It was built between 1416 and 1422 by the renowned Ryukyuan general Gosamaru, a project which involved workers from as far away as the Amami Islands, and was partly constructed with materials taken from nearby Yamada Castle.

[2] Zakimi Castle oversaw the northern portion of central Okinawa Island.

This is Okinawa's first stone arch gate featuring the unique keystone masonry of the Ryukyus.

Before and during World War II, the castle was used as a gun emplacement by the Japanese.

Some of the walls were destroyed to install the radar equipment, but they have been restored.