Nakagusuku Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Kitanakagusuku, Japan.
Nakagusuku Castle is a hillside castle ruin in Kitanakagusuku featuring six distinct courtyards arranged along the slope. The walls are built from carefully stacked limestone blocks that follow the natural terrain and create different levels of fortification.
In the late 14th century, generations of the Sachinakagusuku Aji built the southern, western, first and second baileys. In 1440 Gosamaru moved from Zakimi Castle and added the third and northern baileys, using the aikata-zumi technique. In 1458 Amawari attacked from the east and Gosamaru took his own life. After 1609 it served as a guard post, and from 1879 as the village office.
The name Nakagusuku comes from the Okinawan Nakagushiku. The first enclosure held the Seiden hall and the Kangetsudai, a terrace where Gosamaru held banquets. The South Enclosure is one of the oldest parts and holds several worship sites (uganju), still visited today. About 200 m east of the walls stands Gosamaru's tomb.
The site is accessible during daytime hours and sits on a hillside, so wear sturdy shoes and allow time for climbing. The paths are sometimes steep and shade is limited, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Commodore Matthew Perry noted in 1853 that the walls were specifically designed to withstand cannon fire, showing how advanced the builders understood military engineering. His observation from a Western military commander documented the sophisticated defensive design.
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