Nakijin Castle is classified as a mountain castle, and is located in Okinawa Prefecture It is associated with the Haniji clan. Dates in use: 13C - 1665.

This castle has sustained much damage in its long history. In 1416 it fell to the forces of the Central Kingdom. In the early 1600's, a fire raged through the castle. And finally, during WWII, the castle was bombed by the U.S.

Little else remains today apart from the 1500 or so metres of beautifully undulating but roughly cut stone walls.

Timeline

13C	The castle was built.
1416	This castle, which was controlled by the Northern Kingdom, fell to the forces of Okinawa's Central Kingdom.
1422	The Central Kingdom transferred one of their generals here.
1609	The Shimazu clan of southern Kyūshū invade and seize control.
1665	The castle was abandoned.
2000	Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Okinawa's other significant Gusuku sites.

Historical recognition

Site	National Historic Site
Site	UNESCO World Heritage Site