Okinawa, Japan 13: Katsuren-Jo (Castle)
Written & Directed by James Knott

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James Knott heads to Katsuren-Jo, one of nine World Heritage Sites on the island of Okinawa.

OKINAWA, JAPAN

Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture. Over 1.25 million people are scattered across nearly 150 islands.

Okinawa has a unique culture that goes back several hundred years to when it was an independent country known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. This kingdom was known to trade frequently with China and as a result adopted much more from the Chinese than the rest of Japan.

The main island, Okinawa-honto, is surrounded by vivid, bright blue ocean and coral reefs. It is densely populated and urbanized in the south, while the the mountainous northern part of the island consists of just a few fishing villages and dense forests.

The beautiful, sub-tropical setting combined with historical roots that are more intertwined with China than Japan, have created a wonderful culture that is distinctly Okinawan.

TRANSCRIPT
Okinawa, Japan 13: Katsuren-Jo (Castle)

If you like big heaps of old rocks, then Katsuren-jo is the place for you.
Katsuren-jo is situated on the top of a steep hill on the Yokatsu Peninsula

Jo means castle in Japanese and It is estimated that Katsuren-jo was built
in the 12th or 13th centuries, but it is best known as the castle of Lord
Amawari who ruled there in the 15th century.

It's easy to see why Lord Amawari chose this location. With a steep hill
leading down to the ocean and great views in every direction, it would be
easy to spot and defend against approaching enemies.

In 1458, Lord Amawari was the last local leader to be defeated before the
Ryukyu Kingdom centralized the island¹s government.

Katsuren-jo is one of nine world heritage sites on the island. There are
several shrines and caves to see there. But unlike a lot of the other world
heritage sites, Katsuren-jo was not seriously damaged in WW2. It has also
been undergoing regular restoration work since 1978.

And although the castle stood up to the horrors of WW2, it is slowly being
defeated by this innocent young child who throws these ancient ruins down
the cliff ten pebbles at a time.

On a side note, Looking out to the ocean from the castle I can't help but
think about all the great watersports that can be enjoyed in okinawa.
Throughout the main island, you are never more than five miles from the
ocean. This creates great opportunities for playing in the surf.

Some popular activities include diving, kayaking, sailing, kitesurfing
and jetskiing. Lord Amawari probably never dreamed there would be so many
options.