Nakagusuku Castle

UNESCO World Heritage Site
CriteriaCultural: ii, iii, viReference972Inscription2000 (24th Session)

Nakagusuku Castle (中城城, Nakagusuku jō, Okinawan: Nakagushiku) is a gusuku in the village of Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa, Japan. It is one of a number of castles built on the island of Okinawa by the Ryukyu Kingdom now in ruins.

History

The legendary Ryukyuan commander, Gosamaru, built the fortress in the early 15th century to defend against attacks from the east by Lord Amawari of Katsuren Castle. Amawari attacked the castle in 1458 and defeated Gosamaru shortly before his own castle was attacked by Uni-Ufugusuku. The castle was visited by Commodore Matthew C. Perry in 1853, who noted that the walls seemed to be designed to absorb cannon fire. The six courtyards of this fortress with stacked stone walls make it a prime example of a gusuku.

Status

The castle was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000. It is regarded as one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan.[1] Less than 50 metres (55 yards) away from the castle is the Nakagusuku Hotel ruins.

Gallery

Model
  • Rampart of the 3rd district
    Rampart of the 3rd district
  • Rampart of the 2nd district
    Rampart of the 2nd district
  • Rampart of the 1st district
    Rampart of the 1st district

References

  1. ^ "Nakagusuku Castle Remains". Retrieved 2 April 2014.

Literature

  • Motoo, Hinago (1986). Japanese Castles. Tokyo: Kodansha. p. 200 pages. ISBN 0-87011-766-1.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nakagusuku Castle.
  • Short history and directions to Nakagusuku Castle from Japan Guide
  • Nakagusuku Castle site run by Nakamura-ke, located near the gusuku.
  • The Amawari-Gosamaru dramatic episode

26°17′02″N 127°48′05″E / 26.28389°N 127.80139°E / 26.28389; 127.80139

  • v
  • t
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Fort style Gusuku
Amami Islands
  • Akakina Castle
  • Beru Castle
  • Yononushi Castle
Okinawa IslandsSakishima Islands
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  • Japan
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