 Most viewed - Nakagusuku 中城村 |
Nakagusuku Castle is part of a World Heritage Site of Okinawan gusuku castles. This is a view looking eastward from the base of the 3d enclosure (migusuku). Photos in this album all by Michael Lynch.213 views Constructed in mid-fourteenth century of limestone rocks, placed without the use of mortar, Commodore Perry praised the construction technique on his visit to Okinawa in 1853.
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Sacred Well. There are three spring-fed wells within the castle. This one is located in the West enclosure and is also a sacred site where people make ritual offerings. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.144 viewsThe woman on the left gave consent to take a photo after helping her down the rough, stone stairs.
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Utaki. A closeup view of a place of worship. Incense is sometimes burned and coins placed in the stone container centered within the utaki stone walls. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.119 views
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Rear Gate. Most visitors will enter through this gate to the castle, as it is closest to the parking and ticket sales. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.116 views
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Three Sacred Sites. The South enclosure contains three Utaki (sacred sites), all within a small area, as seen by the signs in this picture. Many Okinawans come to worship at these Utaki and make offerings. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.116 viewsFrom the high ground to the left of this scene, you may be able to see Kudaka-Jima, where locals believe the first Okinawans originated.
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World Heritage Marker. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.115 views
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Second Enclosure. A view of the archway and stone construction from inside the 2nd enclosure, looking East. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.115 views
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Gun Port. At several locations along the North walls of the castle, gun ports may be seen, where sentries could repel invaders. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.114 viewsMany visitors are surprised to learn that firearms were in existence in the 14th century.
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Stone Stairs. They lead to the 2nd enclosure. Visitors should wear sturdy walking shoes, as the stone-lined pathways and stairs can be very difficult to walk on without twisting an ankle. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.112 views
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Terraced Walls. A view looking from north to south standing at an elevated point along the inner castle walls. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.110 views
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Sacred Site. There are eight special places of worship (Utaki) located within the castle walls. This view looks toward the East from the inside of the 1st enclosure. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.109 views
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A view from the base of the West enclosure. Constructed in mid-fourteenth century of limestone rocks, placed without the use of mortar, Commodore Perry praised the construction technique on his visit to Okinawa in 1853. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.106 views
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