Historical landmark • 1-chōme-3-8 Kume, Naha, Okinawa 900-0033, Japan
The Tianfei Palace Ruins, standing in the heart of Naha City, is a remnant of an ancient temple that once enshrined Mazu (Tianfei), the guardian deity of navigation and fisheries. In a quiet corner where only the elegant stone gateposts convey the vestiges of the past, the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom thrives.
The Tianfei Palace, established in the 14th century by immigrants from Fujian, China, was the oldest place of Mazu worship in the Ryukyu Kingdom. Okinawan sailors regarded it as an important sanctuary for praying for safe voyages and abundant fishing. At that time, there were two palaces, the Upper Tianfei Palace and the Lower Tianfei Palace, thriving as a critical point connecting the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea.
The surviving stone gateposts of the Upper Tianfei Palace Ruins tell the story of its former grandeur, despite the loss of the palace during the war. The elegant stone construction, adorned with Chinese-style carvings and the characters for "Tianfei Palace" in Chinese, is a condensed expression of the wish for safe voyages. It evokes the hardships of past sea voyages and the people's beliefs.
Surrounded by residential areas, it exudes a quiet presence, but the majestic appearance of the gateposts excites the imagination of travelers. When you contemplate the stone gateposts that once watched over the East China Sea, where pirates once roamed and trading ships carrying precious gems and silk plied their trade, your imagination will be filled with the romance of the kingdom.
The Tianfei Palace Ruins, bearing the prayers of ancient sailors, is not just a tourist spot but a jewel of Okinawa where you can experience the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom. As you reflect upon the gateposts, you may find your adventurous spirit awakened, as if retracing the ancient sea routes.