In Okinawan the word “Gusuku” refers to castle. Where is this derived from?

Simply explained, “Gusuku” or the castle fortresses are a sacred space called “utaki”, where one can find multiple spots of worship. The word “gusuku” is said to come from a word meaning the place where gods reside, so in a sense they are similar to Shinto or Buddhist shrines and temples. Within these castles are various compounds (translated as “citadels” on the castle map), and each compound has an “Ibe.” These are believed to be the locations where gods have descended from the heavens.

You can see why this place is preserved as a cultural heritage sight. It isn’t the structure or the architecture of the building itself, it’s about what went on inside it. There is a hidden story that can’t be seen by just looking at it from the outside.

Within the 6 compounds of Nakagusuku Castle there are 8 places of worship, 3 of which are located in the southern compound.

The first is “Kūgusuku no O-Ibe”. In Japanese, the characters for small castle are used but in Okinawan, these same characters can be pronounced as “old.” So, these characters could mean small castle or old castle. Either way, this section is the oldest place of worship in Nakagusuku-castle and is said to have existed before the castle walls had even gone up.

Next we have Utōkura- Hinukan. Actually, in Shuri Castle there was also a space called Tō-no-kura. Those who couldn’t go to Shuri even if they wanted to would come here to pray instead.

Amegoi no O’ibe is a place where people would go to pray for rain. The island has always been prone to drought since long ago and as a result, all of the castle fortresses have a space to pray for rain .

The southern compound is filled with sacred spaces for visitors to pray. It is said that these sacred spaces have helped to discourage opposing forces from attacking the fortress.