SUI TAXI · WORLD HERITAGE
Tamaudun Visiting the Royal Resting Place.
World Heritage | Royal Mausoleum | Shuri
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 connects Tamaudun, Shuri Castle, and Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate by private taxi.
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.
Step outside Tamaudun and you are in a quiet neighborhood. Red-tiled homes line the streets of Shuri today.
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 ¥21,000 (tax included). From city hotels, the estimate starts from ¥21,000. 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.
— Set visit with Shuri Castle: Tamaudun is a 10-minute walk from Shuri Castle. Visiting both on the same day is efficient. A popular course is Shuri Castle in the morning and Tamaudun plus nearby Shikinaen in the afternoon.
Tamaudun Tour Fares
| Plan | Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip charter from Naha (3 hours, with Shuri Castle) | ¥21,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥4,200 per person. Expressway tolls, parking and admission charged separately |
| Naha World Heritage course (4 hours, with Shuri Castle and Shikinaen) | ¥28,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥5,600 per person. Expressway tolls, parking and admission charged separately |
| Naha Airport → hotels in Naha (transfer) | ¥14,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥2,800 per person. Expressway tolls included |
| hotels in Naha → 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
1-3 Shuri Kinjocho, Naha City
Opening Hours
9:00 - 18:00 (Open year-round)
Admission
Adults ¥300 / Children ¥150
From Shuri Castle
Approx. 10 min on foot
Access Information
| Location | 1-3 Shuri Kinjocho, Naha City |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 - 18:00 (Last entry 17:30 / Open year-round) |
| Admission | Adults ¥300 / Children ¥150 |
| From Shuri Castle | Approx. 10 min on foot |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a taxi from Naha to Tamaudun cost?
A 3-hour charter taking in Shuri Castle 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 (¥300 adults, ¥150 children) is charged separately.
How long does the visit take?
Thirty to 40 minutes for the underground exhibition room and the tomb chambers, longer if you want to study the stonework.
Can we walk here from Shuri Castle?
Yes, about 10 minutes from Shureimon. Visiting the castle and then Tamaudun and being collected at the far end keeps the walking to a minimum.
Is there anything we should know before visiting?
This is the royal mausoleum. Please walk quietly and do not touch the tomb chambers. The limestone paving is slippery when wet.
Can we add Shikinaen or Shuri Castle?
Yes, Shikinaen is about 10 minutes by car. All three make a four-hour Naha World Heritage course from ¥28,000.
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Recommended Combination Courses
Shuri Castle
UNESCO World Heritage site of the Ryukyu Kingdom
Stay 30 min+
Shikinaen
World Heritage royal garden of the Ryukyu Kingdom
Stay 30–60 min
Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate
World Heritage stone gate in Shuri Castle Park
Stay 30 min
Tsuboya Yachimun Street
Naha's 340-year-old pottery district. Walk the stone-paved alleys and visit workshops.
Stay 30 min+