CONTRIBUTED BY DASHA GARIEPY
If you’ve been in Okinawa for a while, you may have become jaded to it’s many castle ruins and historical sites. Unless you’ve seen all nine of the World Heritage sites located on this island, you might be thinking, “Why bother? Seen one pile of rocks, seen ‘em all!” While it’s true that some of the castle ruins are similar, I suggest you don’t stop sightseeing until after you’ve seen Shikinaen, a completely restored royal villa with surrounding gardens.
Okinawa Hai reader Jayme Casillas recently visited Shikinaen and wants you to know it’s well worth a visit. Jayme, take it away…
“Take your time walking the grounds. There's a lovely walk through a wooded area, and you can see one of the few spots on Okinawa where you get a panoramic view that is all land.
Examining the royal home reminded me of walking through the Nakamurake House. They also have some sort of snack/show going on there you can purchase separately, but we opted not to. This is considered a sacred site so no food or beverages are allowed, other than those available at the snack/show.
Once you've explored the home, continue walking over some beautiful stone bridges that lead to a small house set out on a tiny island. From there you head back towards the entrance.
With two toddlers in tow it took us about an hour to an hour and a half to go through. We probably would've taken longer had we had more time to relax and examine without the kids.”
I'm going to take Jayme's advice and check this place out when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. How about you?
Directions: Take Highway 58 to Naha: follow the signs to Shuri Castle. the Shikinaen Gardens are located next to Shuri Castle. The parking lot will be the only decent sized parking lot you see on your left.
Telephone: (098) 855-5936
Hours: Summer (Apr-Sep): 9:00 am - 5:30 pm.; Winter (Oct-Mar): 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Closed on Wednesdays
Cost: Adults/High School Students: 300; Children: 100
Have you explored an area or discovered something that’s not yet covered on Okinawa Hai? Tell us about it! Email pictures and details to todoinokinawa@yahoo.com
Great post! We are going to check that out ASAP.
As far as the nine world heritage sites, lets hear more about those! (-:
You crack me up with your one pile of rocks comment.
Tara, four of the nine have already been covered here on Okinawa Hai: Nakijin Castle, Nakagusuku Castle, the one above, and Shuri Castle. Two others are located in Naha with Shuri: Tamaudun (a royal tomb) and Sonohyan-utaki Ishimon (a stone archway). That leaves two more castles and a sacred grove – I didn’t realize they all hadn’t been covered! I’ll hit them soon, thanks for the idea!
Can you clarify the parking? Is it before or after Shuri’s parking area? I’m assuming it is on that same road.
Shikina En is about 4km from Shuri Castle and on a different hill so these directions won’t work.
The easiest would be to exit the expressway at the Naha City exit. (Number 1) Turn left along route 82. Travel down the hill and past the hospital till you come to route 222 and turn right. You will find Shikina En on your left side. It is fairly well sign posted and has a large parking area. Definitely a must visit spot.