Zakimi Castle Ruins (座喜味城跡)

Flow of the course

About this spot

One of the gusuku (fortresses) registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Ryukyu Kingdom," this castle is said to have been built by the renowned castle-builder Gosabaru. The main attraction is the stone walls with their smooth, wave-like curves. Together with the precisely stacked archways made of Ryukyu limestone, you can experience up close the beauty of gusuku architecture. Being able to climb atop the castle walls is unique to Zakimi Castle Ruins, where you're rewarded with a grand panorama: red-tiled settlements of Yomitan spread below, and the East China Sea stretching beyond. The path through the pine forest and under the castle gate is pleasant, and with its proximity to Yachimun Village, it's perfect as a scenic rest spot between selecting ceramics.

Tips

Admission is free, but since there are no railings on top of the castle walls, hold small children's hands. Stone-paved paths and grassy slopes can be slippery after rain, so wear comfortable shoes. A nearby museum, Yuntan Museum (admission fee), offers insights into Yomitan's history.

Best time to visit

Allow approximately 1 hour. Morning hours with clear air provide the best views from the castle walls.

Access & map

〒904-0301 Nakagami-gun, Yomitan Village, Zakimi 708-6, Okinawa Prefecture