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Shikinaen Royal Garden

4.3 (200)GardenHistorical LandmarkTourist AttractionHistorical PlaceParkPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Shikinaen Royal Garden, located on the outskirts of Naha in Okinawa, was once a private retreat for the Ryukyu kings. Constructed in the late 18th century, this beautifully preserved garden combines Japanese and Chinese landscape techniques, reflecting the unique cultural blend of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

As you enter Shikinaen Royal Garden, you're transported into a world of tranquility and beauty. The garden's main features include a large central pond, which is elegantly circled by a walking path that offers picturesque views at every turn. Traditional Ryukyu-style wooden buildings with red-tiled roofs, including a villa and tea houses, are strategically placed throughout the garden, providing spots for contemplation and enjoyment of the surrounding nature.

The garden's design emphasizes harmony between the man-made structures and the natural landscape. Lush foliage, carefully pruned trees, and blooming flowers create a serene atmosphere that changes with the seasons, offering a new experience with each visit. The use of local Ryukyuan limestone in the bridges and pathways adds a unique regional touch to the garden's aesthetic.

Visiting Shikinaen Royal Garden offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life and a chance to immerse yourself in the splendor of a bygone era. 


Hours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Phone
+81 98-855-5936
Website
www.city.naha.okinawa.jp

The area

Address
421-7 Maaji, Naha, Okinawa 902-0072, Japan

What other travelers are saying about Shikinaen Royal Garden

At one level it is a typical Chinese style garden but the historical palace makes it special. While it is nice place to visit on its own give stars also because of such a considerate staff. It was drizzling and I was inc unprepared. The staff offered his umbrella ☔ to me. The rain made the place even more beautiful, felt like a very romantic place.
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Saurabh
Apr 25, 2025
A very nice place with a remaining traditional atmosphere. It’s a large park and so beautiful. There are no tour guides or staff inside, making it a bit difficult to ask about the history of the place. They provide like a paper with a map and information, but having a guide would be more helpful, especially when exploring the old Japanese-style house there. The ticket is cheap, only ¥400. A very quiet place with few visitors. You can relax while enjoying nature here.
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Miftahul Farida
Feb 14, 2025
An Okinawan take on a traditional Japanese garden. It's set out in much the same way, with some heritage buildings, the pond, the bridge, the carp and the herons. However, the trees and plants are more akin to the type of things one might expect to see in Malaysia or Thailand. The paths and some walls are comprised of igneous rock, as in a grotto. Also, be careful where you step - it's rather uneven under foot (nob suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs).. When I visited, after two days of rain, there were clouds of midges in some places - but that's nature, I suppose.
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Jeremy Fox
Apr 3, 2025
A beautiful world heritage sight to behold and see while in Okinawa. I walked from Shuri castle to these gardens and it was the most enjoyable walk in my life. I loved it. The gardens are so tranquil and peaceful. It was beautiful.
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Anthony Plaxen
Feb 24, 2025
A short walk around these gardens but not much from a floral or botanical aspect. Some historical/ cultural spots along a well signposted path. Enjoyable but underwhelming.
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Vincent Oliver
Apr 1, 2025


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