The panorama that is compared to a giant sailing ship
Taking 1 hour by expressway from Naha Airport, Katsuren Castle is a long and narrow structure extending from east to west on the Katsuren Peninsula along the east coast of the main island of Okinawa. From the wide area in front of the castle, the entire view of the castle can be seen which resembles that of a giant sailing ship on a hill against the blue sky. This well illustrates Katsuren Castle which flourished in overseas trade. From the most northwestern point, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th kuruwa enclosures and each flat area are arranged in a low step-like design, and in the rest station which is located on the other side by the castle road, excavated relics and a reconstruction of Katsuren Castle are on display.
Castle construction making use of the height difference
Katsuren Castle was constructed under the Teikaku-shiki design in which the castle was arranged in a step-like pattern with the 4 flat areas of land. The castle walls spread out as they masterfully made use of the natural topography, and their stonework going as far as the edge of the high cliffs is another special feature. You will notice variety in the elaborate designs of the different parts of the castle such as the 2nd kuruwa where important government affairs were handled, the huge stairs for the 4th kuruwa which extended for 20m against attacking armies, and the well at the 4th kuruwa which held water for industrial use.
The apex of the castle with its 360-degree panoramic view
The highest point at 98m is a picturesque area with a 360-degree view. To the north, there is a panoramic view of sites such as Kin Bay surrounded by the northern mountains and the islands of Uruma City, and when you turn around, there is Chinen Peninsula, Kudakashima Island, and the remains of Nakagusuku Castle so that it feels as if the castle is floating upon the sea. Katsuren Castle continues up a steep slope to make use of the mountains, so it is advised to be especially careful on the stone steps since they can be slippery.