Urasoe Gusuku · Youdore Hall

Flow of the course

About this spot

An important castle (Gusuku) ruins from the pre-Ryukyu Kingdom era that flourished in the 13th-14th centuries, located on a hilltop in Urasoe City. The sturdy stone walls built from Ryukyu limestone still remain and are designated as a national historic site. The view of Urasoe's streets and the East China Sea seen through the castle walls repays the effort of walking here. The adjacent Youdore (royal tomb) is where King Eiso and others rest, with a solemn atmosphere that lets you feel the beauty of Ryukyu architecture. When walking with the knowledge gained from the museum in mind, each stone wall comes to life more vividly. The ground has uneven stone paving and dirt paths, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Tips

Accessible on foot in several minutes from Urasoe City Museum. Admission is free. Don't forget a hat and sunscreen to avoid strong sunlight. Be careful as the area around the castle walls becomes slippery after rain. Walking slowly around the entire perimeter of the Gusuku takes about 30-40 minutes.

Best time to visit

Approximately 1 hour required. In the afternoon when the sky is high and blue, the contrast between the stone walls and sky is striking.

Access & map

〒901-2103 Okinawa Prefecture, Urasoe City, Nakama 2-chome 53-1