Urasoe, Japan

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Urasoe, Japan

Region: Okinawa

---

Geographic Coordinates: 26.245800, 127.722000

Climate: Urasoe, Japan has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The rainy season occurs from May to June, and typhoons are common in September and October.

Population: 115855

Language: Japanese

---

Urasoe, Situated in the central part of Okinawa Island, Japan, Is a city with a population of around 120, 000 people and covers an area of 15.11 square kilometers. The city is renowned for its rich history and culture along with picturesque natural surroundings. The Urasoe Castle Ruins are one of the most notable landmarks in Urasoe. This historic site dates back to the 13th century when it was home to the rulers of Okinawa. Today, Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about this significant cultural site’s history.

Peace Memorial Park is another popular attraction in Urasoe built to commemorate those who lost their lives during World War II while serving as a reminder of peace and reconciliation’s importance. Apart from historical sites, Urasoe offers several opportunities for outdoor recreation with several parks and nature reserves where visitors can hike or bike or enjoy picnics with family or friends. For those interested in shopping or dining out, There are plenty of options available throughout the city ranging from local crafts to high-end fashion brands.

Additionally, Numerous restaurants serve up delicious traditional Okinawan cuisine along with international dishes. whether you’re interested in history and culture or looking for a relaxing getaway surrounded by natural beauty; Urasoe has something for everyone! With friendly locals, Vibrant community events & unique attractions – no wonder it has become such a popular destination among both locals & tourists alike!

---

---

1. Urasoe Castle Ruins
2. Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum
3. Kinjo-cho Stone-Paved Road
4. Shuri Castle Park
5. Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum
6. Naminoue Beach
7. Makishi Public Market
8. Kokusai Street
9. Okinawa World Theme Park
10. Tsuboya Pottery District

---

1. Tourism: Urasoe boasts several tourist attractions including the Urasoe Castle Ruins, Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum and Nakagusuku Castle Ruins.
2. Education: The city has numerous schools and universities such as the University of the Ryukyus which happens to be one of the largest universities on Okinawa Island.
3. Manufacturing: There are some manufacturing facilities in Urasoe that produce electronic components, automotive parts and machinery.
4. Healthcare: Several hospitals and clinics provide medical services to both residents and visitors in Urasoe.
5. Retail: Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom is one of the largest shopping centers on Okinawa Island among other retail stores located within Urasoe.
6. Agriculture: Although not a major industry in Urasoe there are small-scale farms that grow crops such as sugarcane, pineapple and vegetables for local consumption.
7. Service industries: The city has various service-based businesses including restaurants, cafes hotels transportation companies (taxis), cleaning services etc., catering to both tourists and locals alike.

---

1. In 1458, the Battle of Katsuren Castle occurred in Urasoe between the Ryukyu Kingdom and the Amawari lords. The Ryukyu Kingdom emerged victorious, gaining control over Urasoe.
2. Shō Hashi was a king who ruled over the Ryukyu Kingdom from 1372 to 1439. He is famous for unifying Okinawa Island and establishing his capital in Naha, located near Urasoe.
3. Tsushima Yūshō was a renowned poet who lived during Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868) and was born in Urasoe. He is best known for his haiku poetry.
4. During World War II, American forces heavily bombed Urasoe during the Battle of Okinawa, which lasted from April to June 1945.
5. Nakamura Chōkichi was an influential musician born in Urasoe in 1901 who played traditional Okinawan music on the sanshin (a three-stringed instrument).
6. Taira no Kiyomori was a powerful samurai leader who lived during Japan’s Heian period (794-1185). He conquered much of western Japan, including parts of what is now Okinawa Prefecture that included Urasoe.
7. Higaonna Kanryō founded Goju-ryu karate, one of Japan’s most popular styles of karate today as a martial artist after studying under several masters in China before returning to his hometown of Naha (near Urasoe) to establish his own school.

