[2025 Naha Attraction] Travel Guide for Shikinaen (Updated Apr)

#springwander The largest annex of the Ryukyu royal family, completed in 1799 of the second Sho clan of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the 15th Shoon royal family. In addition to the recreation of the royal family, it was used to entertain the envoy of the Chinese emperor. In 1941, it was designated as a national scenic spot, but was devastated in the Battle of Okinawa at the end of World War II. After reconstruction after the war, it was re-designated as a national scenic spot in 1976, and in 2000, it was designated as a national special scenic spot. In the same year, it was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site as a constituent asset of the "Gusku and Related Heritage Sites of the Ryukyu Kingdom".

On my recent trip to Japan, I stumbled upon an incredibly underrated yet breathtakingly beautiful place that I just have to share! Ginowan City, a charming coastal town full of surprises, awaits your discovery. Join me on a virtual tour! Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Ginowan City in the morning, take the monorail to your hotel to check in, and leave your luggage. Then, walk to Ginowan Seaside Park, stroll along the beach, enjoy the sea breeze, and soak in the tranquility of the ocean. I recommend spending 2–3 hours here. Day 2: Spend the entire day exploring the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. Easily accessible by bus from your hotel, it boasts the world's largest acrylic viewing window, where you can witness whale sharks gracefully swimming – a truly awe-inspiring sight. Allocate at least 5 hours for this visit. Day 3: Take a taxi to Shikinaen Royal Gardens in the morning. The serene beauty of this traditional Japanese garden is on full display. Spend about 2 hours exploring its wonders. In the afternoon, take a bus to Kokusai Street and indulge in some shopping and delicious food. Highlights The sunset at Ginowan Seaside Park is simply mesmerizing. Watch as the yolk-like sun slowly dips below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and red – a sight that will move you to tears. Inside the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, the enchanting underwater tunnel feels like a portal to a fairytale world, with giant manta rays gliding overhead. It's a truly magical experience. Shikinaen Royal Gardens offers picturesque views at every turn, with ponds, rockeries, and lush greenery complementing each other, creating an atmosphere of ancient charm. Food Recommendations Don't miss out on "Danbo Ramen," located near Kokusai Street. Their signature tonkotsu ramen features a rich and creamy broth, perfectly chewy noodles, and thick, generous slices of chashu pork. Every mouthful is pure bliss! Another must-try is the Makishi Public Market, where you can choose your own fresh seafood and have it cooked to your liking. The steamed grouper is incredibly tender and melts in your mouth. Accommodation Experience I stayed at the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginowan, which boasts a fantastic location, just a 5-minute walk from the monorail station. The rooms are simple, clean, and comfortable, with soft bedding. The friendly front desk staff also provides helpful travel advice, ensuring a pleasant stay. Things to Note It's best to purchase tickets for the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in advance on the official website to avoid long queues. The weather in Ginowan City can be unpredictable, so remember to bring an umbrella. Also, have some small change ready when taking the bus, as some buses don't provide change. Ginowan City is truly a place full of delightful surprises. From its stunning scenery to its delectable cuisine, it offers an unforgettable experience. I'm sure you'll fall in love with it too, so start planning your trip now!

#1月好去地方2025 Shikina Garden - "Travel to the Imperial Palace, Quiet Shikina Garden" As a "World Cultural Heritage" attraction, Shikina Garden is less well-known, but after visiting it, you will find that it is full of elegance and has a strong Chinese architectural style. In ancient times, it was an important place to entertain nobles. It is a "pond-style" garden, and is equipped with Ryukyu's unique red tile roof architecture. The overall visual adds a lot of simple and beautiful style! ! 📚Overview: Located in the south of Shuri Castle, it is also known as "Nanyuan". In addition to being the detached palace of the Ryukyu Dynasty, it is also an important place to entertain nobles or Chinese envoys. The most famous thing in the park is the "Heart Pond", which is romantic and elegant~ 📕Class time: It was built by the second Sho Dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom and completed in 1799 during the reign of the 15th King Sho On. It is the largest detached residence of the Ryukyu royal family. It was mainly used for leisure of the royal family and for receiving envoys from the Chinese emperor for conferring titles. It was designated as a "National Scenic Spot" in 1941, but after being damaged during World War II, it was restored and recognized as a "National Scenic Spot" in 1976. In 2000, it was designated as a "National Special Scenic Spot". You can stroll here and think about the glory of the past dynasties! ✨Inside the garden: ~Walking path~ From the entrance to the inner part of the garden, you will first pass through a quiet path, with many banyan trees and hollyhocks planted on the side of the road, as if telling the visiting travelers to slow down and calm down, and take a good walk in this quiet garden! ! ~Goden~ Located in the central garden of Shikina-en, the Goden has 15 rooms with a total area of ​​about 160 square meters. Inside, you can see various remains of receiving distinguished guests, including banquet rooms, tea rooms, kitchens, etc. The most important thing is to sit by the eaves and admire the "Hexagonal Hall" in the distance, supplemented by the beautiful scenery of the "Heart-shaped Pond", which is like appreciating a long horizontal painting ~ quite interesting for scholars! ~Heart Pond~ The pond in front of the palace looks like the Chinese character "心" when viewed from above, hence the name. The pond is connected by a stone bridge, which is built in imitation of the "Taihu Stone" in Chinese gardens. You can find traces of Chinese style everywhere👣! ~ Rokkakudo ~ You can reach it by crossing the stone bridge over the Shinji Pond. There are many Ryukyu pines and willows planted around it. Although willows are not uncommon in Japanese gardens, they are almost non-existent in Ryukyu! ! I think it was really carefully designed back then~ ~Kangentai~ It is an observation deck in the garden. It used to be a whole piece of farmland. It is said that it was designed to let Chinese envoys feel the vastness of the Ryukyu land, which is quite intended to show the national prestige of the Ryukyu Kingdom! : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

