Paid Admission Area

A world managed by women

On the east side, bordered by the Seiden, was Ouchibara, a private area for the king and his kin. This was where many of the female court attendants were, with the queen directing in the strict hierarchy of the ladies-in-waiting. Shukujunmon was the gate that led to the "inner" world where everything was managed exclusively by women.

Shukujunmon

This was the gate where the ladies of the court, who attended to the king and his family, passed through to reach Ouchibara. It is also known as Mimono Ujo and Unaka Ujo.
Restored in 2010, the year of its original construction is unknown.
A Yaguramon style gate with hip and gable irimoya-zukuri roof, with hongawara roof tiles.

Nyokan Kyoshitsu

This was the living quarters for the ladies of the court who attended to duties at Ouchibara. Men were forbidden to enter here with the exception of the king and his family. The ladies of the court who attended to the king and his kin in Ouchibara either resided within the Shurijo Castle or commuted to the castle. The ladies of the court attended to the king and other various "inner" duties within the castle and were referred to as "Gusukunchu." The ladies-in-waiting were chosen for their exceptional beauty, regardless of social ranks.