---

1. Urasoe Art Museum: This museum showcases contemporary art from local and international artists, as well as traditional Okinawan crafts.
2. Urasoe Castle Ruins: The ruins of this castle date back to the 14th century and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
3. Yodore Hall: This historic building was once used for important ceremonies and events in Urasoe’s history.
4. Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum: Located nearby in Naha, this museum offers a comprehensive look at Okinawan history, culture, and art.
5. Nakagusuku Castle Ruins: Another castle ruin located in nearby Nakagusuku offers visitors a chance to explore ancient architecture and learn about the region’s history.
6. Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum: This UNESCO World Heritage site is an important burial ground for members of the Ryukyu royal family.
7. Ginowan City Museum of History & Folklore: Located just south of Urasoe, this museum features exhibits on local folklore, customs, and traditions.
8. Shuri Castle Park: A must-visit destination for anyone interested in Okinawan culture or history, Shuri Castle Park is home to several historic buildings including a palace complex that served as the seat of power for the Ryukyu Kingdom from the 15th to 19th centuries.
9. Naminoue Shrine: One of Okinawa’s most important shrines dedicated to sea gods is located just south of Urasoe in Naha city.
10. Kokusai Street Market: A bustling shopping district located in downtown Naha where visitors can find everything from traditional crafts to modern souvenirs and snacks popular with locals such as sataandagi (Okinawan donuts).

---

---

---

1. Urasoe Tedako Festival is the largest festival in Urasoe and takes place annually in late August. The festival includes a parade, traditional Okinawan music and dance performances, food stalls, and carnival games.
2. Shurijo Castle Festival is held every November at Shurijo Castle to celebrate the castle’s history and cultural significance with traditional Okinawan ceremonies, music and dance performances.
3. Urasoe Matsuri happens in early July where local residents carry portable shrines (mikoshi) through the streets of Urasoe as part of a parade.
4. Tsuboya Pottery Festival is an annual event held every May in nearby Naha City that showcases traditional Okinawan pottery from Tsuboya district.
5. Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival takes place annually in late March or early April when cherry blossoms are in full bloom throughout Japan. In Urasoe, visitors can enjoy picnics under the blooming trees at various parks around the city.
6. Although technically not held within Urasoe city limits, the popular Uruma City Bullfighting Tournament takes place just a short drive away between January to March each year where spectators gather to watch bulls fight for dominance (no bulls are harmed during these fights).

---

• Okinawan soba: This is a noodle dish that is unique to the Okinawa region. It is made with wheat flour noodles in a pork broth and topped with various ingredients such as pork belly, fish cake, and green onions.
• Goya champuru: This is a stir-fry dish made with bitter melon (goya), tofu, eggs, and pork or spam.
• Soki soba: Another type of noodle dish that features thick wheat noodles in a pork broth with tender pieces of stewed pork ribs on top.
• Urasoe yakiniku: Yakiniku refers to grilled meat dishes, and Urasoe has several popular yakiniku restaurants where you can grill your own meat at your table.
• Sushi: There are several sushi restaurants in Urasoe that serve fresh seafood from the nearby waters.

Some popular restaurants in Urasoe include:

• Nakayoshi Shokudo for traditional Okinawan dishes
• Tsuboya Yachimun no Sato for pottery-making workshops and lunch
• Kurauchiya for yakiniku
• Ichibanboshi for sushi
• Tenkaippin for ramen

---



Parks and Recreation

1. Urasoe Athletic Park is a vast recreational space that boasts various sports facilities, including baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, and a track and field area.
2. The Urasoe Castle Ruins are a historical landmark that used to be a castle in the Ryukyu Kingdom.
3. The Urasoe Art Museum showcases contemporary art pieces from both local and international artists.
4. Ishikawa Park is a small yet charming park with playground equipment, picnic areas, and walking paths.
5. Shintoshin Park is an idyllic destination for jogging or taking leisurely walks around the lake while admiring the beautiful cherry blossoms during springtime.
6. Kinjocho Stone-Paved Road is an ancient stone-paved road lined with traditional Okinawan houses that has been preserved as an important cultural asset of Urasoe City.
7. Katsuren Castle Ruins offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from its hilltop location overlooking the sea in nearby Nakagusuku Village – another significant historical site worth visiting.
8. Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park (Sports World) located just outside of Urasoe City in Haebaru Town offers numerous sports facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, soccer pitches making it perfect for sports enthusiasts to enjoy recreational activities all year round!

---



Experience Life

---