Nakijin Castle

Nakijin Castle (今帰仁城, Nakijin Gusuku?) is a gusuku (Ryukyuan castle or fortress) located in Nakijin, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It is currently in ruins. In the late 14th century, the Ryukyus consisted of three principalities: Nanzan to the south, Chūzan in the central area, and Hokuzan in the north. Nakijin was the fortress of Hokuzan. The fortress includes several sacred Utaki groves, reflecting the gusuku's role as a center of religious activity. It is famous for the Hikan cherries which bloom in northern Okinawa between mid-January and early February.