Shikinaen is located about 3 kilometers south of Shuri Castle. Shikinaen (識名園) was built towards the 18th century as the Ryukyu rulers’ second home. It has gorgeous, relatively basic Okinawan-style timber palace structures. With red tile roofs and a vast Japanese-style landscape park with a central pond. While the garden is created in a typical style across Japan. The architecture and plants give Shikinaen a distinct Okinawan feel.

Shikinaen was entirely devastated during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, but it has been meticulously repaired since then.
Shikinaen was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000. Under the title Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

The garden is accessible through a 300-meter circular route that winds through a wooded region before reaching the pond. Visitors can travel from one side of the pond through two stone bridges that link to a bit of islet in the lake’s center. On a second islet, a modest hexagonal pavilion sits. Artificial hills surround the pond, providing extra vantage points and character to the area.

Getting there and around

By public transportation

Shikinaen Garden is one of the few attractions in Naha that is not accessible by the Okinawa Monorail. It can be reached in about 20 minutes and for 240 yen one way from central Naha by bus numbers 2, 5 or 14. Among the three lines, bus number 5 can be boarded along Kokusaidori and bus number 14 at Naha Bus Center and Asahibashi Station. Get off at Shikinaen-mae (識名園前) bus stop.

Hours and Fees

Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:30 from October to March) 
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing
Closed: Wednesdays (or following day if Wednesday is a national holiday or falls on June 23)
Admission: 400 yen
Typical Visit Duration: 30-45 minutes