Zenikura

The Zenikura (money storehouse) was one of a number of buildings that stood in the space between the inner and outer castle walls near the Kyukeimon Gate, one of the main entrances of the castle. Historical records indicate that it was a wooden storehouse raised on posts high above the ground in the traditional Ryukyuan fashion. Its location made it ideal for storing items brought to the castle for daily use, such as valuable awamori liquor and oil, as well as money needed for the court expenses. A small stable for horses stood nearby. The lack of detailed visual records makes it impossible to accurately reproduce the original Zenikura, but excavation of the foundation stones revealed the probable size and placement of the columns. Based on these figures, the structure has been semi-restored to show the overall plan in the form of a modern rest spot, acknowledging that the original was almost twice its present height.