The ruins of Katsuren Castle are located on a small hill. You will see the stone walls of the castle from the foot of the hill.

Katsuren Castle consisted of Northern and Southern Baileys. Between these two baileys, the site of the "Nishiharaujyo" Gate is located. The below picture shows the view of the Northern Baileys of Katsuren Castle from the site of the "Nishiharaujyo" Gate.

Stone stairs continue to the entrance of the Northern Baileys.

The Northern Baileys consists of three baileys, which are the third, the second and the first baileys.
At the entrance of the third bailey, the gate was located.

After passing through the site of the gate, you will be in the third bailey.

You will see the stone walls of the first bailey beyond the second bailey. Also, you will see Okinawa Main Island beyond Nakagusuku Bay to the south-west direction. The ruins of Nakagusuku Castle is located to the left side of Okinawa Main island in the below picture.

The curved stone walls surround the Second Bailey.

In the Second Bailey, the "Shaden", Palace Building was located. The foundation stones are placed at the site. The size of the palace building was 17 meters in length and 14.5 meters in width.

To the first bailey, you will go up the steep slope and stone stairs.

After passing through the site of the entrance gate of the first bailey, you will also see the elegantly curved stone walls.

It is said that the treasure house type of building was located. Coins of Ottoman Empire and the Roman Empire were found. These excavation results proof that trading was operated world-widely even in the fifteenth century or before.

After visiting the ruins of Katsuren Castle, the sun went down behind the stone walls on the hill. The stone walls were silhouetted against the sky. The scenery was really impressive.

How to get there
Take a Yui Monorail from Naha Airport to Asahibashi. The Naha Bus terminal is located to the east of Asahibashi Station. Take a bus from the Naha Bus Terminal to Katsurenjyo-Mae Bus Stop on the bus route #52. Or, taka a bus on the bus route #27 to Nishiharu Bus Stop. Katsuren Castle is 10 minutes on foot from Nishihara Bus Stop.

Official English Website:
http://katsurenjo.jp/en/

Other Historical Sites near by:
Ruins of Nakijin Castle
Ruins of Zakimi Castle
Ruins of Nakagusuku Castle
Beach in Onnason Village
Ruins of Shuri Castle