What other travelers are saying about Tamaudun Mausoleum
An interesting place to learn about the old history of Ryukyu. It showcases how rich and powerful the kings once were, with massive graves as a testament to their legacy.
We entered to historical site and saw the re-entombed structures. One can see the different stones used to construct the walls facing north. After WWII this area was damaged and the colors of the reconstructed rooms was lighter in color.
The west rooms were for the final remains of the kings. The central rooms were for the placing the remains before the washing of the bones. The west room was for the rest of the family members.
The site has been used since 1501.
Tamaudun is the tomb for former Ryukyu King, and the tomb was built in 1501. Probably, Tamaudun is the tomb to be built, above the ground, in the shape of house with stone material, and it has NO window. It is similar to Gable Tomb of the West.
From 1501 to 1879 during Ryukyu Kingdom rule, ordinary people are NOT allowed to have tamaudun for their deceased family member. But nowadays, many Okinawa residents or families have family tombs in Tamaudun styles for their deceased family members, although the tomb material are in cement or concrete. These contemporary tombs generally have open space in front of the tombs, because family members can have gathering parties or drink there after the worship ceremony.
Tamaudun is in short distance from Shuri castle and its entrance admission requires $ 300 Yen for adult and $ 150 Yen for the children.
For people visiting Tamaudun, they may find a school campus across Tamaudun site, and it is a prestige private high school in Naha.
To be honest there isn't much to see here. Which is why I felt the 300 yen admission fee is a bit too steep - Shuri castle charges 400 yen and offers a lot more.
There is a small exhibit at the administration building. The exhibit sorely lacks artifacts or historical pieces - it just displays a model of the tomb and a bunch of historical data.
The tomb itself is entirely sealed off, only offering visitors a glimpse of its facade. So all said and done, there really was not much to look at or experience.
Tamaudun ¥300/person
Not worth it
Very old design both interior and exterior of the building. They don’t care anymore about what they show to the public though it has a long and rich history. Very sad that they don’t try to give back for the entrance fees they collect.
Go to Shuri Ryusen instead. I prefer that place over Shuri Castle and Tamaudun.
