Curving walls
On the hill.
Furinkazan1573 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Furinkazan1573 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Furinkazan1573 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Furinkazan1573 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Furinkazan1573 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · kanegen — CC BY 2.0 · Furinkazan1573 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Furinkazan1573 — CC BY-SA 4.0
The ruins of a gusuku castle on a limestone hill in Uruma, 60 to 100 metres up, with the Pacific on two sides, which is why it is called the «ocean gusuku». It joined the World Heritage List in 2000 among the Ryukyu Kingdom sites and has been a National Historic Site since 1972. It was built in the early 14th century and is known for its last lord, Amawari, under whom foreign trade flourished and his power grew until the kingdom's government destroyed him in 1458. Yuan-dynasty Chinese porcelain found here bears witness to its wealth. The castle climbs in terraces divided by curving stone walls, the first bailey highest of all; stone paths lead to the top, which looks over the ocean, the small islands of Nakagusuku Bay and the Yokatsu Peninsula. Tickets are about 600 yen together with the neighbouring Amawari Park, per visitor guides. The climb is steep in places and there is no shade at the top, so bring water and a hat in summer.
On the hill.
From the top.
Rising up.
Katsuren-Haebaru, Uruma city
The stone paths are steep in places and there is no shade at the top, so bring water and a hat in summer.