Type: Hilltop
Built in: 13th century by King Hokuzan.
Class: Ruins

Nakijin Gusuku is ruins of hilltop castle located in Nakijin Village, Okinawa Prefecture. It was constructed in 13th century by King Hokuzan for his castle. It has 7 baileys and the size is 350m long that makes it 800m wide castle and the largest castle in Okinawa.

This castle was attacked by King Shohashi of Ryukyu in 1416 and defeated by him. Then this castle was used for the castle of Ryukyu to protect northern region.

Gusuku Period: An Era of Fighting by the Thee Kingdoms in Okinawa
Mentioned in a Chinese hisotry book from the 14th century are 3 northern kings from the Ryukyu Kingdom; Hanji, Min and Hananchi. On Okinawa Island during this period, there were three principalities, Hokuzan of the northern region, Chuzan of the central region, and Nanzan of the southern region. Based at Nakijin castle the king of Hokuzan controlled most of the northern reaches of Okinawa Island, and traded independently with China. However, the history of Hokuzan came to a close in 1416, when the principality was conquered by Kin Sho Hashi of Chuzan.

Ushimi Riding Field
It is said this area was sued to raise and train horses in preparation for battles. It is surrounded by the hightest stone walls, making it a solid and robust bailey.

Outer Bailey
About 2m in height, the comparatively lower stone walls of the outer bailey winds over a length of several hundred meters. Here, remains of a residence were confirmed in a excavation survey.

Heirojo Gate
This main gate was restored in 1962, during the age of the Ryukyu Government.

The Main Bailey
Transition periods from the construction to abandonment of the gusuku were identified through excavation surveys. This is where the main gusuku structures stoods.

Shijimajokaku Bailey
It is believed that closest subjects serving the master of the gusuku resided in this aera.

Because of its historical vale, it is registered as Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu of UNESCO World Heritage Site and the national historic site.

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