Shuri District

Overview

The Shuri district sits on a limestone ridge above central Naha, centered around Shuri Castle. Beyond the castle, the neighborhood retains the atmosphere of the old royal capital, with stone-walled lanes, traditional red-tiled houses, and several awamori distilleries.

Highlights

• Awamori Distilleries: Several historic distilleries in Shuri (including Zuisen and Mizuho) offer tastings of Okinawa's signature rice spirit.
• Traditional Architecture: Red-tiled roofs, coral limestone walls, and fukugi windbreak trees line the quiet residential streets.
• Artisan Workshops: Small bingata dyeing studios and pottery workshops dot the hillside lanes.

History

Shuri served as the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom from 1429 to 1879. After the kingdom's dissolution and again after the Battle of Okinawa, the area transformed from a political capital to a residential neighborhood. Today it preserves more traditional Okinawan architecture than any other part of Naha.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Combine the castle, Tamaudun, Kinjo stone road, and awamori tasting into a single half-day walking tour.
• Tip 2: The monorail's Shuri Station provides easy access.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.