Gusuku Period: An Era of Fighting
by the three Great Powers

Mentioned in a Chinese history book from the 14th century are three northern kings from the Ryukyu kingdom: Haniji, Min, and Hananchi. On Okianwa Island during this period, there where three principalities; Hokuzan of the northern region, Chuzan of the central region, and Nanzan of the southern region. Based at Nakijin-jô, the king of Hokuzan controlled most of the northern reaches of Okinawa Island, and traded independently with China. However, the history of Hokuzan came to close in 1416 (or possibly 1422), when the principality was conquered by King Sho Hashi of Chuzan.

From Hokuzan to the Kanshu Period

After the fall of Hokuzan, a Kanshu (administrator) was stationed by Chuzan to govern the northern reaches, and after 1422, the gusuku came to be used as the Kanshu’s residence. However, in 1609, the Satsuma forces invaded the Ryukyus and the gusuku was left burnt to ashes. Even after the master of the gusuku no longer resided there, the site remained a spiritual center for the people of Okinawa, and worshippers still come from all over the prefecture to pay their respects.

Get to know Nakijin Castle with video

Cultural heritage of Nakijin castle ruins

  • "Chiyokanemaru"（"Kinsou houken koshirae"　"Toushin mumei" Unnamed blade）
    It is transmitted with Hokuzan-King Hananchi's sword. At the time of Nakijin Gusuku's castle fall, Hokuzan-King cut the spirit stone of Gusuku's guardian god with Chiyokinmaru and killed himself with this sword.
  • Nakijin "Aoriyae" jewel
    A ritual tool for Nakijin's god "Aoriyae" who is in charge of ceremonies in the northern part of Okinawa.The jewel necklace consists of 22 large and small jewels.
  • Made in Vietnam "Sometuke syukai tsubo" Dyeing sake party pot（"Sometuke syukai tsubo" Dyeing sake party pot）
    A dyed pot made in Vietnam.15th to 16th century clouds and horses (or spiritual beasts) are drawn.
  • Stamp of Ryukyu Hokuzan-King "Hokuzan-Oh"（"Dachiyu mekki gin in" Dachiyu stamp plating silver）
    In 1385, a seal given to Hokuzan-King by "Kobutei" Hongwu Emperor of China. With a gold-plated silver stamp,the knob is shaped like a camel.

Experience the cultural heritage
of Nakijin Castle ruins with AR!

Hold the included tablet over the AR marker above.
You can see the cultural heritage related to the ruins of Nakijin Castle reproduced in 3D.

Nakijin Castle at the time is reproduced in VR!

Using the attached tablet, you can see the recreation of Heiromon,
the activity of Noro in Utaki, and the main section.