Tea at Shurijo Castle

Okinawa tea and sweets

Okinawan Tea and sweets for just 300 yen in the “Sasuno-ma” (a room used by princes to host meetings with government officials) at Shurijo Castle. The participants are first escorted into the room with the view of a beautiful garden built with Ryukyu limestones. This garden is not only outstanding, but is also the one and only garden amongst the gusukus in Okinawa. After an explanation about the history of Shurijo Castle and what they’re serving, the servers then bring sanpin (jasmine) tea with Okinawan sweets. The Tsuboyayaki cup, Okinawan lacquered saucer and tray along with the serene atmosphere become essential in creating a gracious moment in your visit to the Shurijo Castle.

Location: Sasuno-ma in Shurijo Castle (15 minute walk from the Yui Monorail Shurijo Castle Station)
Hours: 9:30 ~18:00 (Last Order at 17:30)
Price: 300 yen (* separate from the 800 yen admission fee to Shurijo Castle)

Sonohyan-utaki Ishimon

Sonohyan-utaki Ishimon or the Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate is what is left of the Sonohyan Utatki (sacred site). It was here that king prayed before departing Shuri castle. The utaki and much of the gate were destroyed during WW II. The restored stone gate is still considered a spiritual spot and Okinawans still come occasionally to pay reverence and beseech the spirits. A world heritage site, this gate is located between Shureimon Gate and the entrance to Shuri Castle.

Naha City Area Guide and Itinerary

Naha is the capital of Okinawa and it’s largest city. Most visitors will fly into Naha Airport and will find Naha the logical place to begin their Okinawa experience. The Naha experience can be roughly divided into three sections.

First is the historical experience of Shuri Castle and it’s adjacent attractions
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Shurijo Castle

Shurijo Castle, pride of the Okinawan people. Shurijo was the control tower of the Shuri Monarchy, which ruled over the Ryukyu Islands and expanded its diplomatic and trading links to China, Japan, Korea and the countries of Southeast Asia. This was also the setting for developments in Ryukyuan culture, which integrated cultural influences from these countries.
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