Zakimi Castle Gosamaru's Masterpiece.

Built by Gosamaru, Ryukyu's Most Beautiful Twin Arch Gate.

Zakimi Castle Ruins is a Ryukyuan gusuku (castle) site located in Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa. Built in the early 15th century by the lord Gosamaru, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 as part of the "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu." Situated on a hilltop in Yomitan Village in central Okinawa, it is approximately 50 minutes by car from Naha.

The main highlight is the oldest twin arch stone gate in Ryukyu. The arch gate was constructed using an elaborate masonry technique called "aikata-zumi" (interlocking stonework) without the use of any mortar, and it has maintained its form for over 600 years. It is highly regarded from an architectural history perspective as a masterpiece demonstrating Gosamaru's architectural sense and advanced masonry skills.

From the castle ruins, you can enjoy panoramic views of Yomitan Village's lush green hills and the East China Sea. Nearby is "Yachimun no Sato" (Pottery Village), a cluster of Okinawan pottery workshops, and a course combining the castle visit with traditional Okinawan crafts is popular. Yomitan Village also features concentrated tourist spots including Cape Zanpa and Murasaki Mura experience kingdom, making it an area you can fully enjoy over half a day to a full day.

Ryukyu's oldest twin arch stone gate. The refined "aikata-zumi" technique lives on to this day.

Highlights of Zakimi Castle

The two arch gates set in a row inside the castle are known as the oldest arch-style stone gates among Okinawa's gusuku. The curved lines of the stacked limestone speak to the level of civil engineering at the time of Gosamaru, and walking through the gates is in itself one of the highlights of a visit to Zakimi Castle.

The castle ruins sit on a hill at around 127 metres, and on a clear day you can take in the East China Sea horizon together with the greenery of Yomitan Village. At dusk the sky turns a deep red, which makes it an especially good time for photography. About 10 minutes by car from the castle is "Yachimun no Sato," a village of Okinawan pottery workshops and kilns where you can buy pieces on the spot, and we recommend pairing the two as part of the same visit.

Yachimun no Sato. An area where traditional Okinawan yachimun pottery workshops gather.

"Aikata-zumi" stone walls. Enduring over 600 years without mortar.

Getting to Zakimi Castle by Taxi

The estimated fare from Naha to Zakimi Castle (3-4 hours) starts from ¥18,600 (tax included, expressway tolls separate). The "Yomitan Course (5 hours)" covering Zakimi Castle + Yachimun no Sato + Cape Zanpa is approximately from ¥31,000. Castle viewing takes about 30-45 minutes. There are stone-paved slopes, so please wear comfortable walking shoes.

Zakimi Castle has free admission, making it an easy spot to visit. It can also be incorporated en route to Manzamo or Mihama American Village. Your driver will wait on site, allowing flexible adjustment of viewing time based on crowd conditions.

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