SUI TAXI · WORLD HERITAGE
Katsuren Castle Stronghold of Lord Amawari.
World Heritage | Hilltop Castle | Kaichu Road
The hilltop fortress where the rebellious hero Amawari once reigned.
Katsuren Castle Ruins is a Ryukyuan gusuku (castle) site located in Uruma City, Okinawa. Built during the 13th to 14th centuries, the castle flourished in the mid-15th century as the stronghold of the lord Amawari, a heroic ruler beloved by his people. His story is passed down through the traditional Ryukyuan performance art known as Kumiodori, in the piece "Nidou Tekiuchi." In 2000, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu."
The castle ruins are situated on a hilltop in Uruma City, consisting of four enclosures (kuruwa) connected in sequence from the First to the Fourth. From the highest point at the First Enclosure, a magnificent panorama unfolds with views of both the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean simultaneously. On clear days, you can see as far as Ikei Island and Henza Island. Recent archaeological excavations have unearthed numerous trade goods from China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, drawing attention as an important site that tells the story of Ryukyu's maritime trade history.
Near Katsuren Castle, the approximately 4.7 km-long "Kaichu Road" stretches across the sea, offering a thrilling drive route above the water. The outlying islands beyond Kaichu Road, including Hamahiga Island, Miyagi Island, and Ikei Island, can easily be combined into your itinerary. The "Central Gusuku Course (6-8 hours)" paired with Nakagusuku Castle is one of our most requested routes.
From the First Enclosure, a stunning view spans both the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Highlights of Katsuren Castle
Katsuren Castle is built on four levels, from the Fourth Enclosure at the entrance up to the First Enclosure at the summit, and the stone masonry grows visibly more refined as you climb. From the top, a 360-degree view opens up, with the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean visible at the same time.
Recent excavations have uncovered celadon, white porcelain and West Asian glassware, all evidence of the castle's role as a maritime trade hub. Some of these finds are displayed at the Uruma City Katsuren Castle Ruins Exhibition Hall, which is well worth a stop alongside the ruins themselves. About 10 minutes by car from the site lies the 4.7 km Kaichu Road, and many visitors enjoy pairing the castle with a drive across the sea to the outer islands.
Kaichu Road: a 4.7 km drive route stretching across the sea.
Exquisitely crafted Ryukyuan stone walls. Four enclosures shape the hillside.
Getting to Katsuren Castle by Taxi
The estimated fare for Naha to Katsuren Castle (3-4 hours) starts from ¥21,000 (tax included, expressway tolls separate). The "Central Gusuku Course (6-8 hours)" combined with Nakagusuku Castle starts from approximately ¥42,000. The "Uruma Full Course (8 hours)" including Kaichu Road and island driving is available from ¥56,000. Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for exploring the castle ruins. Wear comfortable walking shoes as there are many slopes and stairs.
Admission is ¥600 for adults and ¥400 for children, and the site is open year-round. Visiting first thing in the morning means fewer crowds, giving you the castle practically to yourself. Your driver will wait at the parking lot, so you can explore at your own pace.
— Combine with Kaichu Road: After visiting Katsuren Castle, cross Kaichu Road and enjoy lunch on Hamahiga Island or Miyagi Island — a hugely popular course. We can drive you all the way to the islands, letting you experience the deeper side of Uruma that's difficult to reach by public transport.
Katsuren Castle Tour Fares
| Plan | Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip charter from Naha (3–4 hours) | ¥21,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥4,200 per person. Expressway tolls, parking and admission charged separately |
| Central castles course (6–8 hours, with Nakagusuku Castle) | ¥42,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥8,400 per person. Expressway tolls, parking and admission charged separately |
| Uruma full course (8 hours, adding Kaichu-doro and the islands) | ¥56,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥11,200 per person. Expressway tolls, parking and admission charged separately |
| Naha Airport → hotels in Uruma (transfer) | ¥14,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥2,800 per person. Expressway tolls included |
| hotels in Uruma → Naha Airport (transfer) | ¥14,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥2,800 per person. Expressway tolls included |
Charter fares are time-based at ¥7,000 per hour (¥3,500 per additional 30 minutes booked in advance). Extensions made after departure are ¥4,200 per 30 minutes. Admission, expressway tolls and parking are charged at cost. For charters of 6 hours or more we take a 30% deposit when you book, and the balance is paid on the day. Minimum booking times depend on where you start: from 3 hours in the south and central area, 4 hours in Onna Village and 6 hours in the north, and 8 hours for trips that cross between the south and the north. Where a long transfer is involved, the transfer fare for that stretch is the floor for the price.
Address
3908 Katsuren Haebaru, Uruma City
Opening Hours
9:00 - 19:00 (Open year-round)
Admission
Adults ¥600 / Children ¥400
From Naha
Approx. 40-50 min via expressway
Access Information
| Location | 3908 Katsuren Haebaru, Uruma City, Okinawa |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 - 19:00 (Open year-round) |
| Admission | Adults ¥600 / Children ¥400 |
| From Naha | Approx. 40-50 min via expressway (approx. 20 min from Okinawa-Kita IC) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a taxi from Naha to Katsuren Castle cost?
A round-trip charter of 3 to 4 hours starts from ¥21,000. That is the price for one Alphard carrying up to five guests, so with five people it works out from ¥4,200 each. Admission (¥600 adults, ¥400 children) and expressway tolls are charged separately.
How long does the visit take?
Forty minutes to an hour round the ruins, or an hour and a half including the displays at the foot of the hill.
Are the stone steps hard going?
Steps climb all the way to the top enclosure and the treads are uneven, so wear shoes you can walk in. The reward is a view over Kin Bay and the Kaichu-doro causeway.
Can we add Kaichu-doro?
Yes, about 10 minutes away. Carrying on to Hamahiga or Ikei Island makes an 8-hour Uruma full course from ¥56,000.
Can we visit Nakagusuku Castle the same day?
Yes, about 30 minutes away. The two castles together make a 6 to 8 hour central castles course from ¥42,000.
Ready to book?
