In the Okinawa Main Island, the local lords, called "Aji" had governed their own territory and had fought against each other since twelfth century. In the early fourteenth century, the Okinawa Main Island was divided into three kingdoms. They were "Hokuzan", "Chuzan" and "Nanzan" Kingdoms. "Aji"s became retainers of a Kingdom, however they still had power and were located at their own castles.

The ruins of Nakagusuku Castle is located on a hill, overlooking Nakagusuku Bay. If you approach to the ruins of Nakagusuku Castle from the east side, You will see the stone walls of the third bailey on the hill.

This view looks not like ruins of a castle, but like an archaeological site.

The east side of Nakagusuku Castle used to be the back entrance.
You will go through the back gate to the third bailey.

After passing through the back gate, stone stairs continue to the third bailey. This view was very impressive.

To the west from the third bailey, the second bailey is located. You will look down the third bailey from the stone walls of the second bailey.

The stone walls surround the third bailey. This style is unique in Okinawa. In other area of Japan, stone walls of castles work just as bank protections of baileys. The baileys were surrounded by wooden walls or turrets, not by stone walls.

The below picture shows the scenery of the East-China Sea from the stone walls of the Second Bailey to the south-west direction. Beyond Nakagusuku Bay, you will see the Chinen Peninsula.

The climate in Okinawa is categorized as the Subtropical climate. The moisture from the sea often causes clouds and rain showers.

The Second Bailey is surrounded by stone walls.

You will go to the Main Bailey through the stone gate. The Main Bailey is also surrounded by stone walls. The curved stone walls are very elegant.

In other areas in Japan, it is said that stone walls started to be built for castles in the late sixteenth century. All the stone walls in Japan Main island are in linear structure. Here in Okinawa, Naagusuku Castle built in the fourteenth century and has such curved stone walls.

In the Main Bailey, the site of the Main Hall and the "Kangetsudai" Platform are located. On the "Kangetsudai" Platform, it is said GOSAMARU Seishun had a party to celebrate the full moon.

The below picture shows the scenery from the stone walls of the Main Bailey, behind the "Kangetsudai" Platform. This is the scenery to the north-east direction. You may see the "Yokatsu" Peninsula, where the ruins of Katsuren Castle are located.

After the attack of AMA Wari in 1458, the princes of "Chuzan" Kingdom lived in Nakagusuku Castle.
In 1609, the Satsuma Domain invaded the Ryukyu Kingdom. Nakagusuku Castle became abandoned.

In Nakagusuku Castle, the west, north and south baileys were located. If you walk to the west from the Main Bailey, you will see the site of the main gate.

This view is very impressive and looks like an archaeological site.

Nakagusuku Castle was not damaged at the battle of Okinawa in April 1945. Almost all the ruins remain. The ruins of Nakagusuku Castle is designated as a World Heritage.

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 Kuba Bus Stop on the bus route #30. The ruins of Nakagusuku Castle is 15 minutes on foot from Kuba Bus Stop.

Official English Website:
https://www.nakagusuku-jo.jp/en

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