Shuri Castle: The Red Palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom
How to visit Shuri Castle in Naha: the Ryukyu Kingdom's palace, its rebuilt main hall reopening in November 2026, the gates and getting there.
Quick answer
- What it is: the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, on a hill above Naha.
- Status: part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Gusuku Sites of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
- 2026 news: the main hall, rebuilt after a fire in 2019, is scheduled to open inside on November 23, 2026.
- Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Best time: cool months from October to April.
Shuri Castle's vermilion halls blend Chinese and Japanese styles into something uniquely Okinawan. For centuries it was the heart of an independent kingdom that traded across Asia.
Why Shuri Castle is a wonder
The Ryukyu Kingdom ruled Okinawa from the 15th to the 19th century. Shuri Castle was its royal palace, government office and religious centre.
The castle has burned several times. It was destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, rebuilt in 1992, and burned again in 2019.
Rising again
After the 2019 fire, the main hall was rebuilt using traditional methods, and visitors could watch the work in progress.
The rebuilt main hall is scheduled to open to visitors on November 23, 2026. The gates, including the famous Shureimon, survived the fire.
What to see
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Shureimon | The famous gate on the 2,000 yen note | 10 minutes |
| Kankaimon | The main gate of the castle walls | 10 minutes |
| Seiden | The rebuilt red main hall | 30 minutes |
| Kyo-no-uchi | Sacred sites and viewpoints over Naha | 30 minutes |
| Tamaudun | The royal mausoleum nearby | 30 minutes |
When to go
- From late November 2026: the rebuilt main hall opens inside.
- October to April: cooler weather for walking the hill.
- Evening: the walls and gates are lit up.
- Weekday mornings: quieter grounds.
Our tip: Walk down the stone-paved Kinjo-cho road below the castle, one of the prettiest old streets in Naha.
Getting there
- By monorail: the Yui Rail runs to Shuri Station, then walk about 15 minutes.
- From Naha Airport: the monorail takes about 30 minutes to Shuri.
- By bus: several city buses stop near the castle.
Visiting tips
- Some areas may still be closed for restoration.
- Do not climb on the stone walls.
- Respect the sacred sites in the grounds.
- Check the official site for current opening areas and fees.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shuri Castle open?
Most of the grounds are open, and the rebuilt main hall is scheduled to open inside on November 23, 2026.
What happened to Shuri Castle?
Its main buildings burned in a fire in 2019 and have been rebuilt.
How do you get to Shuri Castle?
Take the Yui Rail monorail to Shuri Station, then walk about 15 minutes.
Is Shureimon on a banknote?
Yes. It appears on the 2,000 yen note.
Kakunodate
Black wooden fences and samurai houses beneath cascading cherry blossom.
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