Historic Site: Gushikawa Castle Site

Gushikawa Castle Site is a gusuku located at the southernmost tip of Okinawa Island, situated 17 m above sea level on a sea cliff protruding into the water.  Except for the gate area, it is bordered by cliff on three sides.  Within the castle grounds is a hole locally known as Hiifuchimii, which is connected to the sea.  Artifacts found in an excavation survey indicate that the main castle was in use from the late 12th to the mid-15th century.  The main castle was surrounded by Sakei Gusuku, Uezato Gusuku, Yamagusuku Gusuku, Tsukahena Gusuku, Toma Gusuku and Kyanfuru Gusuku.  During Okinawa’s Gusuku period, Gushikawa Castle and the surrounding gusukus constituted a Greater Gusuku, each with its territorial functions.