Chinen Castle Ruins

Chinen Castle Ruins are the remains of a gusuku (castle) on the heights of Chinen, designated a National Historic Site. Here, stonework from two different eras stands side by side: the old castle (Ku-gusuku) to the east and the new castle (Mii-gusuku) to the west. The old castle is built of natural stones stacked in a simple rough-laid style, while the new castle is built of neatly dressed cut stone, with two arched gates still standing. Pass beneath a cut-stone arch, walk past the rough-laid ramparts, and the sea opens up before you.

According to Nanjo City's account, the castle is said to have been the residence of the Chinen aji, a local lord. As a matter of historical record, it was extensively repaired in the eighteenth century under King Sho Kei, and from 1761 to 1903 it housed the administrative office of Chinen magiri — the local government office of its day. It was also a sacred place celebrated in the Omoro Soshi, the old anthology of Ryukyuan songs. Castle, government office, and place of prayer have overlapped on this one site across the long span of time.

Within the castle grounds are places of prayer where people still worship today. Tomori Utaki is one of the stops on the Agariumai pilgrimage route, said to have been visited by kings and by Kikoeokimi, the realm's highest priestess, and there is also a spot set aside for worshipping Kudaka Island from afar. As you explore the ramparts and gates, please remember that these are still living places of prayer, and walk quietly.

Stones laid in different styles quietly tell of two eras. Trace the ramparts from their base, gaze at the sea that opens beyond the gates, and you can feel the long history this castle has lived through — with your eyes and your feet alike.