Zakimi Castle, located in Yomitan Village, is a medium-sized fortress that remains in very good condition. Standing atop its thick stone walls one may view Ie Island and the panorama of okinawa’s northern hills.

The castle was built early in the 15th century by Gosamaru, a strong warlord of okinawa’s central region. Gosamaru joined forces headed by King Sho Hashi of Shuri to take up arms against Nakijin’s warlord, Gosamaru had lived in Yamada Castle in Onna Village, but after the Shuri victory over Nakijin he moved his castle to Zakimi. In doing so, he ordered the people of Amami to take apart his former castle and rebuild it on its current site.

After landing in Yomitan during the war, U.S. military forces used the site as a radar facility, and for a period after the war’s end the general public was not allowed access because of its military use. The castle has been designated a National Cultural Asset.

During the time of the full moon and good weather, groups of people both young and old gather at the castle to sing, dance or just talk, creating a wonderful, happy atmosphere. In summer, very successful theatrical performances are held within the castle walls.