Sonohyan Utaki World Heritage Site

The sacred stone gate of Shuri Kings

Michael Flemming Apr 17, 2013 - 1 min read

The Sonohyan Utaki served as a stone gate exclusively used by the king of the Ryukyu Kingdom when leaving Shuri Castle

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sonohyan Utaki is considered to be sacred to include the stone gate itself and the garden of trees and shrubs around it

The stone gate as seen from Shuri Castle

The side of the stone gate that served as entrance back into Shuri Castle

The top of the stone gate appears to be a torrii as seen from a distance

Upon closer inspection the top of the stone gate is not a torrii but is decorated with fish carved into stone

The actual door at the gate is made of wood

Notice

The main buildings of Shuri Castle were destroyed by fire on the night of October 31, 2019. The government plans to reconstruct the Seiden (main hall) by autumn 2026. In the meantime, tourists are encouraged to visit the castle and watch the reconstruction work.

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Resting between Shuri Castle and Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum along Samukawa Dori is another sacred site of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Sonohyan Utaki was the royal stone gate used by the King as both a place of prayer and as an exit when departing to visit his people. It originally consisted of an expansive grove of shrubs and trees that has since given way to development.

The stone gate was badly damaged during World War II but has since been restored. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Admission is free.

More info

Find out more about Shuri Castle.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Michael Flemming @michael.flemming

I'm a wanderer in Okinawa turning over every stone I can find. I write, photograph and blog about my favorite finds here in Japan's southernmost prefecture.