Ozato Gusuku, Nanjo Shi, Okinawa, Japan - April 7, 2019
My GoPro hat cam turned out to be too choppy despite my best efforts to walk slowly and carefully. Next time I go out I'm taking along - and using - the gimbal.
THE STORY:
Shimashi Ozato Gusuku is in the Ozato district of Okinawa.
Designated as an historical site in 2003 by Nanjo City. This castle was built for Lord Shimashi Ozato, the Aji, who controlled the Shimajiri region around the 14th century.
Shimashi Ozato Gusuku's construction, with its back to a cliff and its strong walls, skillfully makes use of the natural landscape.
Ōzato Castle (大里城 Ōzato jō, Okinawan: Ufuzatu Gushiku), officially Shimasoe-Ōzato Castle (島添大里城 Shimasoe-Ōzato jō, Okinawan: Shimashii-Ufuzatu Gushiku),
is a Ryukyuan gusuku built in Nanzan and used until 1429. It, and the village of Ōzato, are named after the Ōzato Dynasty of Nanzan. It is in ruins.
Nanzan was established in 1314 when the Lord of Shimajiri-Ōzato, Ōzato Ofusato, broke away from the chieftain Tamagusuku at Urasoe Castle. The castle was built in
the 14th century West of the farming village of Ōzato, and became the seat of the Aji of Ōzato Magiri. It fell into disuse after the capture of Nanzan Castle in 1429.
During an excavation of the site, Chinese ceramics were found, showing the extensive trade that Nanzan had done with Ming China. In 2012, Ōzato castle became an officially designated historical site on Okinawa Island.
The gusuku is 200 meters east-to-west, and 100 meters north-to-south with an area more than 20,000 sq meters and one of largest in the prefecture.
A true temple built on a platform one step higher and a garden in front It is in a flat configuration. The foundation stone to support the pillar was confirmed from several places by past investigators.
The area of residence of Osato Shimazoe is about 22 meters x 13 meters and it is believed that a reconstruction was carried out several times.
Some of the castle walls remain in various places and an excavation survey has confirmed the foundation that has escaped quarrying.
Excavated artifacts include pottery, Kamuyaki, Chinese ceramics and other Asian-made ceramics, Japanese-made ceramics, ironware, stoneware, and ornaments. Many historical items such as coins, and natural relics have been identified.
(Sources: Internet research and information within the castle ruins)