Tamaudun Visiting the Royal Resting Place.

Where the Ryukyu Royals Rest, A 500-Year Stone Mausoleum.

Tamaudun is the royal mausoleum of the Ryukyu Kingdom, located right next to Shuri Castle. Built in the early 16th century by King Sho Shin for his father King Sho En, this stone mausoleum features a distinctive structure with three stone chambers (east, center, and west). In 2000, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu" along with Shuri Castle.

The stone walls facing the forecourt plaza and the beautiful limestone structures are highly regarded for their state of preservation, and they remain revered as a sacred site still protected by descendants of the Ryukyu royal family. The division into three chambers - the central chamber for pre-washing remains, the eastern chamber for the washed bones of kings and queens, and the western chamber for other royal family members - conveys the funeral customs of that era to the present day.

Despite being a relatively lesser-known hidden gem with fewer tourists, it is a must-see spot where you can feel the beauty of Ryukyuan architecture and the weight of history. Located within a 10-minute walk from Shuri Castle, visiting both together is recommended. The "Shuri World Heritage Course (3 hours)" efficiently guides you through Tamaudun, Shuri Castle, and Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate.

The stone mausoleum Tamaudun, built in the 16th century. A distinctive structure with three stone chambers side by side.

Architecture and History of Tamaudun

Tamaudun's most distinctive feature is its unique structure with three stone chambers lined up side by side. The eastern chamber houses the remains of successive Ryukyuan kings from King Sho Shin to King Sho Ko (reigned 1804-34) and their queens, reflecting Okinawa's funeral custom of "senkotsu" (bone washing). Beautiful stone statues (evil-repelling stone lions) are placed outside the stone walls, guarding the sacred domain.

The stone material is Ryukyu limestone unique to Okinawa. This limestone is relatively easy to process yet excels in strength and durability, and has been widely used in Okinawan structures. The stonework of Tamaudun, surviving over 500 years, speaks to the high level of craftsmanship of the artisans of that era. Allow about 30-45 minutes for a thorough visit.

The streets of Shuri. The atmosphere of the castle town still remains.

Ryukyu limestone unique to Okinawa. Beautiful stonework surviving over 500 years.

Getting to Tamaudun by Taxi

The estimated fare from Naha to the Shuri area (Tamaudun + Shuri Castle set, 3 hours) starts from ¥18,600 (tax included). From city hotels, the estimate starts from ¥18,600. Allow 30-45 minutes for viewing Tamaudun, but combined with adjacent Shuri Castle Park, it becomes a half-day course.

Tamaudun is located just west of Shuri Castle Park, so you can easily stop by on foot while visiting Shuri Castle. It is the ideal course for those who want to efficiently tour Naha's World Heritage Sites.

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