ABOUT
About this spot
Shikina-en in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, is the largest secondary residence of the Ryukyu royal family, completed in 1799. It was used for the king's family to relax and as a guesthouse for entertaining the investiture envoys (sapposhi) from China. In 2000 it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu." The grounds are a "strolling garden" where you walk around a pond enjoying the views, and an unusual landscape unfolds in which Ryukyu's distinctive stone architecture, a Chinese-style pavilion (the hexagonal hall), and Japanese styles blend together. Especially notable are the beautiful arched bridge made of Ryukyu limestone and the stately red-tiled main hall (udun). The quiet space away from the bustle of the city, surrounded by southern plants such as banyan and cycads, is ideal for forgetting everyday life and refreshing. Why not visit slowly, with family and friends or alone, as a weekend stroll or a grown-up trip destination steeped in history?
Last updated March 26, 2026