Shureimon, Historic gate in Shuri, Naha, Japan.
Shureimon is a gate in Shuri, Naha, serving as the second main entrance to the castle grounds. The structure features three bays beneath a curved red roof, with traditional characters set against white panels above each passage.
The original structure was built in the sixteenth century during the reign of King Sho Sei of the Ryukyu Kingdom. After complete destruction in World War II, reconstruction took place in 1958, following the original design.
Four Chinese characters adorning the gate spell 'Shu-rei-no-kuni,' representing the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom's commitment to proper conduct and ceremonial traditions.
The gate stands about a ten-minute walk from Shuri Station on the Yui Rail line, with several bus routes stopping nearby. The path from the station passes through residential streets and slopes gently upward before reaching the entrance area.
This structure appeared on the 2000 yen banknote, issued by Japan during the G8 summit in Okinawa. A few years after that honor, fire damaged the gate again, requiring partial restoration.
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