Shuri Castle is Okinawa's most significant historical site. Built sometime in the 1400's, it was the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. For 450 years, Ryukyu was a significant trading empire with Okinawa acting as a focal point to inter-Asian trade involving China, Japan, Korea and SE Asia
. Ryukyu was eventually toppled by the Shimadzu in 1609 and the Okinawa archipelago was incorporated into the fiefdom system of Japan. Shuri has been beautifully restored and the kids enjoyed collecting stamps from the different locations within the castle. Like most everything on the island, Shuri Castle was flattened during the Battle of Okinawa.
. Ryukyu was eventually toppled by the Shimadzu in 1609 and the Okinawa archipelago was incorporated into the fiefdom system of Japan. Shuri has been beautifully restored and the kids enjoyed collecting stamps from the different locations within the castle. Like most everything on the island, Shuri Castle was flattened during the Battle of Okinawa.One of the main icons of Okinawa is the Shisa , the lion-dog that acts as guardian for Okinawan residences. Similar to the Chinese "fu-dog", the Shisa keep the evil spirits out (if their mouth is open) and keep good spirits (if their mouth is closed).
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