Shuri Castle

Shuri Castle, built in the mid-to-late 14th century, was the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It flourished as the political and cultural center for about 450 years but was completely destroyed in 1945 by intense bombing and air raids during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. It was later restored in 1992, but a fire in the early morning of October 31, 2019, burned down about 4,800 square meters, including the main hall and seven other major buildings. Despite being struck by multiple fires and wars throughout its history, Shuri Castle has continued to be rebuilt. Restoration work is currently underway, with the goal of completing the reconstruction of the main hall in 2026. The castle is also known as a witness to the fierce history of the Battle of Okinawa, as the former headquarters of the Japanese military's underground command was located beneath it.