Today we set out to explore Shurijo Castle originally constructed in the 14th century.  Although it was heavily damaged in the 1945 Battle of Okinawa, it’s been beautifully restored.  We enter through the Kankaimon Gate, named as a way of welcome to the visitors of the castle.

Inside is the Surijo Castle Seiden which was the royal seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom for 500 years  It served as the Kingdom’s political, economic and cultural core.  The architecture is strongly influenced by both the Japanese and the Chinese cultures.

The horizontal red and white lines mark where the troops would sit, as seen in this scale model.

Here is the king’s seat where he conducted his political affairs and ceremonies.

This is a replica of the bell that hung in the castle in 1458.  It is famous for its inscription emphasizing the spirit of trade and friendship upon which the prosperity of the Ryukyu Kingdom was based.

A view of the outer walls on the right and the inner walls on the left.  These walls are 3 meters thick!

The view from up here is impressive.  The place we’re staying is near the sea in the center of this picture.

And here’s a side gate used mostly by women.

This spring provided water for the castle.

Back to our lodge for a nap.  Then we headed out on foot to explore and look for dinner.  This looked like a men’s clothing store.

We got down to the water’s edge

and found just what Chris was looking for.

And the end to another day.