Foreign Residence Building of Shuri Castle

Shuri, Okinawa, Japan

This shoin-style building was used as the residence for Japanese embassadors, Zen priests, etc. Its Japanese architecture can be compared with the Chinese-style architecture of the palace (previous page), to illustrate how the independent kingdom of Okinawa mediated between Japanese and Chinese pressures and influences.

The residence building is to the right (south) end of the square as one faces the palace.