Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum

Overview

Tamaudun (玉陵) is the royal mausoleum of the Ryukyu Kingdom's Second Shō dynasty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just west of Shuri Castle. The monumental stone tomb houses the remains of Ryukyuan kings and queens from 1501 onward.

Highlights

• Three-Chamber Design: The mausoleum is divided into east, central, and west chambers for different burial stages.
• Stone Lion Guardians: Carved shisa figures guard the entrance, among the oldest surviving examples.
• Underground Museum: A small exhibition hall displaying royal artifacts and explaining Ryukyuan funerary customs.

History

Built in 1501 by King Shō Shin to consolidate the remains of his father, Shō En, and the royal lineage. The mausoleum was badly damaged during the Battle of Okinawa and painstakingly restored over several decades. UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site in 2000.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Combine with Shuri Castle — Tamaudun is a 5-minute walk from the castle gate.
• Tip 2: Entry is ¥300 and includes the underground exhibition.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.