Urasoe Castle

Urasoe Castle is a historic Ryūkyūan gusuku fortification located in Urasoe, Okinawa, Japan, situated on a ridge approximately 130 to 140 meters above sea level behind the modern city. Constructed during the late 13th to early 14th centuries using local limestone, wood, and ceramic roof tiles, it served as the political center and capital of the medieval principality of Chūzan before the island's unification. The complex originally featured two main sections, the Kogusuku and Migusuku, connected by enclosures and protected by ramparts, palisades, and a moat dating to the late 14th century. Its upper defenses relied heavily on natural geography, utilizing sheer cliffs and the sea rather than extensive artificial walls.

The site holds profound historical significance as the residence of King Eiso, who ruled from 1260 to 1299, and remained a key stronghold until the Satsuma invasion of Ryūkyū in 1609, which led to its destruction. Today, the location exists as ruins but retains important cultural features, including the nearby Urasoe yōdore, a royal mausoleum carved into the cliffside containing stone coffins believed to hold King Eiso and his ancestors. These coffins, possibly imported from Fujian, China, feature intricate carvings of birds, flowers, and deer. The area also hosts some of Okinawa's oldest Buddhist temples, Ryūfuku-ji and Gokuraku-ji, highlighting the site's religious importance alongside its military past.

Although much of the original layout has been obscured by historical damage and modern development, the remaining earthworks and foundations offer insight into early Okinawan architecture and governance. Recognized for its cultural value, the Japanese central government designated the Urasoe Castle ruins as a National Historic Site in 1989. While no standing structures remain from its peak as the largest castle on the island in the 14th century, the site continues to serve as a protected monument commemorating the pre-unification era of the Ryūkyū Kingdom.