Iha Castle

Iha Castle (伊波城, Iha jō, Okinawan: Ifa Gushiku[1]) is a Ryukyuan gusuku in Uruma, Okinawa. It sits on a cliff that separates Iha from Ishikawa, with a grand view of the Ishikawa Isthmus. The castle is in ruins, with nothing left of the original structures save the walls. There are also multiple Ryukyuan shrines in the bailey. Based on artifacts found in and around the castle, it has been estimated to have been in use around the 13th to 15th centuries.[2] The Okinawa Prefectural government erected a stone Torii in front of one of the castle gates, along with a plaque describing it.

Iha Castle
伊波城
Uruma, Okinawa
Map of the Iha Castle site
Iha Castle伊波城 is located in Okinawa Prefecture
Iha Castle伊波城
Iha Castle
伊波城
Iha Castle伊波城 is located in Japan
Iha Castle伊波城
Iha Castle
伊波城
Coordinates26°25′17.6″N 127°49′2.4″E
TypeGusuku
Site information
Controlled by Ryūkyū Kingdom (15th century–1879)
 Empire of Japan (1879–1945)
United States Military Government of the Ryukyu Islands(1945-1950)
United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands(1950-1972)
 Japan(1972-present)
Open to
the public
yes
ConditionRuins
Site history
Builtearly 14th century
In useearly 14th century–15th century
MaterialsRyukyuan limestone, wood
Garrison information
OccupantsAji of Misato Magiri

References

  1. "イファ". 首里・那覇方言音声データベース (in Japanese).
  2. Flemming, Michael. "Iha Castle Ruins - An Okinawa prefecture cultural asset." Stars and Stripes Okinawa Nov 2013, n. pag. Web. 3 Feb. 2014. <http://o.okinawa.stripes.com/starsandstripesokinawa/#!/entry/iha-castle-ruins-an-okinawa-prefecture-cultural-asset,52959ba2025312186c91f668/1>.
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