Nakagusuku Castle

Nakagusuku Castle
中城城
Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa
Ruins of Nakagusuku Castle (west district)
Site information
TypeGusuku
Open to
the public
yes
ConditionRuins
Websitewww.nakagusuku-jo.jp/en
Location
Nakagusuku Castle
中城城
Nakagusuku Castle
Nakagusuku Castle
中城城
Nakagusuku Castle
中城城 (Japan)
Coordinates26°17′02″N 127°48′05″E / 26.28389°N 127.80139°E / 26.28389; 127.80139
Site history
Builtaround 1440
Built byGosamaru
In useearly 1440-1611
MaterialsRyūkyūan limestone, wood
Battles/warsAttacked by Amawari (1458)
Garrison information
OccupantsGosamaru, Aji of Nakagusuku Magiri
CriteriaCultural: ii, iii, vi
Reference972
Inscription2000 (24th Session)

Nakagusuku Castle (中城城, Nakagusuku jō; Okinawan: Nakagushiku) is a Ryukyuan gusuku fortification located in the village of Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa, Japan. It is known for being the best-preserved of any gusuku ruins, and the six courtyards of this fortress with stacked stone walls make it a prime example of a gusuku. It has been protected by the central government as a National Historic Site since 1972. The designated area is 110,473 square meters, of which 14,473 square meters is the castle grounds. In November 2000, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, along with the Shuri Castle ruins and others.