It is one of a number of castles built on the island of Okinawa by the Ryukyu Kingdom now in ruins.

The legendary Ryukyuan commander, Gosamaru, built the fortress in the early 15th century to defend against attacks from the east by Lord Amawari of Katsuren Castle.

The castle was visited by Commodore Matthew C. Perry in 1853, who noted that the walls seemed to be designed to absorb cannon fire.

The six courtyards of this fortress with stacked stone walls make it a prime example of a gusuku.

The castle was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000.