#gusuku

[japan-minka]

Itokazu Castle - Okinawa

This castle is thought to have been built in the first half of the 14th century by Itokazu-aji, who was the third son of Lord Tamagusuku. The castle was overthrown during the battles of 1429 when the island was united and under the Sho Dynasty and the Ryukyu Kingdom created.

In 1609, the island was invaded by the Japanese who quickly conquered the island and seized control of the territory. The castle site would again see a battle in WW II which destroyed many of the walls and structures.  However, considerable stone-work still exists, highlighting the difference in castle building techniques that were used on the walls over the years. The size of the ruins and the stone walls are impressive. You are able to climb up the six meter walls and walk along parts of the castle walls to take in the view and feel what it would have been like to guard this site. 

[ackky96]

フェスは中止…。 普通に見学。 . #okinawa #gusukurock #gusuku #よく歩く #中城城跡 (中城城跡)

[japan-hotels-food-attractions]

The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa is known as “Gusuku” which means “Castle”’ in the local dialect. To soften the word, the local people refer to our luxury Nago Bay resort as “Gusuku” or “guest house”, thereby, welcoming guests to the guest house during their stay. #ritzcarltonokinawa #theritzcarltonokinawa #okinawa #okinawa🌺 #okinawa🌴

[toranosukev]

Sashiki gusuku, former home of Shô Hashi, founder of the Ryukyus' Shô Dynasty. Not much at all left of the original 14th-15th century castle, but as of the Meiji period or so (late 19th to early 20th c.), because of its history, it came to be seen as a sacred or revered site, and so these gates and shrine buildings were erected.

[toranosukev]

Journeyed up to Katsuren castle today, to see the castle itself - the oldest castle on the island designated a World Heritage Site - but also to check out the exhibit, at the super small local Yonashiro History Museum, of a bunch of Roman and Ottoman coins they recently unearthed. I believe, if I remember correctly, the newspapers said this was the first time Roman coins were ever found anywhere in Japan, and it just goes to speak to the incredible vibrancy and connectedness of premodern Okinawa's maritime trade networks. Anyway, as expected, they wouldn't allow any photos of the coins themselves, nor even of the gallery labels or anything. Boooo. But, I did get to see the castle. Smaller than I would have expected - a much briefer time to explore than Nakagusuku. But still very cool.

[toranosukev]

At Gosamaru Matsuri at Nakagusuku castle. One of the top five castle ruins in Okinawa, Nakagusuku was built in the 14th or 15th century. Its fourth lord, Gosamaru, was accused of plotting a rebellion against the king in 1458, and Nakagusuku was besieged as a result, ending in Gosamaru's death. I'm hoping to visit Katsuren, the castle of Gosamaru's accuser, Amawari, soon.