Sonohyanutaki Ishigmon

Overview

Sonohyanutaki Ishigmon is a stone gate from the Ryukyu Kingdom era, located to the left of the main hall of Shurijo Castle. Built in 1519 by King Sho Shin, the third king of the Second Sho Dynasty, this gate served as a place of worship where the Ryukyu king prayed for safe travels before embarking on journeys throughout the kingdom. It was considered a sacred site of the kingdom. Beyond the gate lies a sacred 'mitake' forest, a place of religious faith that continues to be cherished as a sacred space. The mitake enshrines a portion of the deity 'Sonohiyabū of Ueta' from Iheyajima Island, an island with ties to the royal family. Constructed from Ryukyu limestone, the gate is entirely made of stone, except for the wooden doors. The gate's architecture is captivating, featuring elements often seen in Japanese temples: a gently curving roof that rises higher in the center, arabesque carvings, and stone sculptures of a flame jewel (kaen hoju) and a shachihoko (a mythical creature resembling a Chinese lion-dog). Interestingly, the gate employs optical illusions using perspective, making its restoration a particularly challenging undertaking. When visiting Shurijo Castle, be sure to visit Sonohyanutaki Ishigmon. It offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and the sacred atmosphere of the mitake forest will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.