Nakijin Castle

Nakijin Castle
今帰仁城
Nakijin, Okinawa in Japan
Coordinates	26°41′27″N 127°55′49″E / 26.69083°N 127.93028°E / 26.69083; 127.93028
Type	Gusuku
Site information
Open to the public	Yes
Condition	Ruins
Website	www.nakijinjoseki-osi.jp
Site history
Built	early 14th century
Built by	Haniji
In use	14th century – 1609 (1609)
Materials	Ryukyuan limestone, wood
Battles/wars	Invasion of Hokuzan (1416) Invasion of Ryukyu (1609)
Garrison information
Past commanders	Shō Kokushi
Occupants	Kings of Hokuzan, Wardens of Hokuzan, Aji of Nakijin Magiri
UNESCO World Heritage Site
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Criteria	Cultural: ii, iii, vi
Reference	972
Inscription	2000 (24th Session)

Nakijin Castle (今帰仁城, Nakijin Gusuku, Kunigami: Nachijin Gushiiku, Okinawan: Nachijin Gushiku) is a Ryukyuan gusuku located in Nakijin, Okinawa. It is currently in ruins. In the late 14th century, the island of Okinawa consisted of three principalities: Nanzan to the south, Chūzan in the central area, and Hokuzan in the north. Nakijin was the capital of Hokuzan. The fortress includes several sacred Utaki groves, reflecting the castle's role as a center of religious activity. It is today known for the Hikan cherries which bloom in northern Okinawa between mid-January and early February, providing the first cherry blossoms each year in Japan. In 2000, Nakijin Castle was designated as a World Heritage Site, as a part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.