Tamaudun Mausoleum

Overview

Tamaudun Mausoleum was built in 1501 by King Shō Shin to re-inter the remains of his father, King Shō En. It served as the royal tomb for the second Shō dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The tomb is divided into three chambers: the central chamber housed the body before cremation, the east chamber held the remains of the king and queen after cremation, and the west chamber was reserved for a limited number of family members. The overall structure is a stone building designed to resemble the tile-roofed palaces of the time. Severely damaged during the Battle of Okinawa, it underwent extensive restoration from 1974, taking over three years to return it to its former splendor. In 2000, it was registered as a World Heritage site as part of the 'Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu', and in 2018, it became the first structure in Okinawa Prefecture to be designated a National Treasure. A visit to Tamaudun offers a profound understanding of Ryukyu Kingdom's history and culture, as well as the tragedy of the Battle of Okinawa. The grandeur of its stone architecture is deeply moving. If you wish to experience Okinawa's history and culture and learn from the lessons of war, Tamaudun is a must-see.