Located nearby Shurijo Castle in Naha City, Tamaudun was built in 1501 so that King Sho Shin could bury his father, Sho En. After that, the successive rulers of the Second Sho Dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom and their families were buried in this mausoleum. The burial chamber is separated into three parts: middle, east, and west. The middle room is where remains were enshrined before undergoing the senkotsu bone collecting ritual; in the east room lie the ashes of the kings and queens' remains after the senkotsu bone collecting ritual; and finally in the west room are the enshrined remains of select family members. The names of the people who were buried here are engraved on the stone monuments of Tamaudun. During World War II, the structure sustained heavy damage, but after over three years of construction the original form was restored. Those who are interested in deepening their knowledge about the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom period should definitely make sure to stop by Tamaudun during a visit to Shurijo Castle.

Photograph provided by Okinawa Convention＆Visitors Bureau