The ruins of Zakimi Gusuku (Zakimi Castle) are located in Yomitan Village, in the central portion of Okinawa. Built during the era leading up to the consolidation of the three kingdoms of Ryukyu, the castle sat in an optimal location, perched some 125 meters (425 feet) above sea level, with views of Onna and Motobu to the north, the territory of the Chuzan (Central Kingdom) to the east and south, and the Kerama Islands to the west.

Construction of the castle began in 1416 and lasted until 1422. The owner, Gosamaru, had previously lived at Yamada Gusuku, a castle above five miles to the northeast, closer to the warring lords of Hokuzan (Northern Kingdom), who were trying to build a territory to rival Chuzan. Legend states that when Gosamaru was ordered to move to Zakimi to keep an eye on Hokuzan, he had the stones of Yamada Castle moved one by one to Zakimi. Historians also believe that Zakimi Gusuku was originally known as Yuntanza Castle, as Gosamaru was the aji (warlord) of the Yuntanza region.

As the stones were moved from off-site locations (Yamada Castle or otherwise), construction demanded a large team, and Gosamaru gathered his collective of artisans, masons, and laborers from the nearby area, as well as outer islands such as Yoron and the Keramas.

Zakimi Castle’s foundation was formed atop compacted earth, whereas most of the island’s other castles were built on bases of limestone. The main portion of the castle sat inside two stone walls made of limestone blocks. These blocks utilized masonry techniques (specifically, the mortar-less nuno-zumi and aikata-zumi methods) that were ahead of those being used in mainland Japan at the time. These same techniques can be seen at Nakagusuku Castle, Gosamaru’s next residence. Each of the two main walls features an arched gate that utilized keystones; these are thought to be the oldest such gates in the Ryukyu Islands.

During World War II, Japanese forces recognized the castle’s superior defensive position and used it to counter the American forces landing nearby. The 500-year-old (at the time) walls provided superior cover for their gun emplacement. After the war, American forces used Zakimi Castle as a radar station, though this operation was eventually removed from the site and rebuilt within the Sobe Communication Site (a giant, circular antenna better known as the “Elephant Cage,” which was dismantled in 2007 but can be seen in one of the photos on this site) and Torii Station. Over time, and with such unintended use, the walls began to deteriorate. However, they were reconstructed, and the site was designated a National Treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Archaeologists have excavated the area in and around Zakimi Castle and found a great deal of Chinese porcelain, evidence of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s trade with China. A plethora of other items have also been excavated, some of which are showcased in the Yomitan Village History and Folklore Museum, located at the base of the castle site, near the information booth.

The best times to visit Zakimi Castle are at sunrise, on any clear day, and during cherry blossom season. To reach Zakimi Castle, exit Camp Foster’s Kitamae (Commissary) Gate, and turn right. Continue north on Highway 58, passing Kadena Air Base and Kadena Circle. After passing the circle, turn left onto Route 12 and follow the signs to Zakimi Castle. Visitor guides are available at the information booth.

Zakimi Castle Photos

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