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Boarstall Tower is a 14th-century moated gatehouse located in Boarstall, Buckinghamshire, England. Boarstall tower was built by John de Haudlo in 1312 and is all that remains of a fortified manor house that was destroyed.

I stumbled upon this National Trust site on accident when I was viewing the Brill Windmill which is only a matter of minutes away. Pay close attention to the signs out front because they are only open on specific days throughout the year and this could create problems for those of you wanting to get a closer look.

Helpful Information

Opening Times

• Open Wednesdays, 1400 – 1700, from 2 June to 25 August
• Open 1100 – 1700 on 3 and 5 April, 3 and 31 May, 28 and 30 August
• Admission by timed ticket only (subject to availability), including members
• Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Prices

Adult – £2.60

Children – £1.50

Contact

The Tenant, Boarstall Tower, Boarstall, Aylesbury HP189UX

Tel: 01280 822850

Email: boarstalltower@nationaltrust.org.uk

[Show as slideshow]

Another day of venturing around the island led us to the Nakagusuku castle ruins located in Kita-Nakagusuku Village. I set a goal when I first arrived here on Okinawa to visit all of the major castle ruins before I left and this just happened to be one that never got checked off.

I thought that Nakagusuku castle would be like many of the other castle ruins that I have visited so far. However, Nakagusuku seems very large in comparison to some of the other castle on the island. It consists of six enclosures and two main gates that offer a great view of the Nakagusuku Bay and Pacific Ocean.

Nakagusuku is believed to be the home of the famous Ryukyuan commander, Gosamaru. Here Gosamaru used the castle to defend against attacks from Lord Amawari of Katsuren castle .

More importantly, Nakagusuku Castle has been recognized as one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Helpful Information

Hours: Open daily 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (until 6:00 p.m. from June – September)

Entrance fee:

Tel: (098)935-5719

How to get there

From Camp Fosters legion gate, go straight through the first light and follow the signs for about 1 kilometer where you take a right. After making the right turn you will follow the signs straight all the way until you reach Nakagusuku on your right side.

This evening before the sun set I decided to take a trip with my buddy Chris and my wife to Katsuren castle. We have visited the castle numerous times in the past but could not miss the opportunity to check it out on such a beautiful day.

The weird fact about Katsuren castle is that many people are unaware of who or when Katsuren castle was built. However, it is thought the be one of the oldest castle ruins on Okinawa. Katsuren flourished in agriculture in the late 14 century under the rule of Lord Amawari. It is said that Lord Amawari reached he status of ruler by pushing the current ruler off one of the castle walls.

Like the majority of other castle ruins on Okinawa, Katsuren offers spectacular views and is free of charge.

Information:

Hours: Open 24 Hours

Entrance fee: Free

Tel: 098) 978-2201

How to get there

Exit the Okinawa Expressway at Okinawa Minami and make a left onto Highway 23. At the Ikento intersection turn right onto Route 16. Follow the road straight for several kilometers until you go uphill as the road gently curves left. Halfway up the hill, there is a sign pointing to the Katsuren Castle ruins on the right.

You can check out a map with directions below

Make sure you check out the Katsuren slideshow below and also my Okinawa photo section .

Living here in Okinawa has provided many opportunities to wander out and see some really amazing sights. This weekend my friend Chris and I took about a 10 minute drive from Kadena Air Base and found a really great castle ruins site. Zakimi castle ruins is located in Central Okinawa in Yomitan village and boast some spectacular views of Okinawa.

It is said that a warrior named Gosamaru united many kingdoms of Okinawa and was rewarded with Zakimi castle. More interesting is the legend that states that Zakimi castle was built by having the stones from Gosamaru’s former castle moved one by one by forming a human chain of workers. That is how you get things done!

Zakimi stands roughly 125 meters high, perfect for viewing the hills of the north, the Kerama islands and the East China sea to the west, and the central region of Okinawa to the south. During World War II it was used by the Japanese military as a missile base before being completley destroyed.

In 1972 Zakimi was recognized by the Japanese government as a National treasure; it has also been been named a UNESCO World Heritage site . It also offers great walking trails and a visitor center to stop by and have all your questions answered. So, it is definitely worth checking out.

Information

Hours: Open 24 Hours

Entrance fee: Free

Tel: (098) 958-3141

How to get there/ Directions

Take Highway 58 north towards Nago. Keep left and continue through Kadena Circle, about 4 kilometers. Turn left onto Route 12 for Zakimi. Follow the road for 1.7 kilometers, and then turn right up a steep hill. Turn right into the parking lot.

I personally enjoy Zakimi castle because it is a short drive from Kadena Air Base gate 1 and it offers some really great scenic views, not to mention it is free. Check out the Zakimi slideshow below and also my Okinawa photo section .

Nakijin Gusuku Ruins Park located in the Nakijin village, a district located in Northern Okinawa Japan is a great place to check out if you enjoy sightseeing and have a couple hours to spare. We ventured there in mid February, just as the cherry blossoms were falling. This is a great time of year to enjoy one of the most spectacular castle sites on Okinawa.

When you arrive you will notice how truly enormous Nakijin really is. Also, you can begin to appreciate the hard work it must have taken to build such a towering structure. Archaeologists estimate that the castle covered nearly 14 acres  at one point. Nakijin’s large size is why it is the second largest castle ruins, only behind Shuri Castle here on Okinawa and is also part of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage sites .

The admission fee of ¥400 for a single adult covers entrances into both Nakijin ruins and the Nakijin Village History ad Cultural Center. This does involve some walking, but not too strenuous… so wear some comfortable shoes if you want to experience the most.

If you want to see more pictures of Nakijin, you can check out my Okinawa photo album .

Admission Fees

Adult- ¥400

High school student or younger- ¥300

Child not yet in elementary school- Free

Information

Hours : Nakijin Gusuku Park 9AM-5PM

Extended hours : Hours of operation vary with the season

Nakijin Village History and Culture Center : Last entry by 4:30 PM

Parking : Free

How to get there

Take the expressway all the way up north to Nago. From Nago you can take several different roads to get to Nakijin. It is approximately 25 kilometers from Nago to the entrance of Nakijin. If you are familiar with Route 58, you can take 58 until you get to 505 and then look for signs that will lead you there.