Shuri

Shuri sits on a raised limestone plateau about 100 m above the sea, topping out at Bengatake at 165.6 m, and for centuries it was the seat of the Ryukyu kings. It was a city of its own until it joined Naha. Under the limestone lies mudstone that holds water, so many of Naha's roughly 120 springs and wells are here, and the water may be one reason the royal capital was built on this hill. Shuri is also known for its awamori.

Tamaudun, the royal tomb, stands just outside the castle, and the Kinjo-cho stone road drops down the south slope between old stone walls and red-tiled houses. The residential lanes keep that look in places, and a handful of soba shops in old homes, such as Shimujo, keep lunch queues going through the week.

On a bike, Shuri means climbing, since the plateau stands about 100 m above central Naha. The old lanes are steep and narrow, and taking the monorail up and walking is the easy option.