Zakimi Castle

Zakimi Castle is a gusuku (Ryukyuan castle) in Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture, inscribed in 2000 as a component of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.' It is said to have been built in the early 15th century—when Ryukyu flourished through trade with Japan, China, and Southeast Asia—by Gosamaru, the lord (aji) of Yomitanzan, who was celebrated as a master castle builder. After taking part in the Chūzan king Shō Hashi's conquest of Hokuzan (Nakijin Castle), Gosamaru is said to have chosen this elevated site for its strategic advantage. The castle consists of two enclosures ringed by gracefully curving walls of Ryukyuan limestone; its wedge-stone arch gate is regarded as the oldest surviving arch gate in Okinawa and demonstrates the sophistication of indigenous Ryukyuan masonry. Gosamaru later moved to Nakagusuku Castle, and Zakimi was used as an anti-aircraft position by the Japanese military during World War II and later as a US radar base before being excavated and restored. The adjacent Yuntanza Museum displays archaeological, folk, natural, and fine-art materials relating to the castle and Yomitan, conveying the history and warrior culture of Ryukyu's gusuku age.