Tamaudun Mausoleum

Tamaudun Mausoleum (玉陵), built in the early 16th century, serves as the royal burial site of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s royal family. Located just a short distance from Shuri Castle, the mausoleum was heavily damaged during the Battle of Okinawa but has since been carefully restored. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is now part of the Castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The mausoleum features three distinct chambers: the left chamber is reserved for kings and queens, the right for princes and princesses, and the central chamber is used for recently deceased bodies awaiting ritual bone cleaning, a unique practice reflecting the Ryukyu dynasty's burial traditions.

Visitors can explore the mausoleum for an entry fee, which also includes access to a small museum located in the basement. Although modest in size, the museum offers valuable historical insights into the mausoleum and the Ryukyu Kingdom. Exhibits include pre-war photographs of the mausoleum, as well as small models of the royal tombs, which are otherwise inaccessible to the public. This site provides a rare opportunity to learn about Okinawa's fascinating burial traditions and the cultural heritage of its former royal family.