When Shuri Castle was built, of course the primary requirement was that it should be capable of being defended against attack. To that end, the castle was built on a promontory and surrounded by sinuous walls offering good defensive positions.

After 1429, when Sho Hashi unified Ryukyu, the castle became the monarch's capital and had to be of appropriate size for that function. The king's minister, Saiki, built Ankokuzan and Ryutan Lake near the castle, bringing the principles of Feng Shui to bear on the capital's architecture and landscaping.

Ryukyu maintained close relations with China and Japan during this period and also enjoyed close relations with other Asian countries. Thus the construction of Shuri Castle combined cultural influences from abroad with indigenous Okinawan techniques and styles.

Peace and stability came to Ryukyu during the reigns of Sho Shin and Sho Sei. Now, instead of a military function, the castle served primarily as the seat of royal administration and as a sort of guest palace for visiting Sappo envoys from China.