Katsuren Castle Ruins
Katsuren Castle Ruins things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Katsuren Castle is a Ryukyuan gusuku in Uruma, Okinawa. In 2000, Katsuren Castle was designated as a World Heritage Site, as a part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.
attractions: Katsuren Castle Ruins: First Enclosure, Katsurenhaebaru Beach, restaurants: パンダ食堂, ゆくるカフェ 華風, パーラーみなみ, 心花食堂
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Description
Katsuren Castle is a Ryukyuan gusuku in Uruma, Okinawa. In 2000, Katsuren Castle was designated as a World Heritage Site, as a part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.
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There is a QR code you can scan as an interactive Audio guide, pretty interesting. If you have internet connection (there is free wifi but I’m not sure how’s the connection like, as I was using my own wifi travel dongle). This castle ruin is FREE entrance but if you want to come here, map Google Maps to the parking area, otherwise you will be going in circles with Google Maps. The parking area is opposite the castle so you will need to cross a small road to reach the UNESCO castle ruins. If you have visited other castle ruins i think this location is less picturesque than the other castle ruins in Okinawa, i.e Surijo Castle and Nakagusuku Castle. At this location, it was more to enjoy sunset and the sea view. It’s also smaller than the other castle ruins. Unless you are in the area, otherwise in my view, I think it is alright to give this castle ruin a miss. That’s my thought as it is difficult to find the parking location due to Google Maps. Also, around 4pm to 5pm there starts to be a jam. It took us Quite sometime to exit this location and head back to Naha City.
Char LeeChar Lee
00
Such a nice place to visit! Everyone was so helpful. I took a taxi and got dropped of at the entrance, however, you need to purchase a ticket at the building across the street, not the gift shop, the museum part. I was greeted kindly and helped immediately. The ticket came out to less than $5 USD and you get a pamplet about the ruins. It is so worth visiting. A gentleman even took me on a golf cart up the hill to see the ruins. Stunning views, and there are different plaques to describe the castle. Easily walkable! Make sure to visit the gift shop, by the building where you bought the ticket and also near the parking area. A very nice lady even helped me get a taxi back as I was having trouble with my phone. They have very cute souvenirs, snacks, and even drinks for purchase. There are places to eat and use a bathroom if needed. Very thankful for everyone's help and kindness!
Bailey PerkinsBailey Perkins
10
This place is stellar. The virtual tour you can take on your phone is so cool. There are plaques everywhere telling you what things were and the history of the castle. Parking and the ticket booth are across the street from the castle. It's not a far walk to the castle. There is also a shuttle that can take you to the entrance of the castle if you don't want to walk up the hill. The path after you enter the ground is a bit hard to walk, especially on towards the top, and more so if it's rained. That's my only complaint, and even then, it's how the castle was designed to better protect it from invaders. So, be careful. The view from this castle was awesome. I thoroughly enjoyed my time. I recommend going to this site if you like history and/or culture of Okinawa.
Brianne MerckBrianne Merck
00
This is a great place to spend an hour or two exploring. The grounds are immaculately maintained. The castle ruins are impressive. The views from atop the highest level of the castle are beautiful. It is really worth a visit, considering it is free. Along the path and throughout the grounds, visitors will find illustrated displays showing and explaining what the castle looked like and how each area functioned in its time. The trek is not too difficult but there are a lot of stairs and many of the climbs are on uneven rock. Note: Google Maps may guide you south of the ruins for parking. However, the parking area is on the north side of the castle ruins.
Jacob MickleyJacob Mickley
10
Katsuren Castle Ruins offers an indoor museum area and the actual outdoor ruins across the street. Indoor, visited first, provides an introduction to the Ryukyu history in general and the castle in particular. Especially worth seeing is an impressive miniature model of the site, which helps a lot to understand the setting when afterwards going outside. The ruins can be climbed up via mostly well maintained stairs along the four original levels with signs well-written also in English. The topmost level offers great views across the sea and coastline. Definitely worth the 600 Yen entrance fee. (visited on a weekday at 5 pm)
ChristopherChristopher
00
If you want to explore all the castle ruins in Okinawa, I think you should start here! (before going to the others.) On site there is a museum telling stories about Okinawa Ryukyu kingdom and its kings/heroes. So you have achance to learn about the owners/builders of these castles. Thr ruins is on top of the nearby hill - you can walk or ask for a golf cart to take you up to the middle of the way up. Up there you have a good view of the nearby towns. The tourist office/souvinior shop on site is very nice, yet quite small. So you learn a bit plus a good stretch, highly recommended.
Ronrapee LeelawongRonrapee Leelawong
00
Nearby Attractions Of Katsuren Castle Ruins
Katsuren Castle Ruins: First Enclosure
Katsurenhaebaru Beach
Katsuren Castle Ruins: First Enclosure
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Katsurenhaebaru Beach
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Nearby Restaurants Of Katsuren Castle Ruins
パンダ食堂
ゆくるカフェ 華風
パーラーみなみ
心花食堂
パンダ食堂
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(36)$
Click for details
ゆくるカフェ 華風
4.7
(24)Click for details
パーラーみなみ
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(20)Click for details
心花食堂
3.9
(5)Click for details
Reviews
Overview
4.4
(2.1K reviews)
Phone
+81 98-978-2033
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Website
katsuren-jo.jp
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Deep Dive
A deep dive into Katsuren Castle Ruins
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