've had my fair share of tropical weather and wasn't keen on visiting a place with a similar climate so I didn't bother to visit here despite traveling all over Japan. That all changed when my cousin took me on an all expense paid trip to Asia that covered 5 countries in about a month. One of the stops was Okinawa for the day. I didn't think much about this stop but as I reflect back, Okinawa was probably one of the highlights of my month long trip. My group primarily had their eyes set on shopping at Kokusai Dori Shopping Street and then have a nice seafood lunch. Being the rebel that I am, I was more interested in history and culture so I opted to deviate from the group and made my way over to Shurijo Castle Park (SCP). Okinawa is a very small island and super convenient. Our cruise ship docked not too far from the Okinawa Kencho (prefectural government office) and I hopped on the Yui Monorail to the last station of Shuri Station for 300 yen. From the Shuri Station it was about a 10-15min walk to SCP. There are signs along the way to direct you. Very tourist friendly. It is somewhat tricky to make your way up to the entrance. I eventually found the easy route by following the hoards of people, especially the tour guides holding colored flags. I had to climb many non-uniform stairs with different widths and heights just to get to the entrance and saw some people struggling along the way. Because of this, SCP may be difficult traveling with people who are elderly, with baby strollers or physical disabilities. There are also some rooms which require you to remove footwear so wear something comfy and easy to slip off and put back on. Recyclable plastic bags to hold your footwear are provided. Seems like SCP is a popular school excursion destination as I saw many school children wearing their school uniforms. The entrance fee is 820 yen for adults which permits you to explore this large tourist attraction. Once you enter the castle, there are multiple structures you can visit and explore. It was best for me to follow the crowds because I was only in Okinawa for the day and wanted to maximize my time without wandering or getting lost. With my cell phone camera in hand, I snapped pictures which I cherish today when looking at them. You also have the opportunity to take in Mother Nature and breathtaking views from the top. Beware of Habu (snakes) as I saw warning signs. It was a HOT day where I ended up getting sunburnt and this was during November 2018. To cool off, I just had to have their soft serve cone that is IG worthy of the 3 different colored layers. I also enjoyed playing tourist and bought some souvenirs to take back home. Overall, in my opinion SCP is a MUST DO during your time in Naha. There is so much to absorb from a structure with so much history and culture. Transportation to Shuri Station is convenient and inexpensive. I find historical landmarks like SCP so much more meaningful and appealing to me over shopping.

My family and I needed to see 3 of the Okinawa World Heritage Sites located in or near this castle site. Before you pay to see the castle you can see the Sonohyan-utaki Ishimon. Then you can pay a small fee to see what's left of the castle. I was happy to see some of the tiles and structure salvaged from the fire. The castle will be beautiful to see in the years to come.

Visiting this park was my must do during my first visit to Okinawa and the first thing I did. After the last Yuri rail station (syuri station), it was about 15 mins walk. Taxi was waiting by the train station but opted to walk to enjoy not just the castle but the park itself. Okinawa used to be Ryukyu and had its own king. To appreciate the Okinawa, one should know the history of the island and this is one of the perfect place to learn about Ryukyu history. Heavily influenced by Chinese culture, the cit/country developed by trading both China and Japan. Unlike any other shrine or castle in Japan, this castle is very unique. Lots of signs are in English, and helps to learn about their history and culture. I visit many churches, castles, shrines whenever possible to learn their history and help me appreciate more of their cultures during my visit. They did very good job reconstructing castle and I enjoyed witnessing a glimpse of their culture. If you have a chance, try purple sweet potato soft ice cream sold at one of the gift shops. Potato for ice cream? I know but trust me, it sure is good. I ended up eating purple sweet potato ice cream every day during my short visit to Okinawa.

Under going construction, the main building was completely covered. There wasn't much to see, just one of those things you say you did. Clean and a cheap outing people are very friendly.

Shurijo Castle Park was so super amazing! The castle, the surrounding architecture, the history, the stories, the culture, everything! Plenty of walking here, several steep hills also... so plan accordingly with footwear! Also, plan to take off footwear depending on the building you intend to enter :) Everything here is very clean, quick access to restrooms etc. There's even a hidden (not so hidden) game that you can play or participate in while you're here. The park map that you're given also serves as a stamp booklet. This allows you to get stamps from various areas around the park, while also learning about the rich history of the Castle and it's surroundings. It also tells you that if you get so many stamps, what type of "prize" you'll get when you're done! Wait... did I mention the views up here? Great views of the island from up here!! Great Park and great place to visit if you ever find yourself on the island of Okinawa!

