Type Gusuku Condition ruins Built by Aji of Katsuren Magiri | Open tothe public yes Built 13th-14th century Phone +81 98-978-7373 | |
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Controlled by Aji of Katsuren (13th century-1314)Chūzan (1314-1429)Ryūkyū Kingdom (1429-1879) Empire of Japan (1879–1945) United States Military Government of the Ryukyu Islands(1945-1950)United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands(1950-1972) Japan(1972-present) Address Japan, 〒904-2311 Okinawa Prefecture, Uruma, Katsurenhaebaru, 3908 Similar Nakagusuku Castle, Zakimi Castle, Nakijin Castle, Mid‑Sea Road, Gusuku | ||
Exploring okinawa katsuren castle
Katsuren Castle (勝連城, Katsuren jō) is a Ryūkyūan gusuku in Uruma, Okinawa. In the Okinawan language the castle is known as Kacchin Gushiku.
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Katsuren castle ruins
History
Katsuren Castle was built on a large hill of Ryukyuan limestone, 98 meters (322 ft) above sea level on the Katsuren Peninsula. With the Pacific Ocean on two sides, it is also called the "Ocean Gusuku". Its "golden age" was in the mid-15th century, under the powerful Aji of Katsuren, Amawari. The castle was attacked in 1458 by the Ryūkyūan army. Precious tile and Chinese porcelain of the era have been excavated from Katsuren. Such remains testify to the magnificence of the ancient structure and the robust entrepôt trade between Japan, Korea, China, and Southeast Asia. The castle also has an active shrine of the Ryūkyūan religion within the first bailey dedicated to Kobazukasa. In the 2010 Okinawa earthquake an outer wall at the northeast of the third bailey of Katsuren Castle was damaged.
Katsuren Castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 as part of one of the nine Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu. Katsuren Castle was designated a Designated Historical Monument (史跡, Shiseki) by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs in 1972.
In 2016, ancient Roman currency was excavated there. This was the first time that Roman coins were excavated in Japan.
Transportation
Katsuren Castle can be reached from the Naha Bus Terminal at Naha Airport via the Number 52 bus route, a ride of 1 hour and 20 minutes from the bus terminal. The castle is a five-minute walk from the Katsuren Danchimae (勝連団地前, Katsuren Danchi-mae) stop. The castle site can also be reached by the Okinawa Expressway via the Okinawa Minami IC.