#getgoing2025 Shikinaen is the garden of the royal residence built in 1799. It is also known as "Nanyuan" because it exists in the south of Shuri Castle, and it was also used to entertain the envoy of the Chinese emperor. The site area is 12,726 tsubo. It was an important project that raised the country to spend time with better relations with trading partners. The highlight is Rokkakudo, which is full of Chinese atmosphere. The awn built on a small island floating in the pond will be wrapped in the scent of history. In addition, there are other magnificent circular gardens, such as Ikutoku Spring, which does not wither, and the heart-shaped pond that breaks down the character of "heart". The tour course of the palace is partially off-limits, so please check it.

Four-day tour in Japan, enjoy Tokyo and Osaka! Here comes a super practical guide to help you travel around Japan easily without any mishaps! Come and have a look~ . Japan has a rich historical heritage and picturesque scenery. From the magnificence of Mount Fuji to the ancient capital style of Kyoto, everything is intoxicating. 🎌Customs vary from place to place. Whether it is the liveliness of the festival or the comfort of the hot springs, it makes people linger. . Route suggestion: DAY1: Kokusai-dori Walk along Kokusai-dori and feel the close combination of the charm of a bustling city and the customs of the Ryukyu Islands. DAY2: Naminoue Shrine - Shuri Castle - Tsuboya Pottery Museum - Kokusai-dori Explore the charm of Naminoue Shrine, stroll through the historical corridor of Shuri Castle, appreciate the beauty of pottery at Tsuboya Pottery Museum, and return to Kokusai-dori to enjoy the nightlife. DAY3: Gangala Valley - Shikina Garden Travel through the natural wonders of Gangala Valley and immerse yourself in the tranquility and elegance of Shikina Garden. DAY4: Naha City Tour Free time in Naha City, deeply experience the local culture and pace of life, and leave unforgettable memories. . Must-visit attractions: 🌟 Kokusai-dori: Stroll along the Okinawan-style streets with towering palm trees on both sides and feel the exotic atmosphere. 🏯 Shuri Castle: Visit the capital and palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which is full of historical charm and seems to travel through time and space. 🌊 Naminoue Shrine: Standing on the coral reef cliff, overlooking the sea scenery, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. . Travel tips: 🛫 Airport transportation: Check the route in advance and buy the right transportation ticket to avoid getting lost~ 🍣 Food check-in: Try the local specialties, sushi and ramen are not to be missed! 📝Visa information: Remember to apply for a visa in advance and don’t forget to prepare the required materials. ⏰Time difference reminder: The time difference between Japan and China is 1 hour, so it is very important to adjust to the time difference! . The trip to Japan is not only a visual feast, but also a spiritual baptism. I look forward to your next wonderful trip! 🌟

As we all know, Shikina Park is also called Shikina Palace. Inside, you can see the living space of the Ryukyu royal family in the past. But please note that you need to take off your shoes when you enter to visit. Here you can not only get in touch with Japanese culture more directly, but also see different beautiful scenery Without further ado, let me show you the photos I took. #Japan #Okinawa #Shikinaen #Natural Beauty #Good Place to Check In

Shikinaen Garden (Shikinaen) is a Japanese garden located in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, and has a beautiful history dating back to the Ryukyu Kingdom era. The garden was built on the site of the residence of the Shikina family, who were nobles of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and the garden itself has a history of about 250 years. Shikinaen Garden has a unique atmosphere that combines the beauty of Japanese gardens with the charm of Ryukyu culture, offering visitors a space of tranquility and healing. Inside the garden, there are scenic views of ponds and rock arrangements, flowers that bloom in each season, and Ryukyuan-style buildings that are highlights for enjoyment. Despite being located in Naha City, Shikinaen Garden is a place surrounded by nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and is loved by tourists and locals alike.