Surprisingly pleasant and easily accessible tourist attraction to stop by while visiting Naha. Prices to enter the paid area is ¥810. If the historical aspect doesn't really intrigue you, the free section will suffice in satisfying your social media posting needs. There are several observatory spots to view the whole city (and ocean if weather is clear) and nicely paved paths to walk around under the shade of trees. Extremely pleasant to go around if the weather is cool. The castle is located closer to Gibo Station, so I would recommend getting off there instead of Shuri Station.

Shuri Castle (Shuri-jo) can be an all day exploration if you have the time. It even warrants multiple trips, as there are special events at different times of year, including the New Year holidays. The village around Shuri-jo is filled with antique shops and great restaurants you can plan your day around for unscripted exploring. The history of Okinawa is on display at museum exhibits that change periodically. I've always learned something new here. The castle itself was destroyed several times by fire and war over several centuries; the current version has been faithfully reconstructed with continued renovations recently completed. It has not looked better in the past twenty years than it does now - a MUST visit for any trip to Okinawa. At the southwest corner of the wall is an observation area where the old castle tower once stood. It provides an amazing view of Southern Okinawa, the Pacific Ocean, and the East China Sea. A nearby Okinawan soba restaurant called Ashibiuna is easy walking distance from the castle and a fantastic place to eat well-prepared and authentic Okinawan soba and other dishes. Highly recommend pairing the two.

Shuri Castle is a Ryuukyuuan castle located in Shuri Koen (Shuri Park). It was the palace of the Ryuukyuu Kingdom, and in 1945, it was almost completely destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa. Since 1992, it was reconstructed on the original site based on photographs, historical records, and memory. We had a nice time walking around and seeing the park and castle. This is another must visit when in Naha and Okinawa.

What was once a the center of the royal government of Ryukyu, is now the epitome of an independent kingdom of a nation's past as the dynasty came to an end in 1879 when Okinawa became a prefecture of Japan. Although much of the castle's original structure has been devastatingly destroyed during wars over the centuries, Shurijo Castle has been beautifully restored with the most recent reconstructions completed in 1992. You'll walk through multiple stone gates as you ascend to the hilltop before getting to the Koufukumon (ticket center) which grants you access to the Seidan (main hall) & Nanden Hall (south hall). Inside, winding corridors take you back in time to the Ryukyu Kingdom with it's informative exhibitions & intricately detailed architectural designs of the 18th century Shurijo. The castle & it's surrounding grounds is laden with cultural & historical value, so plan to stay for a few hours to fully explore the park. Shuri Castle Park is open daily from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closing time dependent on season). Admission is 820 yen for adults. Getting there by public transportation from Naha? Ride the Yui Rail to Shuri Station. From there, it's a 15 minute stroll through the neighborhood with signs directing you to the castle.

The castle park is located about a 10 minute walk from the Shuri monorail stop. If you do take the monorail, after exiting the station, you need to walk through some residential neighborhoods to get to the main entrance of Shurijo. The grounds themselves are very well kept and signage is in both Japanese and English. Very interesting to learn about the history of this place. In the afternoons they also have a performances of traditional Okinawan dances. You can easily do a self guided tour on your own here.

