Nakagusuku Castle

See also: Nakagusuku, Okinawa

Nakagusuku Castle (中城城, Nakagusuku jō, Okinawan: Nakagushiku) is a gusuku in the village of Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa, Japan. It is one of a number of castles built on the island of Okinawa by the Ryukyu Kingdom now in ruins.

Nakagusuku Castle 中城城
Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa
Ruins of Nakagusuku Castle (west district)
Nakagusuku Castle 中城城 Nakagusuku Castle 中城城
Type	Gusuku
Site information
Open to the public	yes
Condition	Ruins
Website	www.nakagusuku-jo.jp/en
Site history
Built	around 1440
Built by	Gosamaru
In use	early 1440-1611
Materials	Ryūkyūan limestone, wood
Battles/wars	Attacked by Amawari (1458)
Garrison information
Occupants	Gosamaru, Aji of Nakagusuku Magiri
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Criteria	Cultural: ii, iii, vi
Reference	972
Inscription	2000 (24th Session)

History

The legendary Ryukyuan commander, Gosamaru, built the fortress in the early 15th century to defend against attacks from the east by Lord Amawari of Katsuren Castle. Amawari attacked the castle in 1458 and defeated Gosamaru shortly before his own castle was attacked by Uni-Ufugusuku. The castle was visited by Commodore Matthew C. Perry in 1853, who noted that the walls seemed to be designed to absorb cannon fire. The six courtyards of this fortress with stacked stone walls make it a prime example of a gusuku.

Status

The castle was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000. It is regarded as one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan. Less than 50 metres (55 yards) away from the castle is the Nakagusuku Hotel ruins.

Gallery

Model

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  Rampart of the 3rd district
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  Rampart of the 2nd district
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  Rampart of the 1st district
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Literature

• Motoo, Hinago (1986). Japanese Castles. Tokyo: Kodansha. p. 200 pages. ISBN 0-87011-766-1.

External links

• Short history and directions to Nakagusuku Castle from Japan Guide
• Nakagusuku Castle site run by Nakamura-ke, located near the gusuku.
• The Amawari-Gosamaru dramatic episode