Shuri Castle
Okinawa, Japan
Shikina-en Garden, Okinawa
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Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia CommonsFit in nearby today
The essentials in 10 seconds
- Entry
- About ¥400; children about ¥200
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From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Hours
- Roughly 9:00–17:30, to 18:00 in summer
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From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Time on site
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A typical visit without queueing. In high season add 15–30 minutes. - 45 min
- With kids
- Fine with kids
- Closed
- Wednesday (Thursday if a holiday)
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From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Highlights
- Pond, arch bridges, villa, pavilion
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to an hour
- Getting there
- Taxi 10 minutes from Kokusai-dori, or bus to Shikinaen-mae
Key facts
1799the year the garden was laid out
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en.wikipediaRyukyuthe royal family's country residence
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en.wikipedia2000the year it joined the UNESCO site
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en.wikipediaChinese envoyswere received at the villa
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en.wikipediaRokkakudoa hexagonal pavilion on an islet
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en.wikipediaStone bridgesin Chinese style across the pond
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en.wikipedia≈ ¥400adult entry
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travel guidesWednesdayclosing day
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travel guidesWhat is Shikina-en Garden?
Shikina-en is the country residence of the Ryukyu royal family in southern Naha. The garden was laid out in the late 18th century, around 1799, and the kings came here to relax and received envoys of the Chinese emperor at the villa. In 2000 Shikina-en became part of a UNESCO site together with Shuri Castle.
It's a stroll garden around a pond that blends Japanese and Chinese styles: the path loops round, revealing a new view at every turn. Stone arch bridges in Chinese style cross the pond, the hexagonal Rokkakudo pavilion stands on an islet, and a spacious villa under red tiles sits on the shore.
Tickets and hours
According to guides, entry is about ¥400 for adults and about ¥200 for children. The garden closes on Wednesdays (or the next day if Wednesday is a holiday). It opens roughly 9:00 to 18:00 from April to September and until 17:30 from October to March; last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
We couldn't find an official 2026 schedule, and closing times differ by half an hour between sources, so check before you go.
What to see
- The royal villa under red tiles.
- Stone arch bridges across the pond.
- The Rokkakudo pavilion on its islet.
- The Ikutoku-sen spring by the pond.
- The path round the pond and its views.
- Tropical trees and flowers in the garden.
How to get to Shikina-en
Step-by-step directions are below; the map shows where you arrive.
Where are you starting from?
We’ll draw it on the map on foot and by taxi; metro and buses open in your maps app. Your location isn’t stored.
More tips
- Taxi — about 10 minutes from Kokusai-dori, 3 km.
- Bus — routes 2, 3 or 5 to the Shikinaen-mae stop.
- From Shuri Castle — about 10 minutes by taxi.
- From the airport — about 20 minutes by taxi.
- On foot — about 40 minutes uphill from central Naha.
Shikina-en or Shukkei-en in Hiroshima
| Shikina-enyou are here | Ryukyu-Chinese | The villa and stone bridges | ≈ ¥400 | Wednesday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shukkei-en | Japanese stroll garden | The pond and Koko-kyo bridge | ¥350 | Only late December |
How long do you need?
45 minutes to an hour is enough: walk round the pond, go into the villa, sit by the pavilion. It pairs easily with Shuri Castle, 10 minutes away by taxi, ending the day on Kokusai-dori.
The garden is quiet and uncrowded — tour buses rarely come here, unlike Shuri Castle. It's hot in summer, but the trees give plenty of shade, and it's pleasant to sit by the pond.
Compare Shikina-en with Japanese gardens: there are no austere dry compositions or Zen rocks here, but plenty of water, tropical trees and Chinese details — bridges, a pavilion, carved gates. This was the taste of the Ryukyu court, which was close to both China and Japan.
Is Shikina-en worth visiting?
Yes, if you're interested in Ryukyu culture: it's the kings' best-preserved garden and a calm break after busy Shuri Castle.
The YesGo take: the garden is small, and without an interest in history it can seem like an ordinary park. A special trip is worth it only if you have more than one day in Naha. Don't come on a Wednesday — it's closed.
Before you go: checklist
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Gardens and parks: compare and choose
Gardens and natural sights rated by YesGo. Tap a column heading to sort.
| Shikina-en Gardenyou are here | 35 | 45 min | ≈ ¥400 | — |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kouri Island | 26 | 2 h | Free | 63.4 km |
| Cape Manzamo | 25 | 30 min | ≈ ¥100 | 36.1 km |
| Sefa-utaki | 24 | 1 h | ¥300 | 11.6 km |
| Okinawa World | 22 | 2 h 30 min | ¥2,000 | 8.3 km |
| Churaumi Aquarium | 20 | 2 h 30 min | ¥2,180 | 56.9 km |
Naha in a day
Shuri Castle and the Ukejo rite in the morning, the royal Shikina-en garden at midday, and Kokusai-dori and Makishi Market in the evening. Add them to your route — YesGo fits in the timing and transfers.
- Shuri Castle2 h · ¥400; from 23.11.2026 ¥1,000
- 26 min walk from the previous stopShikina-en Gardenyou are here45 min · ≈ ¥400
- 53 min walk from the previous stopKokusai-dori1 h 30 min · free
3 places · about 5 h 34 min with walks · 79 min on foot in total
Nearby — add to your day
How to do it right
- Closed on Wednesdays.
- Go inside the royal villa.
- The garden is quiet — few groups.
- Taxi from Kokusai-dori — 10 minutes.
- In the morning: Shuri Castle.
Questions
How much is entry to Shikina-en?
About ¥400 for adults and about ¥200 for children, according to guides.
What are the opening hours?
Roughly 9:00–17:30, until 18:00 from April to September.
When is it closed?
On Wednesdays (or the next day if a holiday).
What is it?
The Ryukyu kings' country residence and garden, a UNESCO site.
How do I get there?
About 10 minutes by taxi from Kokusai-dori, or a bus to Shikinaen-mae.
How long do you need?
45 minutes to an hour.
Can I go into the villa?
Yes, with shoes off.
What's nearby?
Shuri Castle, 10 minutes by taxi.
Have you been? Was it worth your time?
1 — no, 5 — absolutely
Your vote counts towards the YesGo score.
Sources and fact-check
- English Wikipedia: Shikina-en — 1799, Ryukyu royal residence, UNESCO, Chinese envoys, pavilion and bridges
- Travel guides — price, hours, closing day, access (unofficial; no official page found)
- Wikidata Q3133545 — coordinates
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