Tamaudun Mausoleum

About this Attraction

The Tamaudun Mausoleum (玉陵), a solemn and historically rich site, stands as one of the most significant remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Constructed in the early 16th century, it was built to serve as the royal family’s final resting place and is located just a short walk from the famous Shuri Castle in Okinawa. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tamaudun is part of the “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu,” honoring its cultural and architectural value. The mausoleum was heavily damaged during World War II but has since been meticulously restored, allowing visitors to glimpse into Okinawa's regal past.

The mausoleum structure consists of three stone chambers, each with a specific purpose. The left chamber was used to inter the remains of kings and queens, while the right chamber was reserved for princes and princesses. The central chamber held the bodies of the recently deceased before a traditional Okinawan ritual called senkotsu (bone cleaning) was performed several years later. Built using the Okinawan tradition of large stone tombs, Tamaudun is grander than most, symbolizing the high status and reverence of the Ryukyuan royal family.

Admission to the site requires a small entry fee, which also includes access to a basement museum located beneath the reception building. Although modest in size and offering limited English explanations, the museum features photographs of the mausoleum before wartime destruction and miniature models that illustrate the layout and purpose of the interior chambers. For visitors interested in history, architecture, and ancient rituals, Tamaudun offers a peaceful and reflective experience. Surrounded by stone walls and shaded pathways, this sacred site captures the dignity of the Ryukyu royal lineage and is a must-visit for anyone exploring Okinawa’s historical landscape.

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