Shikinaen

Shikinaen is the largest villa at the king’s second residence built in 1799. It had been used to take care of the king’s family and to entertain foreign representatives.
The style is a Japanese garden with a path around the pond allowing visitors to enjoy the change in scenery while walking around. The uniqueness of Ryukyu (former Okinawa) can be found in its Chinese architecture and limestones that surround the pond.

Although the villa had been destroyed during the Second World War, it was restored in the postwar years. In 2000, it was registered as a special scenic beauty in Japan and listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

There is a mixture of three architectural styles: Japanese, Chinese and Ryukyu. A fantastic opportunity to experience the attractive culture, history and nature of the Ryukyu era!

Photograph provided by Okinawa Convention＆Visitors Bureau

※Please refrain from eating, drinking and smoking.
※The path there is sometimes slippery: wearing comfortable, appropriate shoes is advised.