This palace of the Ryukyu kingdom, build in the early 1300's was completely destroyed in the battle of Okinawa (1945) and completely reconstructed in the early 1990's. They preserved the historical architecture, staying true to the original structure. It was the administrative center and royal court for nearly 450 years and housed political, economic and international trade documents. It was burnt down several times but rebuild and eventually the king was removed by the Japanese government in annexation of 1879. The University of the Ryukyus took over the building after the battle and after rebuilding, it became an UNESCO world heritage site in 2000. There are many areas to explore that are free, such as the gates, the gardens and the traditional dancing. The most famous gate, the picturesque Shureimon, shines in bright red laquer. Other gates like Kankaimon (stone entry welcoming gate) and Zuisenmon (has the famous spring) Roukokumon Gate (water clock turret) surround the castle on your walk up. Near the entrance there's a Nichieidai (sundial) next to the Tomoya which houses the replica of the bridge of nations bell which weighs over 700 kg with inscriptions about trade to the neighboring countries. There's also the Kyo no uchi sacred gardens where priestesses performed religious rituals. There's also a fantastic overlook of the city from the highpoint of the garden. To the left of the ticket office, they show performances of traditional Ryukyuan dances, which are free to the public and performed on a regular schedule. The dances can be slow but the costumes are elaborate and beautiful. The seiden or main hall is where you need to show your entry ticket. It is quite impressive with winding corridors, the red lacquer throne and walls, dragon pillars and designs and the impressive details put into restoring this place. Be sure to wear a nice pair of socks because they require you to remove your shoes. The shoin (king's study) is a beautiful area with tatami mats and sliding shoji, right next to the sasunoma (prince's waiting area) and the garden. It's definitely worth the time to stop and getting some traditional sanpin tea and traditional snacks (for an extra fee). The surrounding garden is so peaceful and it gives one a time to relax from walking around. There are also plenty of videos, museum pieces, and gift stores to explore before leaving the castle. Down near the parking lot, there's a huge courtyard with souvenirs and a restaurant for a quick meal. The food here was decent and it's very convenient after spending a few hours exploring. Again, if you live in the area, this is another place where you can get a season pass (double the entry fee) which allows you to go back with visitors, to see parts you didn't have time to see, to go when its not crowded and to see the special ceremonies they hold throughout the year. Getting a pass is easy, fill out the paperwork before you enter and then pick up the card when you are done exploring. Parking in the lot was fine, not too expensive and convenient. There's also a monorail stop that is 15 minutes walking distance.

What a beautiful castle/museum of Okinawan artifacts! Although very hot, it is a nice day with no rain! This is a must for sight-seeing!

If you have one day in Okinawa, this is a must do. I was not very familiar with Okinawa history but this place teaches you a lot. It is about a 15 minute walk from the metro so it is easy to get to. There are is an info shop sort of across the street with a restaurant, gift shop, clean bathrooms, and several souvenir and gift vendors outside. Do not forget the map to get the stamps located through out the complex. It sort of guides you through the complex. Plan to spend several hours here. Do not forget to visit the garden area, you get some nice views of the city. Also, their is a tea shop inside the castle that is definitely worth the extra fee, It is very affordable, great for a quick snack, and you get to see another part of the complex.

Very interesting place to visit. A lot of history and exhibits. The architecture is beautiful and fun to walk through. I highly recommend a visit to this place. It also was rather cheap to tour the castle.

Lots & Lots to see, i must have explored every room/area of shuri castle! i highly recommend the experience. its really cold in January, Shuri castle staff was great, affordable visit, and theres lots of different activities around the grounds which makes the visit that much more fun. You'll fine refreshments everywhere,.. you'll never be parched... vending machines in every corner of Okinawa.

A "must see" for Okinawan culture and history. The original palace and complex was destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa during World War II as it was the headquarters of the Imperial Japanese Forces. The site and buildings have been rebuilt using plans and methods of yesteryear. The majority of the sites are free, but the parking and entrance to the main building costs some yen - it is worth the price of admission. From the parking lot, as you walk towards the castle, you will pass the main entrance with the red tiled gate. There is a costume rental stand where you can rent traditional Okinawan period costumes and take pictures in front of the gate - worth the memory. You rent costume and they take pictures using your camera. Good way to commemorate your visit to Okinawa. The history of the Kingdom of Ryukyuu Islands is chronicled throughout the tour. Pay for entry to the inner portion of the site. The castle reminds me of a smaller version of the Forbidden Palace in Beijing - just a smaller version, which makes sense since the Ryukyuu Islands paid tribute to China and adopted many of its practices. Okinawa is more than its tropical climate, Japanese tourist destination for its beaches, and U.S. military site, it's history and culture is much more...visit Shuri Jo (castle) and you will get a good start.

Shuri Jo, or Shuri Castle, is unlike typical castles you will find in Japan. There is definite Chinese influence, and you can learn about the history of the Ryukyu people (native Okinawans). The grounds are very nice, and you can get a good look at the city from the walls. You can catch some traditional Okinawan dancing outdoors as well. Inside, pay attention to the detail especially of the pillars and the throne - the reconstruction is very ornate. Also, what I found very interesting was that the ruins of Shuri castle are located underneath the reconstructed building. The reconstruction serves as a model as well as preserves the actual ruins (which you can see through a glass bottom floor at one point inside). It is also very convenient - one can take the Yui Monorail to last stop Shuri rather than having to check buses, for those that don't have cars.

