The ruins of Nakijin Castle are located on the Motobu Peninsula in the northern part of Okinawa, Japan. The castle was built in the 13th century during the Sanzan, or three kingdoms, period. During this time, the island of Okinawa was divided into northern, central, and southern kingdoms, each of which was controlled by a different ruler. Nakijin Castle was the seat of the northern kingdom (known as Hokuzan) until the three kingdoms were unified by Sho Hashi in 1429.

Today, only ruins of the castle remain. Standing at an elevation of 100 meters, the nine walls are comprised of large pieces of limestone and range in height from three to eight meters. The main gate was located on the western face of the castle, and after entering it, visitors passed through the Heiro Gate into a second enclosure that served as the castle's headquarters. On both sides were the umiya gardens. Stone pavements carved from bedrock surrounded the castle, and today visitors can walk along them as they follow the Hanta Trail to shrines located just north of the ruins. Excavations at the castle have yielded many objects (including pottery and utensils) that are proof of Okinawa's early trade with China. Several of these artifacts are on display in the Nakijin Village History & Culture Center, which lies just west of the ruins.

In 2000, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization named the ruins of Nakijin Castle a World Heritage Site. Thousands of visitors flock to the ruins each year and range from Okinawan school children learning about the island’s history to Americans seeking out Okinawa's beautiful vistas.

Visitors can access the ruins by traveling north on Highway 58 or the Expressway toward Nago City. Once in Nago City, turn right onto Highway 72. Follow the road to Nakijin Village, then turn left onto Highway 505. Continue for several kilometers, following the signs until reaching the ruins. At the site, volunteer tour guides are available. Admission to the ruins is ¥150 for adults, ¥100 for high school students, and ¥50 for elementary and junior high students.

Nakijin Castle Photos

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