Nakijin Castle

Nakijin Castle (今帰仁城, Nakijin Gusuku) is a Ryukyuan castle or fortress (gusuku) located in Nakijin, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It is currently in ruins. In the late 14th century, the Ryukyus consisted of three principalities: Nanzan to the south, Chūzan in the central area, and Hokuzan in the north. Nakijin was the capital of Hokuzan. The fortress includes several sacred Utaki groves, reflecting the castle's role as a center of religious activity. It is today known for the Hikan cherries which bloom in northern Okinawa between mid-January and early February, providing the first cherry blossoms each year in Japan.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakijin Castle