A Recommended Walk Starting from “Shurijo Castle”: Fulfilling Your Curiosity, Taste and Creativity

“Shurijo Castle” (首里城), a symbol of Okinawa experienced a big fire in 2019 and is now on its way to be reconstructed. In order for showing visitors the reconstruction process of the castle, the site has been partially opened to public again. It is expected to be fully rebuilt in 2026. In this article, let us introduce you the best walk tour, staring from “Shurijo Castle” to a traditional café and an Okinawan style fabric dyeing experience.

There is a public bus service available from Matsuo Itchome (松尾一丁目) But stop (only an a-minute walk away from Hotel Gracery Naha) to Shurijo Koen Iriguchi (首里城公園入口) Bus stop. It is a 5-minute walk from the bus stop to “Shurijo Castle”. All the spots mentioned are within a 3-minute walk from “Shurijo Castle”.

A World Heritage Site where the royal family of Ryukyu Kingdom rest in peace: “Tamaudun”, a majestic stone royal mausoleum

“Tamaudun” (玉陵) is a royal mausoleum which the third king of Ryukyu Kingdom was said to have built in 1501 to bury his father’s remains, and in which there are 70 royal family members of Ryukyu Kingdom rest in peace. The mausoleum stands mysteriously yet solemnly in a garden lined with coral tiles. You’ll be overwhelmed not only by the sacred atmosphere of the site but also by very detailed and dynamic sculptures such as dragons and phoenix on the railing near the entrance, three lion guardian deities on the roof and so on. Don’t forget to pay attention at unique facial expressions of the lion guardian deities which are 1.2 meters tall.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 4:00PM
Address	1-3 Shuri Knjocho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access	A 1-minute walk from Shurijo Castle
URL	https://www.visitokinawa.jp/about-okinawa/world-heritage/tamaudun

Enjoy Okinawan traditional ‘bukubuku tea’ loved by Okinawans by generations at “Karisanfan” teahouse

Bukubuku tea” (ぶくぶく茶) is foaming tea made from roasted rice and tea leaves and was used to be served to entertain and comfort guests during the Ryukyu dynasty. At “Karisanfan” (嘉例山房), you can enjoy “bukubuku tea” (ぶくぶく茶) foamed by yourself. When you foam your tea, don’t forget to whisk patiently to let in air, and when the foam is good enough to enjoy, place the foam on top of tea in a bowl and sprinkle with crushed peanuts and brown sugar. You can choose your base tea from 11 kinds including coffee and some juice. Make your own “bukubuku tea” trying some unique combinations.

Opening Hours	11:00AM – 7:00PM / Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday
Address	9 Shuri Ikehatacho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access	A 1-minute walk from Shurijo Castle
URL	https://tabelog.com/en/okinawa/A4701/A470102/47000295/

Try ‘coral dyeing’ creating a fireworks-like patterns by cross section of coral at “Shuri Ryusen”, the only traditional craft specialty store

“Shuri Ryusen” (首里琉染) is located close to the ruins of ‘Chuzanmon Gate’ (中山門), which used to be the entrance to Shurijo Castle. While the first floor is a shop where you can enjoy shopping traditional crafts, there is also a workshop on the second floor and a craftsmen’s atelier the third floor where you can view the works of craftsmen. At the workshop, you can experience Okinawan traditional ‘bingata dyeing’ (紅型染め) and ‘coral dyeing’ (サンゴ染め), an originally invented dyeing method here at “Shuri Ryusen”. Apply a fabric item of your choice to the cross section of the fossilized coral, and soak the dyeing liquid to a special tool to dye the fabric in your own pattern. You can bring your artwork within the same day.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 6:00PM
Address	1-54 Shuri Yamagawacho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access	A 3-minute walk from Shurijo Castle
URL	https://www.shuri-ryusen.com/about/index.html#