Fodor's Expert Review Shuri-jo Castle

The Seiden (central hall) of the royal castle Shurijo was destroyed by fire in October 2019; however, the castle walls, gateways, and many buildings still remain of the sprawling, grandiose seat of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom. The castle, far more reminiscent of Beijing's Forbidden City than Kyoto's Imperial Palace, is still a marvel for the eyes. The original 15th-century castle was once part of an even more extensive property, but was mostly leveled during World War II when the Japanese Imperial Army made the complex its local headquarters. After reconstruction in 1992, Shurijo was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once again Shurijo will rise like a phoenix from the destruction, supported by both local government and donations from around the world. Reconstruction of the Seiden is underway and is expected to be completed in 2026. It's a 10-minute walk from the Shuri monorail station.