Katsuren Castle

People lived on this hill from late prehistoric times, and it took the shape of a fortress around the 13th century. Its tenth lord, Amawari, brought wealth to Katsuren through trade abroad and is remembered locally as a ruler the people loved. The king gave him his daughter Momoto Fumiagari in marriage. In 1458 the Shuri royal army attacked, and the castle that people had thought could not fall gave way after a fierce fight. A legend says Amawari escaped through a cave and fled to what is now Yomitan, and Uruma's own account notes that the true story remains unclear.

The ruin covers 11,897 m² on a ridge between about 60 m and 98 m above sea level. Limestone walls follow the natural rock and step down from the peak in the northwest. Narrow stone stairs climb to the first enclosure at the top, where an arched gate with carved decoration once stood. Excavation began in 1960. It has turned up large quantities of Chinese ceramics, with pieces from Southeast Asia and Korea, Japanese-style roof tiles and even parrot bones.

Tamanomiuji-utaki near the summit honours the guardian deity of the lords, and a large rock there is said to protect Katsuren. People pray for a good match at the Michigaa well, and at Utamishigaa they once read the year's harvest. At the foot of the hill the Amawari Park building shows finds from the dig and screens films about Amawari. On weekends and holidays actors stage his story in a performance of about 25 minutes.