{"id":22534,"date":"2026-04-12T18:22:51","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T09:22:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/?p=22534"},"modified":"2026-04-13T07:09:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T22:09:06","slug":"okinawa-zakimi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/okinawa-zakimi\/","title":{"rendered":"Explore \u3010Zakimi Castle Ruins\u3011A Must-Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site in Okinawa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>On Friday, April 10th, blessed with beautiful weather, I took a drive to visit Zakimi Castle Ruins, a World Heritage site located in Yomitan Village in the central part of Okinawa Main Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I set off around 8:30 AM. Taking the bypass that runs along the coast from Naha through Urasoe and Ginowan, I headed north. Passing through Chatan and Kadena, I arrived in Yomitan Village in just over an hour. Since it was a weekday, the roads were clear, and I reached my destination surprisingly quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4293-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4293-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4293-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4293-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4293-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4293-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Entrance Office<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4297-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22543\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4297-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4297-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4297-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4297-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4297-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stone monument of Zakimi Castle <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4298-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22544\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4298-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4298-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4298-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4298-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4298-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The path is surrounded by a quiet pine forest <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4301-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22546\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4301-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4301-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4301-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4301-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4301-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lower gate of the castle wall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d114350.94321454658!2d127.659333!3d26.408403!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x34e51120929aa65f%3A0xa6e58af9110a7808!2sZakimi%20Castle%20Ruins!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sjp!4v1776028073057!5m2!1sen!2sjp\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" style=\"border:0;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">History of Zakimi Castle <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Zakimi Castle (Zakimi-jo) is a &#8220;Gusuku&#8221; (Okinawan castle) built in the early 15th century by <strong><span class=\"swl-marker mark_yellow\">Gosamaru<\/span><\/strong>, a legendary commander of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Situated on a hill about 125 meters above sea level in Yomitan Village, it served as a vital military fortress to monitor the Chuzan King\u2019s court and keep a watchful eye on northern forces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The castle&#8217;s most striking features are its arched stone gates\u2014said to be the oldest in Okinawa\u2014and its castle walls that trace beautiful, undulating curves like a folding screen. These curves were a brilliant feat of engineering, designed both to reinforce the fragile ground and to eliminate military blind spots for defending against enemies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During World War II, the site served as a Japanese military base, and after the war, it was used as a U.S. military radar station. With Okinawa&#8217;s reversion to Japan in 1972, it was designated a National Historic Site. In 2000, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the &#8220;Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.&#8221; Today, it is renowned for its sophisticated stonework technology and the breathtaking panoramic views of the East China Sea.<\/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\/04\/IMG_4322-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22558\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7499961852445258;width:411px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4322-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4322-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4322-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4322-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4322-scaled.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enter the lower part of the castle grounds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The beautifully curved fortress has only one narrow gate. This was, of course, a deliberate design to prevent many enemies from rushing in at once. Passing through the gate, you first enter a lower courtyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4304-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22547\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4304-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4304-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4304-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4304-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4304-scaled.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lower gate <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4305-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4305-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4305-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4305-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4305-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4305-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lower plaza<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4306-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22549\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4306-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4306-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4306-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4306-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4306-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The pathway on the left side of the square<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4307-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4307-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4307-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4307-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4307-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4307-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Entrance gate to the upper plaza <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ascend to the upper level of the castle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Passing through the narrow gate to the upper tier, you\u2019ll find another open plaza. The castle walls surrounding this upper area are accessible via simple stairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking down from the top of the walls, lush green trees spread across the base of the cliffs, with the villages of <strong>Yomitan<\/strong> unfolding in the distance beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\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=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4309-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22551\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3333501081978762;width:319px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4309-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4309-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4309-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4309-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4309-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stairs leading to the upper castle  wall<\/figcaption><\/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=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4310-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22559\" style=\"width:320px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4310-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4310-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4310-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4310-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4310-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">View of the upper plaza from atop the castle wall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4312-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22553\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3333501081978762;width:315px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4312-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4312-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4312-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4312-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4312-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The entrance gate to upper side plaza <\/figcaption><\/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=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4313-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22554\" style=\"width:321px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4313-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4313-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4313-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4313-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4313-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The trees and the village of Yomitan viewed from the castle walls<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The wisdom of the great general Gosamaru<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I learned about two clever defensive traps designed by Gosamaru, the master of Ryukyuan castle construction, from a staff member at the Yomitan Village Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Gosamaru\u2019s Trap #1:<\/strong> Inside the small stone gate, there is a thin, wedge-shaped stone. If that stone is pulled out, the entire gate collapses, blocking the entrance and preventing further intrusion.<\/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=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4318-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22556\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3333501081978762;width:267px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4318-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4318-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4318-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4318-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4318-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lower castle gate as seen from the inside<\/figcaption><\/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\/04\/IMG_4317-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22555\" style=\"width:212px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4317-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4317-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4317-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4317-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4317-scaled.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At the bottom of the wall of the stone gate , there is a small , wedge-shaped stone <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Gosamaru\u2019s Trap #2:<\/strong> As enemies rush into the lower courtyard, they see only one narrow passage leading to the left. Naturally, the invaders charge toward that single path\u2014only to find themselves in a dead-end cul-de-sac! From there, the defenders would look down from the surrounding walls and wipe out the trapped enemy forces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Zakimi Castle Gosamaru&#039;s Trap\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/THA32lbRQok?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Concluding remarks <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The ruins of this famous castle are only about an hour\u2019s drive from Naha. It is one of the rare sites among Okinawa&#8217;s Gusuku where visitors can actually climb onto the artistically curved walls. Almost everyone there was climbing the ladder-like stairs to enjoy the surrounding views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps because the stone ruins require little maintenance compared to wooden buildings, there is no admission fee to enter! (lol)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Combined with nearby spots like Cape Zanpa and Yachimun no Sato (Pottery Village), it\u2019s a perfect destination for a day trip. If you ever enjoy a drive on Okinawa Main Island, I highly recommend paying a visit!<\/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\/04\/IMG_4301-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22546\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.333341484289033;width:377px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4301-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4301-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4301-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4301-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4301-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lower gate of the castle wall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On Friday, April 10th, blessed with beautiful weather, I took a drive to visit Zakimi Castle Ruins, a World Heritage site located in Yomitan Village in the central part of Okinawa Main Island. I set off around 8:30 AM. Taking the bypass that runs along the coast from Naha through Urasoe and Ginowan, I headed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22564,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"swell_btn_cv_data":"","footnotes":"","_wp_rev_ctl_limit":""},"categories":[6,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22534","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\/22534","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=22534"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22534\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22567,"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22534\/revisions\/22567"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22564"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22534"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22534"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/multipoints.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22534"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}