A UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu situated right in the heart of Naha City was the summer house of the Ryukyu kings. It was constructed in the late 18th century and was completely destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the restoration of which took twenty years which began in 1975. Shikinaen, also called Shichina-nū-Udūn or Southern Gardens, is a perfect blend of Japanese and Chinese design which speaks truly of something Ryukyuan. It rained on the day of our visit but one cannot deny its unmistakable beauty as we trekked the 300 meter circular path through some forested areas. The ponds with stone bridges and hexagonal pavilions adds more serenity to the palace, with artificial hills for better viewing.

Shikinaen Garden is listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site under the title Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu in Okinawa, Japan.
Shikinaen Garden is listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site under the title Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu in Okinawa, Japan.
Shikinaen Garden is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites under the title Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu. It is situated right in the heart of Naha City and was formely the summer house of the Ryukyu kings.
Shikinaen Garden is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites under the title Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu. It is situated right in the heart of Naha City and was formely the summer house of the Ryukyu kings.
The stone bridge at Shikinaen Garden in Okinawa, Japan.
The stone bridge at Shikinaen Garden in Okinawa, Japan.
The hexagonal pavilion in the middle of the pond at Shikinaen Garden in Okinawa, Japan.
The hexagonal pavilion in the middle of the pond at Shikinaen Garden in Okinawa, Japan.
The hexagonal pavilion in the middle of the pond at Shikinaen Garden in Okinawa, Japan.
The hexagonal pavilion in the middle of the pond at Shikinaen Garden in Okinawa, Japan.
The Banya or the Guard House at Shikinaen in Okinawa, Japan where guards stayed to watch people passing by.
The Banya or the Guard House at Shikinaen in Okinawa, Japan where guards stayed to watch people passing by.
Some forested path at Shikinaen Gardens in Okinawa, Japan.
Some forested path at Shikinaen Gardens in Okinawa, Japan.
Shikinaen Garden is listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site under the title Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu in Okinawa, Japan.
Shikinaen Garden is listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site under the title Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu in Okinawa, Japan.
Our happy (and muddy) feet after trekking the breathtaking Shikinaen Gardens in Okinawa, Japan on a rainy spring day.
Our happy (and muddy) feet after trekking the breathtaking Shikinaen Gardens in Okinawa, Japan on a rainy spring day.

 

Check Google Street View below for an additional information and perspective on Shikinaen Royal Garden: