Nakijin Village

Nakijin Castle is completely different in character from Shuri Castle. It's not a political castle, but a castle built on the terrain and stones. The first thing that's overwhelming is the scale of the castle grounds. The castle is built as if the entire ridge were a castle, with curving stone walls that run along the mountain ridge. The stone walls aren't high. But their angle and placement suggest a "full intention to take them down." The design, which avoids straight lines and instead uses curves to rob attackers of their line of sight and movement, is no coincidence. This is the result of a combination of experience. The view from inside the castle is also formidable. The East China Sea stretches out below. The significance of controlling this spot is immediately apparent. "If this spot is taken, the north is finished." The castle is located in such a place. And what's important is that Nakijin Castle's ruined form is its perfect form. Unlike Shuri Castle, there are no restored buildings. Yet, the stone walls and terrain alone convey just how powerful it was. For castle lovers, there's no greater luxury.