{"id":20489,"date":"2026-02-20T06:49:40","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T21:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/?p=20489"},"modified":"2026-03-14T07:57:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T22:57:10","slug":"en-okinawa-shikinaen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/en-okinawa-shikinaen\/","title":{"rendered":"Visit Shikinaen: A UNESCO World Heritage in Okinawa\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When people think of Naha, Okinawa, the majestic Shuri Castle often comes to mind first. However, just a short distance away lies a tranquil hidden gem that was once the ultimate retreat for the Ryukyuan royalty:&nbsp;<strong>Shikinaen Garden<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Constructed in the late 18th century, Shikinaen is the largest second residence of the Ryukyu royal family. It served not only as a place for the royals to relax but also as a prestigious &#8220;state guest house&#8221; to welcome high-ranking diplomats (Sapposhi) from the Chinese Qing Dynasty. In 2000, it was rightfully designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this post, I\u2019ll share my experience visiting Shikinaen by local bus and provide some tips for your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-kazutana-com wp-block-embed-kazutana-com\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/en-okinawa-trouble\/\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get There<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Shikinaen is easily accessible from central Naha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>By Bus:<\/strong>&nbsp;From the Kokusai Dori (International Street) area, take&nbsp;<strong>Naha Bus No. 2 or No. 5<\/strong>. It\u2019s about a 15\u201320 minute ride. Get off at the&nbsp;<strong>&#8220;Shikinaen-mae&#8221;<\/strong>&nbsp;bus stop.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>By Taxi:<\/strong>&nbsp;If you are coming from Shuri Station (Yui Rail), a taxi will get you there in about 10 minutes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>&nbsp;I highly recommend<span class=\"swl-marker mark_yellow\"> arriving right when it opens at 9:00 AM. <\/span>I took the No. 5 bus from Kokusai Dori at 8:35 AM and arrived just before the gates opened. The morning air is crisp, and you can enjoy the serene atmosphere before the crowds arrive around 10:00 AM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d6929687.954296836!2d130.27046063845694!3d31.99786271816585!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sjp!4v1769803523585!5m2!1sen!2sjp\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" style=\"border:0;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1380-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21621\" style=\"width:346px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1380-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1380-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1380-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1380-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1380-scaled.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Walking Through History: Highlights of the Garden<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The garden is designed in the&nbsp;<strong>&#8220;Kaiyu-shiki&#8221; (strolling) style<\/strong>, a traditional Japanese landscaping method where you walk around a central pond. However, Shikinaen is unique for its blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Ryukyuan influences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. The Ryukyu Limestone Paths<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>As you enter, you\u2019ll notice the paths and walls are made of Ryukyu limestone (fossilized coral). This gives the garden a distinct Okinawan feel.&nbsp;<em>Note: The paths can be uneven, so wear comfortable walking shoes!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1385-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21623\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7500112465697962;width:361px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1385-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1385-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1385-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1385-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1385-scaled.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. The Udun (Royal Palace)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The &#8220;Udun&#8221; is a beautiful wooden villa with 15 rooms. This is where the royal family stayed and hosted Chinese envoys. You can take off your shoes and explore the interior, imagining what it was like to be a royal guest 200 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1394-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21624\" style=\"width:299px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1394-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1394-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1394-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1394-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1394-scaled.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1397-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21625\" style=\"width:297px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1397-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1397-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1397-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1397-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1397-scaled.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. The Rokkaku-do (Hexagonal Pavilion)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Situated on a small island in the &#8220;Shinji-ike&#8221; (Heart-shaped pond), this pavilion features distinct Chinese architecture with black tiles. It\u2019s a perfect spot for photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1398-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21627\" style=\"width:302px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1398-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1398-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1398-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1398-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1398-scaled.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1401-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21628\" style=\"width:297px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1401-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1401-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1401-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1401-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1401-scaled.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. The Arch Bridges<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The stone arch bridges connecting the islands are another highlight. They are crafted from local limestone but follow a Chinese-style design, showcasing the cultural fusion of the Ryukyu Kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1396-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21626\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7500100851183993;width:337px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1396-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1396-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1396-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1396-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1396-scaled.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Secret of the &#8220;Sea-less&#8221; View<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At the southern end of the garden, there is an observation point called&nbsp;<strong>Kanko-dai<\/strong>. Interestingly, despite being on an island, you cannot see the ocean from here\u2014only rolling hills and the city of Naha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Legend has it that Ryukyuan officials intentionally brought Chinese envoys here to say,&nbsp;<em>&#8220;<\/em><span class=\"swl-marker mark_green\"><em>Look at our kingdom! It is so vast that you cannot even see the ocean.&#8221;<\/em>&nbsp;<\/span>It was a clever bit of &#8220;diplomatic staging&#8221; to make the small island nation appear larger than it was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1405-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21629\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7500052978448367;width:400px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1405-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1405-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1405-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1405-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1405-scaled.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visitor Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Admission:<\/strong>&nbsp;400 JPY for adults (200 JPY for children).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hours:<\/strong>&nbsp;* April \u2013 Sept: 9:00 AM \u2013 5:30 PM\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Oct \u2013 March: 9:00 AM \u2013 5:00 PM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Closed:<\/strong>&nbsp;Wednesdays (If Wednesday is a holiday, it closes the following day).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A slow walk through Shikinaen takes about&nbsp;<strong>1.5 to 2 hours<\/strong>. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Naha and immerse yourself in the elegant history of the Ryukyu Kingdom, this is a must-visit spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you plan your next trip to Okinawa, make sure to add this peaceful World Heritage site to your itinerary!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Visit&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/okinawa-shikinaen\">multipoints.jp\/en\/<\/a>&nbsp;for more Okinawan travel insights.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Duty-Free-Shop-3-1024x768.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21933\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7500040811662341;width:256px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Duty-Free-Shop-3-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Duty-Free-Shop-3-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Duty-Free-Shop-3-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Duty-Free-Shop-3.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-kazutana-com wp-block-embed-kazutana-com\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/en-okinawa-castle\/\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-kazutana-com wp-block-embed-kazutana-com\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/en-okinawa-chatan\/\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-kazutana-com wp-block-embed-kazutana-com\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/en-okinawa-gangala\/\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-kazutana-com wp-block-embed-kazutana-com\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/okinawa-longevity-1\/\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When people think of Naha, Okinawa, the majestic Shuri Castle often comes to mind first. However, just a short distance away lies a tranquil hidden gem that was once the ultimate retreat for the Ryukyuan royalty:&nbsp;Shikinaen Garden. Constructed in the late 18th century, Shikinaen is the largest second residence of the Ryukyu royal family. It [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20492,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"swell_btn_cv_data":"","footnotes":"","_wp_rev_ctl_limit":""},"categories":[6,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20489","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-en","category-okinawa-english"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20489","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20489"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20489\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22325,"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20489\/revisions\/22325"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20492"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20489"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20489"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20489"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}