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Also known as Wii-nu-Aijô ("Upper Grand Gate"), the Shureimon also marks the beginning of [[Aijo-ufumichi|Aijô-ufumichi]], the main boulevard running west from the castle.<ref>Plaques on-site at Aijô-ufumichi.</ref>

Also known as Wii-nu-Aijô ("Upper Grand Gate"), the Shureimon also marks the beginning of [[Aijo-ufumichi|Aijô-ufumichi]], the main boulevard running west from the castle.<ref>Plaques on-site at Aijô-ufumichi.</ref>

Beyond the symbolic Shureimon, the main gate granting entry through the outer walls of the compound is the Kankaimon, flanked by two stone ''[[shisa]]'' (lion dogs). Like most of the gates in the walls of Shuri Castle, the Kankaimon consists of a gap in the stone wall, with a wooden structure atop it, with a flared tiled roof. "Kankaimon" can be translated as "Gate of Welcome," a name given to it to better convey a spirit of welcome for visiting envoys of the Chinese Emperor. It was built originally sometime around 1477-1500<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Kankaimon." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>.

Beyond the symbolic Shureimon, the main gate granting entry through the outer walls of the compound is the Kankaimon (歓会門), flanked by two stone ''[[shisa]]'' (lion dogs). Like most of the gates in the walls of Shuri Castle, the Kankaimon consists of a gap in the stone wall, with a wooden structure atop it, with a flared tiled roof. "Kankaimon" can be translated as "Gate of Welcome," a name given to it to better convey a spirit of welcome for visiting envoys of the Chinese Emperor; the Okinawan language name of the gate, ''Amae ujô'' (あまへ御門), has a similar meaning.<ref>Plaques on-site at the Kankaimon.</ref> The Kankaimon was built originally sometime around 1477-1500<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Kankaimon." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>.

A short distance down the wall from the Kankaimon is the Kyûkeimon, the women's gate, which is elevated somewhat, and reached by a short staircase. Constructed during the reign of Shô Shin, the Kyûkeimon was also used when the king paid official visits to temples and shrines, or to sites in [[Urasoe]] or further north. Rainwater falling on and around the castle naturally gathered here, at a pair of springs which thus served to supply fresh water to the castle<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Kyûkeimon." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>.

A short distance down the wall from the Kankaimon is the Kyûkeimon, the women's gate, which is elevated somewhat, and reached by a short staircase. Constructed during the reign of Shô Shin, the Kyûkeimon was also used when the king paid official visits to temples and shrines, or to sites in [[Urasoe]] or further north. Rainwater falling on and around the castle naturally gathered here, at a pair of springs which thus served to supply fresh water to the castle<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Kyûkeimon." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>.