Paid Admission Area

Sacred Area for the King

The eastern side of the Shurijo Castle was considered to be one of the sacred areas within the castle grounds and the remains of a deceased king was temporarily laid to rest at the Shinbyoden located here. From the Iri-no Azana, the observatory situated at 140 meters in altitude, one can command a view of Kudaka Island in the distance.

Hakuginmon

It is unknown when the Hokuginmon was built, but it was a gate built adjoining the stonewalls of the inner bailey below the Agari-no Azana, and it was also known as Shirogane Ujo. Located between Hakuginmon and Agari-no Azana was Shinbyoden, where the remains of the deceased king was laid to rest. It is believed that Hakuginmon was the gate that the new king passed on his way to pay respects to the deceased king, and while the others passed through a different gate placed on the side.
The style of this gate is different from the other stone gates on the castle grounds. It is built in a masonry style using Ryukyu limestone like that of a roof of a building. Old photographs were used as reference in the restoration work in order to carefully place the stones just as they were in its original state.

Shinbyoden

The royal coffin containing the remains of a deceased king was temporarily laid to rest here. Situated at the eastern end of the inner baily, at the easternmost side of Ouchibara, this building was considered to be the most sacred. In its surroundings were dense growth of vegetation, shutting out much of the light even during the day. Since details of the structure remains unknown, only the countours of the building are shown superficially.

Agari-no Azana

Located directly opposite Iri-no Azana, the Agari-no Azana is an observation area on the eastern end of the castle. It is approximately 140 meters in altitude, and from here, one can command a view over the communities beyond the castle, as well as behind the Seiden and Ouchibara within the castle grounds. It is also known as Taka Azana. Just as Rokokumon and Iri-no Azana, it also played a role in telling time to those within the castle.
There is a sacred site called Iino-mo outside of the castle walls, further on the east-side.
On clear, sunny days, you can see Kudaka Island to the east and the Kerama Islands to the west.