Overview:

The Ryukyu Kingdom, also known as the Ryūkyū Dynasty, was a kingdom from the late 15th century to the 19th century that controlled the Ryukyu Islands in what is now the Okinawa prefecture in Japan. While under the control of the Ryukyu royalty, the kingdom played an important role in East Asian and Southeast Asian politics and culture. Today, there are multiple sites in Okinawa that are important aspects of the Ryukyu Kingdom's legacy. These sites include Shuri Castle (首里城), Katsuren Castle (勝連城), Nakagusuku Castle (今帰仁城), Sefa Utaki (世法御嶽), Sonohyan Utaki (薗恩津壱嶽) and Busena Terrace (武宣陣屋台). Additionally, Okinawa also has multiple World Heritage Sites associated with it, such as the Gusuku Sites and Their Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, a group of sites related to the Ryukyu Kingdom and featured on UNESCO's World Heritage List. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Japan
Prominent Features:

1. Shuri Castle: Located in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan, Shuri Castle is one of the most iconic sites of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It served as the seat of the kingdom’s “king” during its 500 years of control. The site consists of multiple buildings, temples and gardens, and also holds a great amount of cultural and historical importance to Okinawa 2. Nakijin Castle: Located in northern Okinawa, the Nakijin Castle was built in the 14th century and served as the seat of the kingdom’s ruler until 32 BC. This site also holds cultural importance to the locals as it houses the Yoakeumi Cave and the Tamagusuku Cherry Tree. 3. Kumejima Island: Located in the East China Sea, Kumejima Island served as an important trading port and refuge for the kingdom. Today, this island holds a number of historical sites, such as the Tamaudun Mausoleum, the Kudaka Shrine, and the Tamaike Mura ruins. 4. Okinawa Mura: Located on the main island of Okinawa, this settlement served as the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom from 1535 to 1609. This historical site is home to the Shuri Castle, Tomari Elementary School and several Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. 5. Kudaka Island: Located south of Okinawa Mura, Kudaka Island is considered one of the most sacred sites in the Ryukyu Kingdom, as it is said to be where the first king was born. This island still holds a great amount of cultural significance and is home to the Kudaka Shrine, the Karua Tao Shrine, and the vibrant coral reefs. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Japan.

History:

The Ryukyu Kingdom was a sovereign state that existed in Okinawa, Japan from 1429 to 1879. The kingdom was established by Shunten and is considered to be one of the most important political and cultural centers of the archipelago. The kingdom was known for its strong trading relations with other nations, especially China, and for its vibrant culture and complex political history. The Ryukyu Kingdom had a number of sites of political and cultural importance, including castles, palaces, tombs, reefs, and seaports. The Ryukyu Kingdom was ruled by a succession of royal dynasties that built many of its significant sites. First, the Sho dynasty (1322 – 1421) established Shuri Castle on top of a hill, offering a view of the entire kingdom. The second dynasty, the Hokuzan dynasty (1422 – 1469), later expanded Shuri Castle, helping to develop Shuri Castle into the symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom. During their rule they founded several other key sites like Katsuren Castle and Kumemura, a town that served as a center for Ryukyu culture through the establishment of temples and shrines. The third ruling dynasty, the Second Sho dynasty (1469 – 1879), was the longest lasting and most influential dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The kings of this dynasty constructed the Ryukyu Gate and restored Okinawa’s sacred sites. Furthermore, they established Nakagusuku Castle, Naha, and the sites of Katsuren Castle and Nishihara. They also built strong trading connections with mainland Japan as well as the Chinese Empire, resulting in a large flow of exchanges between these regions. Following the dissolution of the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1879, many of the sites of the Ryukyu Kingdom were left in ruins or were dismantled. However, many of the sites still exist today and are protected by UNESCO. These include Shuri Castle, Nakagusuku Castle, and Katsuren Castle. Okinawa’s sacred sites are also still visible, and many of the sites built during the Sho dynasty still remain important cultural monuments. Visit one of the famous monuments of Japan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Ryuku Kingdom was a monarchy that existed on the islands of what is today Okinawa, Japan from 1429 to 1879. 2. The Ryukyu Kingdom was the first centralized government to form in Japan since the 3rd century. 3. The capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom was Shuri Castle, which was the residence of the Ryukyu kings for centuries. 4. The kingdom was ruled by a strictly hierarchical class system and was often referred to as “The Imperial Court of the Ryukyu Islands”. 5. The Ryukyu Kingdom had a very close relationship with neighboring Chinese dynasties, in addition to its relationship with Japan. 6. In 1879, the Ryukyu Kingdom became a part of the Japanese Empire following the Meiji Restoration. 7. The ruins of the Ryukyu Kingdom are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 8. There are many sites related to the Ryukyu Kingdom, including Shuri Castle, Nakagusuku Castle, and Kumejima Island. 9. The Ryukyu Kingdom was known for its production of high quality textiles, porcelain, and other products. 10. Okinawa is also known for its traditional dance, “kamikaze”, which was originally used as a battle dance during the kingdom’s conflicts with other nations. One of the historical monuments of Japan, it tells the story of a bygone era