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@@ -606,6 +606,97 @@ <H4>On The Trail - Urasoe Castle</H4>
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<a href="#">Back to top</a>
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</p>
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<HR>
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<h3><A id="urasoe">Zakimi Castle (座喜味城)</A></h3>
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<p>
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⭐⭐⭐ Great
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</p>
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<img class="rounded" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/Doorway_to_the_castle_%283875119721%29.jpg" alt="Zakimi - Doorway to the castle" width="75%">
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<BR><small>Almighty Franklinstein, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons</small>
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<H4>Castle Data</H4>
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<p>
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<UL>
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<LI>Dimensions: 130 m x 140 m</LI>
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<LI>Constructed: 15th century</LI>
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<LI>Lat/Long: <A HREF="https://maps.app.goo.gl/yeeBPMT15E8xp5MbA">26.4084, 127.7417</A></LI>
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<LI>Google Maps: <A HREF="https://maps.app.goo.gl/CvFmswgSsfgR5TAJ8">Zakimi Castle Ruins</A></LI>
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<LI>Elevation: 127 m</LI>
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</UL>
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</p>
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<H4>Points of Interest</H4>
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<p>
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<UL>
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<LI>UNESCO World Heritage Site (UNESCO 972-004)</LI>
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<LI>Built by the renowned Aji (local leader) Gosamaru</LI>
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<LI>Oldest existing stone arched gate in Okinawa with a unique keystone</LI>
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<LI>Views over Yomitan Village and the surrounding area</LI>
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<LI>Well-maintained ruins with restored walls and foundations</LI>
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<LI>Yuntaza Museum, 9am-6pm, 500 Y, closed Wed. <A HREF="http://www.yuntanza-museum.jp/">http://www.yuntanza-museum.jp/</A></LI>
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</UL>
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</p>
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<H4>Getting There and Parking</H4>
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<p>
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<UL>
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<LI>Distance: 32 km north of Naha Airport</li>
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<LI>Car Route 1: Navigate to Yuntanza Historical Museum 世界遺産座喜味城跡 ユンタンザミュージアム, 708-6 Zakimi, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0301, Japan. <A HREF="http://www.yuntanza-museum.jp/">http://www.yuntanza-museum.jp/</A></li>
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<LI>Car Route 2: Navigate to Zakimi Castle Ruin Park 座喜味城跡公園, 1758 Takashiho, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0324, Japan. <A HREF="https://www.vill.yomitan.okinawa.jp/sections/fields/life/cat4/post-585.html#kouen02">https://www.vill.yomitan.okinawa.jp/sections/fields/life/cat4/post-585.html#kouen02</A></li>
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<li>Parking: 3 locations in the area for about 20 vehicles at the museum and an additional 20 at Hacksaw Ridge Car Park</li>
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<li>Admission: 500 Y adults, 300 Y children</li>
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<li>Hours: 24 hrs</LI>
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<li>Access: unknown</LI>
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<li>Restrooms: 2 on site, at the north parking lot and at the museum to the south</LI>
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<li><A HREF="https://www.yomitan-kankou.jp/tourist/watch/1611289699/">City Site</A></li>
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<li><A HREF="https://www.vill.yomitan.okinawa.jp/kanko_bunka_sports/rekishi_bunkazai/3682.html">Villiage Site</A></li>
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</UL>
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</p>
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<H4>Where to Eat</H4>
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<p>
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<UL>
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<LI>Kintiti Soba 金月そ 201 Kina, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0302, Japan. <A HREF="https://kintitisoba.com/">https://kintitisoba.com/</A></LI>
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<LI>BANTA CAFE バンタカフェ by 星野リゾート, 560 Gima, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0327, Japan. <A HREF="https://banta-cafe.com/menu/">https://banta-cafe.com/menu/</A></LI>
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</UL>
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</p>
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<H4>Side Trip</H4>
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<p>
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<UL>
