Tamagusuku Castle, Gusuku fortress in Nanjō, Japan
Tamagusuku Castle is a limestone fortress perched on a hilltop at 180 meters elevation near Nanjō in Okinawa Prefecture. The fortification includes multiple stone enclosures connected by wooden stairs and natural stone walls that form part of the structure itself.
The fortress served as a residence for the Aji of Tamagusuku Magiri starting in the early 1300s and was governed by the Nanzan kingdom. It became part of the broader Ryukyu Kingdom and functioned as a key military stronghold in the region.
The castle gates and structures showcase traditional Ryukyuan architecture with rounded entrances carved into natural rock formations. This building style shows how early settlers integrated their fortresses directly into the landscape rather than imposing structures upon it.
The site has parking spaces for roughly ten vehicles and offers free access to visitors. Wooden stairs lead to the fortress enclosures, so wear sturdy footwear when exploring the grounds.
During the summer solstice, sunlight streams through the stone castle gate in a way that creates a natural light display visible from the first enclosure. This seasonal effect suggests the ancient builders aligned this structure with the sun's path.
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