We chartered a small bus to take the 25 of us around Naha for the two days here on a cruise ship (MSC Billissima). The agent told us that it is free to explore the grounds but to get inside the main palace court one would have to pay. Since the fire of 2019, the main court is not even opened for the public so he suggested that we just explore the grounds and that was exactly what we did without any admission fees. There were a lot of people even early in the morning but it was fun just walking through the gates and taking in the sights. We were inside the main court about five years ago and there wasn't much to see at that time anyway, so we were happy just wandering around the castle.

We had mixed feeling when we visited the Shurijo Castle. It was burnt down in 2019 and it would take years to finish. You could not see the castle at all, it was covered by a mega box. Entrance fee was ¥400 per person. We walked inside the castle are but we a little disaapointed to realised that you could not see anything about the castle.

The castle was burned down a few years back and they are still working to restore it; so unfortunately most of the main castle was covered up. You can instead check out the workshop where they are making the wood to recreate the castle by traditional techniques. However, since you can only look down from the observation platform and watch explanatory videos, it wasn't very interesting. I found it more interesting walking around the castle, outside the ticketed area, where you can see people practicing karate on open grass. And in the evening, a few hours after the castle closed and most tourists left, the place took on a very different feel

Very cool place to visit while in Naha/Okinawa - it’s about a 20 minute cab ride from the Naha cruise terminal. I do wish the main reviews posted in Google actually showed that the main building burnt down in 2019 (5th time it burned down) and the massive palace building is being meticulously recreated. I was disappointed but when we got our tickets (approx $3 USD pp and they DO take small USD bills!) and went inside the restoration process was fascinating to watch - workers are there on week days so you can see the work being done. That said, it was still worth a visit and the grounds were quite extensive and the other buildings/walls/gates were really neat. There are also multiple places to get food (the top floor of the info building has a full service restaurant and a small cafe with snack offerings like popcorn chicken, soup noodles and ice cream), museum shops and some shopping kiosks from various vendors selling tourist Knick knacks. FYI you only need tickets if you want to go into the building to see the restoration work and the other back areas of the compound.

Shuri Castle is a symbol of Okinawa, and I was shocked by the news that the main hall and other buildings were destroyed in a fire that occurred in 2019. Four and a half years have passed since then. Although I knew that restoration work was underway, I was able to visit Shuri Castle, which was my dream. The area where the Seiden is built is a paid zone. Among these, the restoration work for the Seiden was carried out under a ``plain roof'' to protect it from rain and wind. The restoration process was open to the public like us. There are walkways, stairs, elevators, etc. for visitors, and we were able to take a close look at the current situation. Two years later, I will come back to see the revived Shuri Castle.

A symbol of the Ryukyu Dynasty. I think it is a must-see spot in Okinawa. It is a building that represents the Ryukyus of the past in a tourist-oriented Okinawa. Currently being rebuilt, you can see the internal structure that will never be seen again. This time, I went to see the New Year's party on New Year's Day. Some people may think of it as a show, but it is a very important place considering that Ryukyuan dance is taught at the Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts just below. Some people criticize turning it into a tourist destination, but I think it will become the identity of the Okinawan people. Rather than just looking at the buildings, I think it would be a good idea to read the many explanations carefully, and if you are interested, read a book about Okinawa's history.

A little history of Ryukyu culture. The castle has unfortunately burned down several times, most recently in 2019. Currently it is being restored and you can watch the progress through stained glass windows. The terrain is also very nice and with a QR Code scavenger hunt you can learn a lot about the history.

Location: We visited here via public transport. We took the Yui Rail to Shuri station, then it is quite a distance to walk to the entrance to the castle (about 1km) - there is signage to lead the way, and we also asked the Lawson, Family Mart konbini staff along the way to make sure we are going the right way. There are bus stops, but does not seem to be frequent. For Google Maps, you'll want to put Shureimon Gate as the landmark as that is the main entrance. After visiting, one of the locals recommended walking to Gibo station (also about 1km). Alternatively, there are many taxi drivers in the area, who slow down to look if you're needing a ride. Oh actually! There is a shorter walk to enter via Kyukeimon (visit their website for a very helpful guide at their website: Home page > banner "Access from Yui Rail Shuri station") Wish I had seen this before going! Attraction: - The only paid area is the main hall, which is under restoration works until 2026-2027. Entering now, you can view the progress of restoration works live, which is quite interesting to see the craftsmanship first hand! - Without paying an entrance fee, you can still view an indoor video exhibition (near the Shureimon entrance), walk around the rest of the castle, admire the greenery of the gardens and hill top view. The is a little tea house of the top of the hill, facing the payment booth before entering the main hall. We stopped here for a snack of traditional tea and confectionery - an affordable experience, and calm ambience to sit in a tatami room of the tea house. Amenities: - There is on-site parking via Shureimon entrance - There is a gift shop, restaurants, and accessible bathrooms. There were strollers and motorised wheelchairs available for loan, and an alternative step-free trail to go around the castle grounds

I was visiting with a friend just a month before this "Shuri Castle" burned down, the heart of Okinawans. The way it burned down on TV brought tears to my eyes. I wanted to see Shuri Castle, which is being rebuilt, so I went there this time. After passing through the Shureimon gate, the large buildings that look like factories appear large. There was a print of Shuri Castle on it, and I realized that there was nothing like it again. Inside a building separate from the main hall under construction, a pair of stone pillar dragons, which were left unburned, remained, albeit burnt black, and where they lay on display, I really felt the enormity of the fire and said, "Good work!" I want to say, "What are you doing?" The construction site of the main shrine can be seen from above, from the cutting of timber and materials to assembly. It is already covered with beautiful red tiles and you can see the craftsmen at work up close. I will definitely come back some years from now when this new Shuri Castle is completed.

The castle was still being rebuilt in places when we went following a fire a few years earlier. there is still plenty see - some gardens, buildings, and views. It's worth doing and you capture some of the history as there is some information on site. It was less than 400 Yen each to enter as well.