Naha: Shurijo Castle & Tamaudun Guided Walking Tour
Explore the rich heritage of Okinawa on a 3-hour guided tour through the heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Visit the UNESCO-listed Shurijo Castle, the royal palace that symbolizes Okinawa's unique history and culture, and stroll through the solemn Tamaudun mausoleum, where Ryukyu's kings and queens rest. Walk along the Kinjo Stone-Paved Road, a pathway that evokes the everyday life of the old capital. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour offers insights into Okinawa's peaceful past and vibrant traditions. Choose to witness the rare Opening Gate Ceremony at sunrise or start from Naha Airport for added convenience.
- 3-hour guided walk through Shurijo Castle, Tamaudun, and Kinjo Road
- Learn about the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom from a local expert
- Optional early morning tour to experience the Opening Gate Ceremony
- Convenient pick-up options from Naha Airport available
Options
From Naha Airport (G-398)
From Naha Airport (G-398): Meet your guide at Naha Airport Monorail Station and travel together to Shurijo Castle.
What's included in Naha: Shurijo Castle & Tamaudun Guided Walking Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Shurijo Castle
Shurijo Castle was the royal court and spiritual center of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Unlike Japanese castles built for war, Shurijo symbolized diplomacy, faith, and openness. Its vivid vermilion buildings, Chinese-influenced design, and sacred Utaki sites reflect a peaceful philosophy of rule. Though the main hall was lost to fire in 2019, restoration is underway, and visitors can still feel the kingdom’s spirit echoing through its grounds.
Just a short walk from Shurijo Castle, Tamaudun is the royal mausoleum of the Ryukyu kings. Built in the early 16th century from Ryukyuan limestone, this solemn and beautifully crafted structure reflects the kingdom’s deep respect for ancestors and belief in dynastic continuity. Its proximity to the castle highlights the sacred link between royal authority and spiritual heritage.
The Kinjo Stone-Paved Road is a quiet, historic path lined with stone walls and traditional homes. Once used by nobles and officials, this gently sloping walkway offers a glimpse into everyday life in the old capital of Shuri. Walking along the Ryukyuan limestone underfoot, visitors can truly feel the living texture of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s cultural landscape.
Inclusions
- Walk down Kinjo Stone-Paved Road
- Visit to Tamaudun
- Knowledgeable local guide
- Morning visit (optional)
- Visit to Shurijo Castle
- Transportation to and from Naha Airport (optional)
- Lunch
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- If you choose the airport departure option, the meeting point is in front of the ticket gate at Naha Airport Monorail Station. Your guide will be waiting for you holding a yellow sign. Please refer to the map for more details.
- The tour will end in front of the main gate of Shurijo Castle. From here, you can easily access central Naha by monorail, bus, or on foot.
End Points
- The tour will end in front of the main gate of Shurijo Castle. From here, you can easily access central Naha by monorail, bus, or on foot.
