Although the Ryukyus are a group of many small islands, the ruins of many castles preserving historical sites still remain throughout the prefecture today. The size and design of the various castles demonstrate the power of the former owners/rulers. Aji, or local chieftains, first started to build these stone castles in the 9th century, attempting to expand the limits of their rule. The mightier aji defeated the weaker ones and consolidated their power base by building bigger castles.

Nakagusuku Castle, one of the largest remaining, sits upon a 200-meter high hill on the boundary between Nakagusuku and Kitanakagusuku villages. Its inner portion is surrounded by 966 meters of stone walls, and the total castle site covers an area of 13,200 square meters. The castle proper is comprised of six great structures: the main, second, third, west, rituals area, and spring water courts. The exact date of original construction is not clear, but the third structure was built in the 1450’s. The masonry techniques are different in each structure. The walls of the main and second court structures were built using rectangular stones, but the third court has convex shaped stones. From the different masonry styles, it is commonly assumed that the structures were built in different years.

A panoramic view can be seen from the castle site. To the north are the hilly regions of okinawa; Baten Fishing Port can be seen to the south; the Kerama and Zamami islands can be seen in the western waters past Naha City; and Kudaka Island is to the southeast. For the romantic, Nakagusuku Castle is a noted site to view the full moon.

Of the lineage of rulers who made the castle their seat of power, it is known that Gosamaru, Lord of Nakagusuku who moved from Zakimi Castle in 1440, lost it after his death at the hands of Amawari, Lord of Katsuren of the Katsuren and Shuri combined forces.