Situated atop a gentle hill in Shuri, Naha City, Shurijo Castle was surrounded by curving castle walls, and within these walls were numerous structures. The castle was the central administrative body of the Shuri Royal Government of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It flourished as the center of politics, diplomacy, and culture in the Kingdom, and it was also the royal residence of the king and his family.
Shurijo Castle was destroyed by fire three times during the Ryukyu Kingdom period, and the fourth time in World War II. Each time, the Castle was restored. In 1992, the Seiden of the Shurijo Castle was reconstructed, modeled after the Seiden rebuilt in 1715. It remained standing until the collapse of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The building was constructed with a unique, Ryukyuan style, bringing together influences from both Japan and China. Brilliantly colored in vermilion, it was known as the only “red castle” in all of Japan and was unlike any other.
Construction work continued even after the opening of the Shurijo Castle Park in 1992, restoring numerous structures and areas within the Castle, including Kyo-no Uchi, Shoin/Sasunoma, Kugani Udun, and others. With the February 2019 opening of the private living area of the royalty, known as Ouchibara, visitors were able to appreciate the overall layout of the castle grounds after 27 years since the opening of the Park.