Okinawa's Shuri Castle was the residence of the Ryukyu royal family for about 450 years, since the early 15th century, and shone out as a focus for a brilliant dynastic culture. The Seiden (Shuri Castle), above all, is its most important structure, as the site where politics and ceremonies were enacted with the King in attendance. Completely restored in November 1992, the Seiden stands imposinglyon a hill that commands a panoramic view of Naha City and East China Sea.