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GusukuGusuku (Okinawan: gusiku) refers to a castle or fortress in the Ryukyu Islands. Many gusuku and related cultural remains in the Ryukyus have been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Gusukus include: ⑥ Stone Gate of Sonohyan-utaki This stone gate to the left of Shureimon gate was erected in 1519 by King Sho Shin, the third king of the second Sho dynasty. Here at the Sonohyan-utaki, the King offered prayers for order throughout the Kingdom and safety at the outset of all his travels. The stone gate reflects the Kingdom’s advanced limestone masonry skills, and is designated an important national cultural property. ⑧ Shikina-en Built in 1799, the royal villa was not only where the royals relaxed but was also used to host the investiture envoys who came from the Great Empire, China. The garden’s circle layout resembles plans used in modern Japanese gardens, but the Villa itself with its red tile is uniquely Ryukyuan, and pond and bridge to the miniature island is in the Chinese style. This is a rare, historically valuable example of Ryukyuan landscape gardening. ⑨ Sefa-utaki Legend says the goddess Amamikyo, who gave birth to the islands of the Ryukyus, descended here. From this sacred grove, people prayed to Kudaka Island, Okinawa’s most sacred place. Once the inaugurations of the high priestess of the Shuri Court, Kikoe-ogimi, took place here. The utaki (grove) testifies to the unique form of nature and ancestor worship that underlies the animist beliefs of the Ryukyus.
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