Ie Udun tomb, Royal tomb in Shuri Ishimine, Japan
The Ie Udun tomb is a royal burial site in Naha with a turtle shell-shaped design and chambered stone structures. The overall grounds span multiple levels with limited garden spaces designed to honor those interred within.
The site was constructed in 1687 following royal guidelines under the direction of a Chinese feng shui specialist. It served as the burial location for Prince Ie Choki and subsequent members of the Ryukyu royal lineage.
The tomb displays the Kamekko-baka architectural style, reflecting how Okinawan people historically arranged burial spaces for royal family members. You can observe in its stone construction how deeply protection of the deceased was valued.
The tomb is easily accessible within Naha city and retains its original stone structures despite past damage. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the pathways traverse uneven terrain.
The tomb was repaired with concrete sections after wartime damage, giving the historic site a mixed appearance of old and modern materials. This combination tells the story of post-war recovery and how the site was adapted to survive.
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