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.
The plaque reads 守禮之邦, 'Land of Propriety', a phrase from an edict of the Wanli Emperor at King Shō Ei's investiture. It was displayed only while Chinese envoys were present until the reign of King Shō Shitsu, when it became permanent. The gate was also called Shurimon and, in Okinawan, Uī-nu-Ayajō, 'beautiful gate above'.
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.
The gate's main columns stand 7.94 metres apart; the upper storey rises 7.05 metres and the lower 5.11 metres. Slanting accessory pillars brace the four posts front and back on their stone bases. The reconstructed gate was pictured on the 2000 yen note issued for the G8 summit in Okinawa.
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