Shuri Castle in Okinawa: tickets, opening hours and the history of Ryukyu

About the castle

Shuri Castle is a symbol of the history and culture of Okinawa. The Ryukyu Kingdom existed for 450 years, from 1429 to 1879, and active trade with China, Japan and the countries of South-East Asia helped its culture develop. The castle was the centre of the kingdom’s politics, diplomacy and culture. Among its stone walls and gates, the “Shureimon Gate” and the main “Kankaimon Gate” are especially famous.

Tickets, hours and what can be seen now

Shuri Castle (首里城) in Naha was the residence of the Ryukyu kings, and its gates and walls are on the World Heritage list. In 2019 the main hall, Seiden, burned down, and the castle is now being rebuilt; part of the grounds is open for walking, while some halls and buildings are closed. The accessible zones and the entry arrangements change, so check the card when booking. The park is usually open from 8:30 and closes at about 19:00, and the ticket office stops admitting half an hour before closing. Through the catalogue below you can buy a ticket online and pay by Russian card in roubles.

How to get there and not tire yourself out

• Monorail. From Naha airport on the Yui Rail monorail to Shuri station takes about 25 minutes. From there it is about a 15-minute walk uphill; a taxi ride is shorter, but the road through the old quarters is prettier.
• With a pass. A one-day monorail pass is worth it if you go to the castle in the morning and return to Kokusai-dori in the evening.
• How to avoid queues. Arrive at opening on a weekday. After 11 o’clock tourist buses and groups arrive.

What to see in the castle and nearby

The first gate on the way is Shureimon, with the inscription “Land of Courtesy”, followed by Kankaimon, Zuisenmon and Hoshinmon. The Utan garden, the viewing platforms over Naha and the museum on the grounds tell about the kings and trade with China and South-East Asia. The nearby streets with the Ishinagido-no-michi cobbles, the tomb of the kings Tamaudun and the Shikinaen garden are each worth an hour. Near Shuri Castle are a couple of cafés with Okinawan tea and noodles, which is handy before heading down.

Which tickets and tours are available

Prices are as of 10 October 2026. Check the contents, language and conditions on the page of the offer you choose.

Restrictions and tips

• Footwear. Stone slabs are slippery after rain, so you need trainers with a ribbed sole. In summer beware of the heat: a hat and water are essential.
• Restoration. Part of the grounds is closed, and construction hoardings can spoil photos. Look at the card and the official news before the trip.
• Photos and drones. Drones over the castle and in the park are banned, and inside buildings photography is not allowed everywhere.
• Typhoons and rain. In typhoon season (August–October) the grounds may close. The rainy season is in June, and in winter it is cooler and fresher.
• Time. 1.5–2 hours is enough; combine it with an evening stroll along Kokusai-dori or a drive to the north of the island on another day.
• Passport. Bring the original for checking your ticket at entry by booking.

The description is based on Trip.com cards; opening hours and the contents of offers may change.