Nakijin

Nakijin Castle rises above the wooded hills of northern Okinawa, its long limestone walls following the contours of the ground. It was the stronghold of Hokuzan, one of the three rival kingdoms that once divided the island. Chinese ceramics found within its walls testify to the northern rulers' overseas connections. In 1416 Chūzan conquered Hokuzan and took Nakijin. After the island was united under the Ryūkyū Kingdom, a royal governor was stationed at the castle to administer the north. Its position on a steep hill, defended by a river and valleys, made it a commanding seat for the authority that replaced the old kingdom.