OkinawaTravel

A Stone Mausoleum Where the Prayers of the Royal Dynasty Dwell - UNESCO World Heritage Site

About this spot

A mausoleum located near the Shureimon (Shureimon Gate) of Shuri Castle where Ryukyu kings and their families rest. It is the largest tomb complex in Okinawa where successive kings of the Second Shō Dynasty were buried, and is one of the component assets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu." The stone architecture built with Ryukyuan limestone is said to have been modeled after the palaces of the time, with three burial chambers—east, center, and west—arranged side by side in an imposing structure. Stone sculptures of lions are placed on the roof, and the stone garden covered with coral sand is tranquility itself. The adjoining Hōen-kan (Hōen-kan) museum offers opportunities to learn about the structure of the tomb and the burial customs of the royal family, making this a precious place to encounter the prayers and view of life and death of the royal dynasty, in contrast to the splendor of the royal castle.

Tips

Purchase entrance tickets at the Hōen-kan (Hōen-kan) museum located at the entrance, and understanding deepens if you first view the underground exhibition hall before visiting the mausoleum. The mausoleum is a sacred place, so visit respectfully and quietly. The open stone garden has little shade from the sun, so sun protection is recommended during summer months.