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.
| Nakagusuku Castle 中城城 | |
|---|---|
| Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa | |
 Ruins of Nakagusuku Castle (west district) | |
  Nakagusuku Castle 中城城  Nakagusuku Castle 中城城 | |
| Type | Gusuku |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public | yes |
| Condition | Ruins |
| Website | www |
| Site history | |
| Built | around 1440 |
| Built by | Gosamaru |
| In use | early 1440-1611 |
| Materials | Ryūkyūan limestone, wood |
| Battles/wars | Attacked by Amawari (1458) |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | Gosamaru, Aji of Nakagusuku Magiri |
| Criteria | Cultural: ii, iii, vi |
| Reference | 972 |
| Inscription | 2000 (24th Session) |
History edit
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 edit
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 edit
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Rampart of the 3rd district -
Rampart of the 2nd district -
Rampart of the 1st district -
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References edit
- ^ "Nakagusuku Castle Remains". Retrieved 2 April 2014.
Literature edit
- Motoo, Hinago (1986). Japanese Castles. Tokyo: Kodansha. p. 200 pages. ISBN 0-87011-766-1.
External links edit
- 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