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<p>Katsuren Castle (勝連城, Katsuren jō, Okinawan: Kacchin Gushiku), perched atop a 98-meter (322 ft) limestone crag on the Katsuren Peninsula, is a sight to behold. The ruins of this 13th-14th century castle, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean – making it easy to see why it's called the "Ocean Gusuku". Imagine the power of the Aji of Katsuren, Amawari, who ruled during the castle's "golden age" in the mid-15th century. Amawari's ambition and eventual downfall at the hands of the Ryukyuan army in 1458 are significant events in Okinawan history. You can almost hear the shuffle of feet and the shouts of guards as you walk through the gates.</p>
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<p>Unlike many gusuku, Katsuren Castle has a distinct five-part layout. The highest point, called the Upper Gusuku, contains the first three baileys – almost a self-contained fortress within the castle walls. The second bailey is where historians believe the main hall once stood, and the first bailey houses a shrine to Kobazukasa. The Lower Gusuku, comprising Bailey 4, boasted five wells, a testament to the castle's ability to withstand a siege. You'll be awed by the castle’s sturdy construction, including examples of nozura-zumi (stacked stone) walls, ingenious water drainage systems and evidence of a moat (堀切, horikiri).</p>
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<p>Exploring Katsuren Castle isn't just about marveling at the past – it's about connecting with it. As you stroll through the grounds, remnants of Chinese porcelain and roof tiles hint at a thriving trade network that once flourished here. And don't miss the opportunity to witness a true oddity: the excavation site of ancient Roman and Ottoman coins – the first of its kind in Japan! Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a captivating day trip, Katsuren Castle offers a unique glimpse into Okinawa's fascinating past.</p>
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<H4>On The Trail - Katsuren Castle</H4>
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<p>Katsuren Castle (勝連城), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beckons travelers to uncover its secrets. Perched atop a limestone plateau on the Katsuren Peninsula, this "Ocean Gusuku" affords breathtaking views of the Pacific, serving as a reminder of the powerful Aji who once ruled here. This guide will lead you through the castle’s five baileys, highlighting intriguing details and offering glimpses into Okinawa's captivating past.</p>
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<p><B>Starting Your Journey:</B></p>
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<LI><B>The Approach: </B>As you ascend the path towards the castle, take a moment to appreciate the panoramic views. Picture the bustling port that once thrived below, connecting Okinawa to a vast trade network.</LI>
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<LI><B>Bailey 5 (東グスク):</B> Your journey begins in the easternmost section, Bailey 5. Once thought to be a flat expanse, recent excavations revealed a horikiri (moat), underscoring the castle’s defensive capabilities. Imagine the moat, now filled in, once serving as a formidable obstacle to invaders.</LI>
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<LI><B>Bailey 4 (下グスク):</B> Continue your ascent to Bailey 4, the Lower Gusuku. This bailey, with its five wells and two fortified gates, highlights the castle’s self-sufficiency during times of conflict. Look for evidence of these wells, vital sources of life-sustaining water during sieges.</LI>
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<LI><B>Bailey 3 (三ノ郭):</B> Make your way up to Bailey 3, stopping to admire the gusuku-dō (castle road), a testament to the castle's enduring connection to the spiritual realm. This bailey, where historians believe a wooden gate once stood, offers captivating views of Bailey 2.</LI>
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<LI><B>Bailey 2 (二ノ郭):</B> Entering Bailey 2, you'll stand on the grounds where the castle's main hall once commanded attention. Imagine the Aji of Katsuren holding court here, surrounded by advisors and dignitaries. This bailey, the heart of the castle’s political and social life, offers a glimpse into the daily routines of the Aji and his court.</LI>
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<LI><B>Bailey 1 (一ノ郭):</B> Finally, ascend to the highest point – Bailey 1. This sacred space is home to a shrine dedicated to Kobazukasa, a testament to the enduring presence of Ryukyuan religion within the castle walls. Take a moment for quiet reflection as you soak in the panoramic views of the Pacific. This vantage point, once a place of worship and strategic observation, offers a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscape and ocean.</LI>
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<p><B>Don't Miss:</B></p>
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<LI><B>Stonework:</B> As you explore the different baileys, note the different types of stonework. From the carefully fitted nuno-zumi (masonry) style used for fortified walls to the more rustic nozura-zumi (stacked stone) construction, Katsuren Castle showcases the craftsmanship of the Ryukyuan people.</LI>
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<LI><B>Water Drainage System:</B> Look for evidence of the castle's ingenious water drainage system. These strategically placed channels and cisterns helped prevent flooding and ensured a continuous supply of fresh water, a testament to the ingenuity of the Ryukyuan architects.</LI>
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<LI><B>Excavation Site:</B> Near the castle, you'll find the excavation site where ancient Roman and medieval Ottoman coins were unearthed – a testament to Okinawa’s far-reaching connections in the past. This unexpected discovery, the first of its kind in Japan, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the island's role in global trade networks.</LI>
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<p><B>Reflecting on the Past:</B> As you leave Katsuren Castle, carry with you the stories whispered by the wind through the ruins. This "Ocean Gusuku", with its majestic views and tangible history, is a testament to the ingenuity, resilience, and cultural richness of the Ryukyuan people.
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