Kinjo Ishidatami Quietly Walking the Ancient Ryukyu Stone-Paved Road.

The Ancient Stone-Paved Road Built by the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Kinjo-cho Stone-Paved Road (Shuri Kinjo-cho Ishidatami Michi) is an ancient stone-paved road from the Ryukyu Kingdom era, preserved in the Shuri district of Naha City. Designated as an Okinawa Prefectural Historic Site and Scenic Spot, this carefully laid Ryukyu limestone path has approximately 238 meters remaining today. It was part of the "Madama Michi" (Pearl Road) connecting Shuri Castle to the southern regions, built around 1522 during the reign of King Sho Shin. With approximately 500 years of history, the stone pavement quietly lives on within Naha City.

Both sides of the stone-paved road are lined with old stone walls, and great Akagi trees (designated National Natural Monuments) spread their branches overhead. These great Akagi trees are said to be approximately 300-years old and serve as symbolic features of the stone-paved road. The gentle curves of the slope and stone arrangement create scenery that changes with every step, producing a sensation of having traveled back in time. The path is accessible on foot after visiting Shuri Castle, with about a 10-15 minute walk from Shuri Castle Park to the entrance of the stone-paved road.

Located within Naha City, it is easily accessible from the airport and Kokusai Street. As a "Shuri / Naha History Course" combined with Shuri Castle, Shikinaen Garden, and Naminoue Shrine, it is especially recommended for those who want to deeply savor Okinawa's historical culture. Unlike the busy interior of Shuri Castle Park, the Kinjo-cho Stone-Paved Road offers the charm of a quiet, peaceful atmosphere for a leisurely walk.

The stone-paved road of carefully laid Ryukyu limestone. The flanking stone walls and greenery create a unique atmosphere.

Highlights of the Stone-Paved Road and Surrounding Areas

Walking from entrance to exit covers only about 300 meters and takes 15-30 minutes depending on pace. However, points of interest abound along the way, and we recommend walking slowly with frequent stops. Restored in 1983, the Ryukyu limestone pavement has a distinctive texture, with the play of light varying by time of day. Walking the stone-paved road in the light of early morning or late afternoon offers a different atmosphere from midday, making it a popular spot among photography enthusiasts as well.

Near the stone-paved road is Kinjo Muraya, a former traditional house serving as a rest area where you can learn about the history and origins of the stone-paved road. Nearby attractions include Shuri Castle (World Heritage Site), Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum (World Heritage Site), and Shikinaen Garden (World Heritage Site), and many visitors come as part of a half-day course touring Shuri's World Heritage Sites. The area around the stone-paved road is still a residential neighborhood where people live, so please walk quietly as a matter of courtesy.

The great Akagi tree, a designated National Natural Monument. A approximately 300-year old giant that has watched over the stone-paved road.

A landscape of limestone walls and stone pavement. Still blending into the quiet residential area of Shuri today.

Shuri / Naha History Course by Taxi

From central Naha (Kokusai Street / airport area) to Kinjo-cho Stone-Paved Road is about 20-30 minutes by SUI TAXI. The "Shuri Course (3-4 hours)" offers a fulfilling Shuri sightseeing experience: visit Shuri Castle (World Heritage Site), then walk the Kinjo-cho Stone-Paved Road, adding Tamaudun or Shikinaen Garden. Parking near the stone-paved road is limited, making the area inconvenient for private car travel. With a charter taxi, there is no travel burden and you can focus on your walk.

The stone-paved road is a sloped hill path, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. With SUI TAXI, the driver waits during your walk, so you can leave your belongings in the vehicle and walk hands-free. We provide the time to slowly trace the vestiges of Ryukyu history that remain in the heart of Naha.

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