Anationally recognized scenic spot, Shikina-en, which was the garden owned by the Sho Family, descendants of the Ryukyuan kings, was recently donated to Naha City. The garden is located in Maji, Naha and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Ryukyuan style.

Shikina-en was the site of a secondary house for the kings family. Built in the 16th century, it covers about 23,600 square meters. The Ryukyuan kings had two summer cottages near the castle the South Cottage in Shikina-en and the East Cottage in Sakiyama Garden where the royal family spent their time relaxing. Magnificent views of Naha Harbor, the southern villages and Nakagusuku Bay can be seen from the high point of the garden. The path to Shikina-en was connected to the stone pavement through the Kanagusuku area. Some parts of the pavement still remain and evoke ancient images.

The garden is surrounded by several familiar and typical trees such as the Gajimaru, Fukugi and Ryukyu Pine. A natural spring called Ikutokusen still feeds water into the pond in the center of the garden. Shima-chisujinori, a kind of seaweed, grows in the spring. Seaweed rarely grows in fresh water, so the case of Ikutokusen is unusual. It is recognized as a Natural National Monument.

The garden was landscaped with funds from the Naha City, prefectural and national governments, and completed in May, 1993.