If you enjoy historical sites, this one is definitely a fun one. Plus, you're in Naha.. so eat it up. Shurijo isn't entirely a ruin: A majority of it has been reconstructed, but it gives a really good feel into what might have been seen through someone's eyes hundreds of years in the past, and you can't beat the view. However, there are ruins here of the original castle which you can spot through a shaft below the reconstruction. I found it to be an interesting way to protect the ruins. As it seems the area is maintained with limited access. It's ８２０円 per adult, and high school students get discounts (６２０円) while elementary kids get additional discounts (３２０円) with 6 and under being free. If you're a large group (20+), there is a significant discount, as well, per each bracket. The first part of the park and around the castle grounds is actually free. So you can venture around all you want.. grab a stamp map and maybe pick up some of the check points around the site. However, the museum and castle interior as well as the iconic courtyard view of the castle is a paid area. The ticket booths are self-serve, but there are also attendants. Near the entrance there is a stand where you can also dress in historical clothing and pose in front of Shureimon gate. If you happen to miss your chance at a photo opportunity in front of the castle before entering the exhibit, you'll get at least 3 more chances as it enters and exits into the courtyard. Once you get to the interior of the castle, be prepared to take off your shoes. Plastic bags are provided for carrying them, though, and if you happen to have a backpack on you, it makes stuffing them away pretty easy. Generally, the place is semi-crowded. The day we went it was moderate, and we could easily get photos in front of the castle, however, later on it got fairly packed. Coming earlier in the day might be something to consider if you want to get lots of shots without the crowd involved. One of my favorite things about the visit was probably the stamp maps provided at the info desk. They kinda drag you through the castle as a semi-tour guide and as an interactive aspect instead of simply aimlessly wandering and photo scouting. Not all points are easily counted for; you'll have to really venture out of your way to get some, but it takes you deep into the little parts and allows you to explore while giving you a dose of history. Roughly, walking the park takes a few hours. It's a lot bigger than perceived. Sadly, I wasn't able to complete my map as we were just hitting it before heading to the airport for a drop off then off to exploring more of Naha. Food options on site are scarce outside of snacks. Toward the end of the visit there are a few drink machines and a souvenir shop.

Such a cool place to learn about the history of Okinawa. It's about a couple hours to walk around the whole area. They have a gift shop for the park and Okinawa itself. They have slippery floors(wood)they also have thin carpet, wear comfy socks, since you need to take your shoes off as soon as you walk in to tour the inside. They give you a bag to hold your shoes in.

Great park grounds. Nice views, rest areas, ice cream stalls, etc. Nice to enjoy the park even if you have already been to the castle.

I have been here 3 times and would go again in a heartbeat. Make sure you go on a guided tour as the guide will illuminate many details of Japaenesse/Ryuku history that you wouldn't be aware of if you just looked at the exhibits. Also explore the park around the castle. there are lots of neat nooks and crannies. You can pack a picnic lunch or just walk around the park for some good excercise. If you are American be ware of the mainland Japanese schoolchildren. Me and aco-worker got mobbed by a group of them! (while Okiniwans grow up around a large American prescence many mainlanders have only seen an American on T.V.)

The castle was informative and had great art. Be prepared to take off your shoes and make sure you pay attention to the signs about photography in each room. You get great views from the castle of the island. The staff were very kind and directed you around the castle. I wish the people visiting were more respectful. I was pushed and banged against while walking around. People were very loud and disrespectful during the traditional dances.

Huge park beatiful castle ruins. Great view of Southern Okinawa since Shuri is sitting on top of a big hill. Alot to do. Half the park is free to wonder. To see the actual ruins inside then you pay. Definitely a must see

If you enjoy touristy historical sites, this is the place for you! There is lots to see at the Shurijo Castle Park and it's not too expensive either. Entrance costs 820 yen for adults and this will allow you to enter the castle and see all that lies within. It is a self-walking tour and everything is mapped out, there are many guides along the way to help you out if you get lost. Make sure you grab a stamp-map at the information booth near the entrance, you can collect stamps along the way, and redeem your map for a prize! I didn't know about this until after, so unfortunately I didn't get a chance to complete it. I would say you can finish the entire park in approximately 2 hours or so, maybe even faster if you don't read everything. I learned a lot about Okinawan history during this tour and they have English options for almost everything.