Shurijo Facts for Kids

Shuri Castle

Shurijo or Shuri Castle was the palace where the Ryukyu kings lived before Okinawa became part of Japan. Since it was built when Okinawa was independent, the castle structure is very different from other castles in Japan. Shuri Castle is located in Shuri. Shuri was once the Ryukyu capital, but it is now part of the present-day city of Naha.

Throughout its history, it had been destroyed and rebuilt four times, including during the Battle of Okinawa. This is why the courtyard is a little asymmetrical, or lop-sided. It was a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the morning of 31 October 2019, a large fire broke out at the main hall of the castle. Seiden, Hokuden, Nanden and Bandokoro were completely destroyed. According to news sources, "Six castle buildings occupying some 4,200 square meters in total were [destroyed]." The fire was put out around 1:30 p.m.

Images for kids

Shurijo Castle after it was destroyed by fire in 2019.
A restored wall near Kyukeimon, showing incorporated original stones.
A plan of the castle: 1: Seiden; 2: Hokuden; 3: Nanden; 4: Houshinmon; 5: Bandokoro; A: Shureimon; B: Kankaimon; C: Zuisenmon; D: Roukokumon; E: Koufukumon; F: Kyukeimon; G: Uekimon; H: Kobikimon
Part of a painting depicting the Qing Dynasty envoy for the induction ceremony.
Prewar Una and buildings before destruction
Seiden - front facade
Usasuku - the upper royal throne room
Suimuikan
Shureimon
Kankaimon
Zuisenmon
Ryuhi
Suimi-utaki
Sasunoma
Kyo-no-uchi
Wall near Kyukeimon, with Ryutan in the distance
Benzaitendo, with Enganchi in the foreground.
500 yen coin, issued to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the reversion of Okinawa, with Shuri Castle depicted on the obverse side of the coin
Shuri Castle's main gate and main hall's charred roof two days after the 2019 fire

Shurijo facts for kids

Images for kids

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