Shurijo Castle’s Rebuilt Main Hall in Okinawa, Japan, to Open November 23, 2026

The reconstructed hall at the heart of the former Ryukyu Kingdom reflects Okinawa’s historic ties with Asia

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, October 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Shurijo Castle in Naha, Okinawa, will open its rebuilt main hall to the public on November 23, 2026. The castle served as the political, diplomatic and cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom for approximately 450 years. Its main hall, known as the Seiden, was destroyed by fire on October 31, 2019. Reconstruction began in November 2022, and visitors will soon be able to step inside again.
Located in southwestern Japan, Okinawa has a history shaped by maritime trade. The Ryukyu Kingdom, which existed from 1429 to 1879 across islands centered on present-day Okinawa, developed diplomatic and trading relationships with China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Shurijo Castle’s architecture incorporates both Japanese and Chinese styles.

◆Sharing Okinawa’s History and Culture

The completion of the main hall marks a milestone in Shurijo Castle’s recovery. Exhibitions and events commemorating its completion will share the history and culture associated with the castle with audiences in Japan and around the world, while helping preserve that heritage for future generations.

◆Shurijo Castle Revival Festival Set for November 1–3

Ahead of the main hall’s public opening, the Shurijo Castle Revival Festival will take place November 1–3, 2026, at Shurijo Castle Park, on Kokusai Street in Naha and at other locations in the Shuri district.
The festival features a royal procession on Kokusai Street, known as the Ryukyu Dynasty Emaki Gyoretsu Parade, and a traditional procession in Shuri, known as the Koshiki Gyoretsu Parade. Participants wear costumes modeled on clothing worn by Ryukyu nobles. Visitors can also enjoy Ryukyu music and dance performances at Shurijo Castle Park.

◆Historical Maps, Photographs and Artifacts Tell the Castle’s Story

The Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum in Naha plans to present a special exhibition about Shurijo Castle from December 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027.
The exhibition will examine the castle’s historical significance and reconstruction through illustrated maps, folding screens, historical photographs and documents.

◆An English-Language Resource for Exploring Shuri

The Shurijo Castle App provides information for exploring the castle and surrounding neighborhood. It requires no download and is available in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean. A map within the app identifies nearby shops and other local businesses.

◆Admission and Reservations

Parts of Shurijo Castle Park are free to visit. Other areas, including the main hall, require an admission ticket. Beginning November 23, 2026, standard adult admission to this ticketed section will cost ¥1,000, including tax.
A visit inside the main hall also requires a timed-entry reservation. Entry times are offered at 30-minute intervals to help manage visitor numbers. Tickets for individual visitors can be purchased online.
Visitors who do not plan to enter the main hall can explore the other facilities in the ticketed section with an admission ticket, without reserving an entry time. Separate booking procedures apply to groups.

Opening date: November 23, 2026
Location: Shurijo Castle Park, 1-2 Shuri Kinjocho, Naha, Okinawa, Japan

A ceremony marking the completion of the main hall is scheduled for November 22. The entire park, including all facilities, will be closed to the public that day. Full admission and reservation details are available on the official Shurijo Castle Park website.

◆Additional Information

Shurijo Castle Park: Opening Date, Tickets and Reservations (Japanese)
https://oki-park.jp/shurijo/information/detail/11164

Shurijo Castle: Events Commemorating the Main Hall’s Completion (Japanese)
https://shurijocastle.okinawa/

Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum: Shurijo Castle Special Exhibition (December 1, 2026–January 31, 2027; see “SPECIAL EXHIBITION” near the bottom of the page) (Japanese)
https://okimu.jp/special/shurijo-exhibition/

Shurijo Castle Revival Festival (English)
https://visitokinawajapan.com/discover/events/shurijo-castle-festival/

VISIT OKINAWA JAPAN: Official Okinawa Travel Guide (English)
https://visitokinawajapan.com/

SATOMI WATANABE
H.I.S International Tours (NY) Inc.

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