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<LI>Pottery Co-op, Yachimun no Sato やちむんの里 2653-1番地 Zakimi, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0301, Japan. <A HREF="https://www.yomitan-kankou.jp/tourist/watch/1611319504/">https://www.yomitan-kankou.jp/tourist/watch/1611319504/</A></LI>
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<LI>Okinawa Kokuto (Brown Sugar Factory Store) 株式会社沖縄黒糖 2822-3 Zakimi, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0301, Japan. <A HREF="https://www.okinawa-kokuto.co.jp/">https://www.okinawa-kokuto.co.jp/</A></LI>
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<LI>Nirai Beach ニライビーチ 600 Gima, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0327, Japan</LI>
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<LI>Mie Castle (Recreation) 三重城（再現建造物) 915 Takashiho, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0323, Japan.</LI>
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</UL>
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</p>
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<H4>Maps - Zakimi Castle</H4>
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<img class="img-fluid" src="./zakimi/map1.jpg" alt="Zakimi Map Satellite">
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<BR><small>Map data ©2025 Google</small>
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<img class="img-fluid" src="./zakimi/map2.png" alt="Zakimi Map Roads">
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<BR><small>Map data ©2025 Google</small>
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<H4>Overview - Zakimi Castle</H4>
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<p>Step back in time at Zakimi Castle, a magnificent example of an Okinawan gusuku perched on a small plateau in Yomitan Village. Built between 1416 and 1422 by the legendary Aji, Gosamaru, using stones from nearby Yamada Castle, it served as his residence and oversaw the northern reaches of the central kingdom of Chuzan. After only about 17-18 years, Gosamaru was relocated to Nakagusuku Castle. Today, Zakimi Castle is recognized as a National Historic Site and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, highlighting its historical significance. While it suffered damage during and after WWII, serving as a Japanese military position and then a US radar site, much of it has been carefully restored, making it a truly remarkable site to visit.</p>
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<img class="rounded" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/Urasoe_Castle_10.jpg" alt="Urasoe Yudore" width="75%">
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<BR><small>Zuchinniasleep3155, <A HREF="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0">CC BY-SA 4.0</A>, via Wikimedia Commons</small>
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<H4>On The Trail - Zakimi Castle</H4>
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<p>As you arrive at the parking area near the Yuntanza Historical Museum, take a moment to orient yourself. Look for the description board before entering the castle grounds – it's highly recommended to read it to better understand the history and layout of the site.</p>
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<p>The castle features a renkaku-shiki layout, meaning it has two main baileys or courts. The impressive stone walls, showcasing beautiful curves, encircle both the first (一の郭) and second (ニノ郭) baileys. You can walk along some sections of the walls.</p>
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<p>One of the most striking features is the stone arched gate (拱門) that connects the baileys. This particular gate is considered the oldest existing arched gate in Okinawa. As you pass through, look closely at the stone work, especially the keystone (クサビ石) fitted in the center of the arch – a unique characteristic of Ryukyuan masonry.</p>
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<p>Explore the interior of the baileys. In the first bailey, you can see the foundation stones (礎石) where the palace building (殿舎) once stood. The walls here feel quite high. From the top of the wall in the first bailey, you can look out towards the second bailey's gate and appreciate the elevation.</p>
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<p>The second bailey is a large grassy area with beautifully curved walls. You'll also notice defensive features, like the chi (雉), which are projecting sections of the wall designed as lookout points to enhance defense. The wall thickness varies, being narrower and lower in some areas and wider and higher in others. Look for the stone steps that allow access to the top of the wall for better vantage points.</p>
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<p>While walking the grounds, remember that this site holds deep history, from the time of the Aji Gosamaru to its role in more recent conflicts. Despite the damage it has sustained, the restoration work allows us to appreciate the scale and architectural ingenuity of this important gusuku. The views from the walls are fantastic, offering a perspective similar to what the ancient guards or lords might have seen. Take your time, soak in the atmosphere, and imagine the life that once bustled within these walls over 500 years ago. Being a good cultural ambassador means respecting the historical site.</p>
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<p>Enjoy your journey through the history of Zakimi Castle!</p>
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<p>
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<a href="#">Back to top</a>
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</p>
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