The 2019 Fire

In the early hours of October 31, 2019, fire broke out in Shuri Castle’s main palace (Seiden), quickly spreading to surrounding structures. The blaze destroyed seven buildings totaling approximately 4,200 square meters, including the elaborately decorated main hall that had been painstakingly reconstructed in 1992. The fire devastated Okinawans who viewed the castle as a powerful symbol of their distinct cultural identity and the Ryukyu Kingdom’s historical sovereignty.

The cause remains officially undetermined, though electrical malfunction in the main hall is suspected. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities occurred, and the fire happened during closed hours when no visitors were present. However, irreplaceable artifacts, traditional paintings, and historically significant furnishings were lost—including items that had survived previous destructions.

This marked the fifth major destruction of Shuri Castle in its 600+ year history, following previous fires, battles, and the catastrophic Battle of Okinawa in 1945 which reduced the entire complex to rubble.

Reconstruction Timeline & Progress

Reconstruction officially began in 2020, with the Japanese government, Okinawa Prefecture, and numerous donors committing to restore the castle to its pre-fire state. The project follows the same traditional construction methods used in the 1992 reconstruction, employing specialized craftsmen skilled in Ryukyuan architectural techniques.

Current Status (as of December 2024):

• Foundation work and stone repairs completed

• Wooden framework construction underway on main palace (Seiden)

• Traditional roof tile production ongoing—each tile handcrafted using historical methods

• Craftsmen training programs established to preserve traditional building techniques

• Public viewing platforms allow visitors to observe reconstruction progress

Projected Completion:

• Main palace (Seiden): 2026

• Northern palace (Hokuden): 2026

• Southern palace (Nanden): 2026

• Complete restoration of all destroyed structures: 2027-2028

Why Reconstruction Takes Years

Unlike modern construction, traditional Okinawan palace architecture requires specialized skills, rare materials, and time-intensive processes. The main palace’s distinctive vermilion color comes from special pigments that must be carefully prepared and applied in multiple layers. Roof tiles are individually crafted and fired using methods unchanged for centuries.

Master craftsmen spend months carving intricate decorative elements—dragon sculptures, elaborate lattice work, painted ceiling panels—using techniques passed down through generations. Many materials must be sourced specifically: cypress wood from specific regions of Japan, limestone from Okinawa’s quarries, traditional pigments prepared using historical recipes.

The reconstruction also emphasizes improved fire prevention systems while maintaining historical authenticity—a delicate balance requiring extensive research, testing, and engineering solutions that respect the original design.

Shurei-mon Gate (守礼門)

The elegant Shurei-mon Gate—Shuri Castle’s most iconic structure after the main palace—stands intact and accessible. This distinctive three-arched gate features on Japan’s 2,000 yen banknote, symbolizing Okinawa’s cultural identity nationwide. Originally constructed in the 16th century, the current structure dates from post-WWII reconstruction.

The gate’s name translates to “Gate of Courtesy” with the central plaque reading “Land of Propriety” in classical Chinese characters. This inscription welcomed foreign envoys and expressed Ryukyu Kingdom’s self-image as a refined, cultured nation. The vermilion color and curved roof exemplify Ryukyuan architectural aesthetics—more ornamental and colorful than typical Japanese castle architecture.

Shurei-mon marks the formal entrance to Shuri Castle’s ceremonial spaces. Passing through this gate, visitors follow the same path once taken by Chinese tribute missions, Korean diplomats, and royal processions—a tangible connection to five centuries of history.

Stone Walls & Fortifications

Shuri Castle’s massive stone walls represent some of Okinawa’s finest stonework—expertly fitted limestone blocks creating curving walls that follow the hilltop’s natural contours. These fortifications survived both the 1945 bombardment and 2019 fire, though requiring periodic restoration. Some sections date back to the castle’s original construction in the 15th-16th centuries.

The walls showcase several construction techniques. Earlier sections use rough-cut stones (nozura-zumi style), while later renovations employ more refined, tightly fitted stones. Walking along these walls provides perspective on the castle’s defensive functions—the high position overlooking Naha harbor, strategic sight lines, and controlled access points.

Multiple gates pierce the walls at various levels, each with distinct architectural character. These gates controlled access to different castle zones, separating public ceremonial areas from royal private quarters, administrative buildings from defensive positions.

Una (Courtyard) & Observation Areas

The Una—the broad courtyard that once fronted the main palace—remains accessible and provides the primary viewing area for the ongoing reconstruction work. From here, visitors can observe craftsmen working on the main palace structure, understanding the scale of traditional construction methods and the complexity of historically accurate restoration.

Informational displays around the Una explain reconstruction progress, traditional building techniques, and the palace’s original appearance. These exhibits include historical photographs, architectural drawings, and samples of materials being used in the restoration—making the construction site itself an open-air museum of Okinawan architectural heritage.

The courtyard also offers panoramic views across Naha city to the East China Sea. This elevated vantage point—the same perspective enjoyed by Ryukyu kings—demonstrates why this hilltop location was chosen for the royal palace. On clear days, the vista extends across central Okinawa.

Surrounding Gardens & Pathways

The castle grounds extend well beyond the main palace area, incorporating traditional gardens, ceremonial pathways, and secondary structures. The Shikinaen Royal Garden—a separate UNESCO site located south of the castle—served as a royal villa and diplomatic reception area. This Chinese-style garden with its ornamental pond, bridges, and traditional buildings survived the wars and fires that claimed the main palace.

Walking paths wind through the castle grounds, passing through different gates, along fortified walls, and into quiet garden spaces. These routes trace the castle’s defensive perimeter while providing intimate experiences of Okinawan landscape design—stone lanterns, sacred groves, ornamental plants selected for cultural significance.

The castle park’s extent surprises many first-time visitors. Beyond the central palace area, additional structures, shrines, and historical sites scatter across the broader hilltop, requiring 2-3 hours for thorough exploration.

Viewing the Reconstruction Process

One of the most unique aspects of visiting Shuri Castle now is observing active reconstruction—an opportunity that won’t exist once work completes. Designated viewing platforms allow close observation of traditional carpentry, tile-making, decorative carving, and other specialized crafts rarely seen in modern construction.

Informational signage explains what craftsmen are doing at various stages, the materials they’re using, and how their techniques connect to centuries-old traditions. Some days feature demonstrations or opportunities to interact with artisans, particularly during special events or educational programs.

Photography is permitted and even encouraged—documenting this reconstruction creates a historical record of the restoration process itself. The scaffolding, construction materials, and work-in-progress structures tell their own story about cultural heritage preservation in the 21st century.