Day 1 of our Okinawa trip was a visit to the Shuri Castle. It was the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom (Ryukyu refers to the chain of islands, now commonly known as Okinawa), and served as the focal point for foreign trade, as well as the political, economical, and cultural heart of the Ryukyus for 450 years since the beginning of the 15th century.
Being the largest of Okinawa's castle, you can really sense the status it held in the past. The castle directly overlooks Naha and the neighboring harbors.
The Kankaimon Gate is the front gate to the Shuri Castle. Apparently, it was a male-only gate, used by the king himself and other castle official. Oh well, Loralee & I went through it!!
The Bridge of Nations bell, is a bronze bell that was originally housed in the Seiden.
The Seiden was the largest wooden structure in the Ryukyu Kingdom, the main hall of the Shuri Castle.
At the front of the Castle Park, Dan and I picked up a stamp sheet, where you can stamp an image of each of the gates at the little stamping booths. We finished the whole sheet, yay!
Lastly, this was the view from the Shuri Castle overlooking Naha. It was breath-taking!
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