Built in the second half of the 18th century, the Shikina-en served as a secondary residence for the royal family and a reception hall for Chinese envoys. Surrounded by a gorgeous garden, the buildings’ architecture is a blend of Okinawan and Chinese elements.
Completely destroyed during WW2, it took 20 years from 1975 to 1995 to restore the site to its former beauty.
The observant visitor will enjoy many features of the culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom: the red-tiled roof of the main gate, the boat pier on the pond, the s-shaped stone path to confuse evil spirits (who can only move in straight lines), or the Chinese-influenced “scholar stone” .
While listed by the UNESCO as World Heritage Site, the garden can also be rented for wedding ceremonies.
| Company name | Naha City Cultural Assets Division |
|---|---|
| Street address | 〒902-0072 Okinawa, Naha, Maji 421-7 |
| Access | City buses: #2 Shikina-Kainan line #3 Matsugawa-Shintoshin line #4 Arakawa-Omoromachi line #5 Shikina-Makishi line #14 Makishi-Kainan circular lineGet off at Shikinaen mae bus stop. |
| Example price | Adults (16 years old and above): ￥400 Under 16: ￥200Groups (from 20 people): ￥320/adult, ￥160/child (under 16) |
| Website | http://www.city.naha.okinawa.jp/kakuka/kyouikubunkazai/bunkazai/shikinaen.html |
| Payment methods |
cash
|
| Parking available |
Parking available (free)
|
| Internet environment |
Wi-Fi (free)
|
| Business hours | April to September: 9:00-18:00 (last admission 17:30) October to March: 9:00-17:30 (last admission 17:00) |
| Closed | Wednesdays (or the following Thursday if Wednesday is a national holiday).
The garden may also close for maintenance and events. |
| Contact | 098-855-5936 |
