The World Heritage Sites

In December 2000, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee announced the
registration of Shurijo Castle and other Okinawan sites of scenic beauty as
World Heritage sites under the name "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of
the Kingdom of Ryukyu."

Created through political, economic, and cultural exchanges with Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, they are valued as distinctive cultural legacies expressing the unique developments achieved by the Ryukyu Kingdom in the areas of history, culture, architectural techniques, and spiritual
qualities.

The nine sites registered include the Nakijin Castle ruins (Nakijin
Village), Zakimi Castle ruins (Yomitan Village), Katsuren Castle ruins
(Katsuren Town), Nakagusuku Castle ruins (Nakagusuku Village,
Kita-Nakagusuku Village), Shurijo Castle (Naha City), Sonohiyan Utaki
Ishimon (Naha City), Tamaudon (Naha City), Shikina-en Gardens (Naha City),
and Sefa Utaki (Chinen Village).

• Nakijin Castle Ruins (Nakijin Village)
  
• Zakimi Castle Ruins (Yomitan Village)
• Katsuren Castle Ruins (Katsuren Village)
  
• Nakagusuku Castle Ruins (Nakagusuku Village, Kita-Nakagusuku Village)
• Shurijo Castle (Naha City)
  
• Sonohiyan Utaki Ishimon (Naha City)
  
• Tamaudon (Naha City)
  
• Shikina-en Gardens (Naha City)
• Sefa Utaki (Chinen Village)