Chibana Castle, Ryukyuan castle ruins in Okinawa City, Japan

Chibana Castle is a fortress built from limestone walls perched on a forested hill in Okinawa. The ruins sit at elevation and command views across the city and surrounding terrain.

Chibana Castle was in use during the reign of the First Shō Dynasty and served as the residence of the Aji of Goeku Magiri. King Shō Taikyū gave the castle and Goeku Magiri to the general Uni-Ufugusuku after he defeated Amawari, the Aji of Katsuren Castle. After the fall of the First Shō Dynasty, Uni-Ufugusuku was expelled and later committed suicide; his tomb and his wife's were built at the foot of the hill.

The castle is also called Goeku Castle, after the Goeku Magiri district it governed. King Shō Taikyū granted it to the general Uni-Ufugusuku after he defeated Amawari of Katsuren Castle. Uni-Ufugusuku's tomb and his wife's stand at the foot of the hill.

The path to the site is steep and crosses uneven ground, so sturdy shoes and careful footing are necessary. The walk offers places to stop and rest while taking in views as you make your way up.

A military leader received this castle as a reward for battlefield success, and the site marks the legacy of this historical figure and family. The tombs of both this person and their spouse remain at the base of the hill.