Visit Tamaudun Mausoleum in Okinawa, Japan

The kings and queens of the Ryukyu era were laid to rest a short distance from Shuri Castle. Tamaudun is a mausoleum for the Ryukyu royal family that was built in 1501 by King Sho Shin. The tomb is made up of three compartments. The eastern chamber was used for kings and queens, while the western one was for the rest of the royal family. Remains of royal family members were stored in the central chamber until the bones were ready to be washed for purification and moved to another chamber to be entombed.
The mausoleum was built into naturally occurring limestone bedrock and surrounded by stone walls made of coral limestone. Shisa statues watch over the mausoleum and provide a good example of early Ryukyu stone sculpture techniques. Tamaudun has many intricate features etched into the stone. There are two courtyards in front of the tombs with arched gates for entry. This world heritage site suffered partial damage in World War II, but by 1977 had been completely repaired.
Up next, we head to a place of prayer and meditation, Sefa-Utaki. Don’t forget to check out my website straycompass.com, a travel adventure website. And if you’re watching this on another video sharing website, don’t forget to subscribe to my videos. I’m James Knott. Thanks for watching. Goodbye.


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