#thingstodo Shikina-en Garden, rebuilt after the Okinawa War, was originally built as former Ryukyu kings' 2nd residence and probably summer house in 18th century [1799 AD]. Even after it was rebuilt, it was designated as one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Unlike other traditional Japanese gardens of imperial families or dignities, which are often composed of pond, flower trees, bamboo trees, stone bridge, artificial hills and rivers, Shikina-en Garden has Chinese-style pavilion, pond in Chinese "heart" shape, fewer flower trees, but lots of tall trees, especially banyan trees, which can shield visitors or users from sunshine even though trees' roots develop and grow like spiderwebs. The entrance fee for the Garden is $ 400 Yen.

Shikina-en is a garden with World Heritage status. The garden has a long history dating back to the Ryukyu Dynasty. When I stepped into this garden, I felt as if I had traveled back to a bygone era. The park has traditional palace buildings, walking trails and quiet ponds, showing the unique charm of Ryukyu culture🏰🌸🏞️ In Shikina Garden, I strolled along the walking trail and admired the beautiful scenery in the garden. I saw a variety of flowers and trees, such as cherry blossoms, peonies, and trees, which bloomed with brilliant colors, intoxicating. I also discovered some tranquil ponds with lotus flowers and koi floating on them, adding a sense of tranquility and liveliness to the entire garden. Here, I feel as if I am one with nature and feel the beauty of nature🌺🌿🐠 The palace architecture of Shikinaen is also a highlight. I visited these ancient buildings, which displayed the architectural style and rich cultural connotations of the Ryukyu Dynasty. Each palace has exquisite details and unique designs, making people feel as if they have traveled back to the past dynasties. In these palaces, I felt the weight of history and the depth of culture🏰👑🌺 Shikinaen is a fascinating place that perfectly combines ancient Ryukyu culture and beautiful gardens. The palace buildings, walking paths and tranquil ponds here all reflect the style of the Ryukyu Dynasty. If you want to travel through time and space and embark on a journey to the imperial gardens of the Ryukyu Dynasty, don't miss this historical garden called Shikina-en. Let's find beauty and tranquility in this garden together! 🏰🌺🌳 #Must-visit check-in spots in Japan

Located in the south of Shuri Castle, Shina-en Garden, time stays in the summer of the Tokujo Kingdom. Shina-en, which was once used by the Ryukyu royal family as a palace garden and to receive Chinese envoys, is influenced by the Yamato Kingdom and the Central Plains Dynasty in its architecture. Japanese-style garden circulation path, water-eroded stone arch bridge and Chinese-style summer pavilion...there are mountains, water and small bridges. If you want to walk through the green forest, walk inside a Ryukyu house, look at the garden, and meet guardian cats and jinri, this ancient and quiet garden is worth a visit for visitors to Shuri. #Okinawa must-visit attractions #Okinawa architecture #Okinawa #Shinameen Garden #Cultural Tourism #Okinawa Cultural Tourism #Chinese-Japanese Architecture # Ryukyu # Ryukyu Kingdom # Ryukyu Kingdom Traces

#OkinawaTourism The culture of the Ryukyu Dynasty seems to be mixed with Japanese culture that is not typical of Okinawa in a good way, creating a fresh exotic atmosphere and a mysterious nostalgic atmosphere. It is also rich in nature, so you can spend some relaxing time in between busy sightseeing in Okinawa. It is easily accessible from within the city, so I recommend it.

#OkinawaTourism I came here because it's a World Heritage Site. As soon as I entered, I was greeted by a cat (I think it was Mee-chan). She was a very docile and beautiful cat. There are fewer people here than at Shuri Castle, so it's very quiet, and walking among the trees is cool, and the sound of the water is soothing. You can also see beautiful plants and butterflies. I recommend it!

I surprisingly didn't have a chance to go to Shikinaen. This was my first time here. It is the largest villa of the Ryukyu royal family, and was used for the royal family's recreation and to entertain foreign envoys. The vestiges of those days remain, and surrounded by greenery, this place makes you feel like you've traveled back in time. Admission fee: 400 yen for adults (200 yen for children) It's close to Shuri Castle and easy to get to, so it's a place you should definitely visit. #gw2022jp #historic site #tourism #World Heritage Site