Visiting Nakijin Castle

About Nakijin Castle

The seat of the northern Hokuzan kings before the island was unified, Nakijin has winding stone walls about 1.5 km long on a hilltop above the sea. Early-blooming cherry trees colour the approach from late January.

Tip: Combine it with the Churaumi Aquarium, about 15 minutes away by car.

Plan your visit

• Time needed: 1 hour.
• Cost: Low cost.
• Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
• Where: Motobu Peninsula, northern peninsula with the aquarium, Bise's tree-lined lanes and island bridges.

Best time to visit Nakijin Castle

To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:

• November: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, quiet crowds.
• October: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
• April: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, moderate crowds.

For the view at golden hour: in mid-November the sun sets at about 17:40 local time (calculated for Okinawa).

When to visit Okinawa has the full month-by-month picture.

Fit it into your trip

Our 3-day Okinawa itinerary visits Nakijin Castle on day 1, together with Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Kouri Island and Kokusai-dori.

• No. 11 of the 18 sights in our Okinawa things-to-do list.
• Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
• Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
• Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
• One of the picks in historic sites in Okinawa.

Near Nakijin Castle

Also in Motobu Peninsula, so you can walk between them:

• Kouri Island — 2 hours, free
• Bise Fukugi Tree Road — 1 hour, free
• Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium — half a day with the park, mid-priced

If you like Nakijin Castle

• Shuri Castle — Naha (Kokusai-dori), 2 hours
• Okinawa Peace Memorial Park — Nanjo and the south, 2 hours
• Nakagusuku Castle — Okinawa City (Koza), 1 hour
• Zakimi Castle — Yomitan, 45 minutes

Staying near Nakijin Castle

Stay in Motobu Peninsula ($$$) to walk here: northern peninsula with the aquarium, Bise's tree-lined lanes and island bridges. All areas to stay in Okinawa.

Questions travellers ask