Wednesday, July 3, 2013

沖縄岛 (Okinawa) Day 3, 首里城 Shuri Castle

Day 3

首里城 Shuri Castle, tt was the palace of the Ryūkyū Kingdom. In 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, it was almost completely destroyed. Beginning in 1992, it was reconstructed on the original site based on photographs, historical records, and memory.

For 450 years from the beginning of the 15th century, it was the royal court and administrative center of the Ryūkyūan Kingdom. It was the focal point of foreign trade, as well as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the Ryūkyūs.

According to records, Shuri Castle was burned down several times, but rebuilt each time. Before World War II, it was designated a national treasure. However, during the war, the Japanese military set up its headquarters in the castle underground, and, beginning on May 25, 1945, the American battleship USS Mississippi (BB-41) shelled it for three days. On May 27, it burned. After the battle, a Confederate battle flag (which personally belonged to the company commander) was hoisted above the castle by the "Rebel Company" A of the 5th Marine Regiment. It was visible for over two miles and stayed above the castle for three days until it was removed.

 At present, the entire area around the castle has been established as Shuri Castle Park. In 2000, along with other gusuku and related sites, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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While entering the castle, the stuff passed us 3 copies of the map with some space to stamp at each station point of the castle. So for the start, make the boys so excited to run through the castle to search for the stamp. 



















Finally we found the LAST spot of the stamp station! Totally we have went through 25 spot for the stamp with 2 hours under the hot sun. 

To our surprise, have a prize with it! We got a castle sticker books!!!




Enjoy the nice typical Okinawa bitter gourd lunch. 




Heading to lake boat trip & goat feeding at Bios hill center Okinawa.



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