Zakimi Castle, Gusuku in Yomitan, Japan
Zakimi Castle is a Ryukyuan fortress with two enclosed areas on a hilltop, surrounded by stone walls arranged in a zigzag pattern that follows the natural contours. The elevated location offers views across the surrounding land.
Gosamaru, a Ryukyuan general, built Zakimi Castle between 1416 and 1422, using workers from the Amami Islands and stone from nearby Yamada Castle. He held it until his transfer to Nakagusuku Castle in 1430. In 1944 a Japanese anti-aircraft battery was installed in the first enclosure; the castle was heavily damaged by bombing in October 1944 and later by a US Nike missile radar site, returned in 1974.
The name Zakimi comes from the Okinawan Zachimi Gushiku. The castle's first enclosure held a Japanese anti-aircraft battery in 1944; after the war the site served as a US Nike missile radar station until its return in 1974. Since 1991 the grounds have hosted outdoor theatre, including a Midsummer Night's Dream with Gosamaru as protagonist.
The ruins are freely accessible without entrance fees and welcome exploration. Well-maintained paths and convenient stairs lead uphill, making it wise to wear comfortable walking shoes.
The walls were built using two different stone-laying methods, with one employing carefully stacked blocks and the other a looser arrangement. These two styles are visible side by side and show different approaches the workers used.
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