Tamaudon, Sonohyan Utaki Ishimon, Shikina-en, Sefa Utaki, and the ruins of Shuri, Nakagusuku, Katsuren, Zakimi, and Nakijin castles, are collectively called the "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu." They were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000.
Reasons for their inclusion on the list, in other words their value as World Heritage, are summarized as follows:

�E The inscribed buildings and ruins are the products of an independent kingdom created through interchange with Japan, China, and the countries of Southeast Asia and are an example of original development and progress achieved in the Ryukyu region.

�E The Gusuku sites are fortified buildings made by powerful clans, which developed on an agricultural foundation in the island region of the Ryukyus. From an archeological standpoint they are a precious group of examples symbolizing the lost ancient Ryukyus. They are also, for residents of the Ryukyus, a spiritual support for them to recognize a mutual bond with their ancestors through worship and prayers. Even today they exist as an important core of Ryukyuan culture.

�E The Gusuku and related properties represent and convey the form of religious faith characteristic of the ancient Ryukyus. From a religious viewpoint, the Gusuku are sacred sites where events concerning important religious services are conducted. This religious belief continues unhindered still today. Along with being aesthetically precious, they are a spiritual place for people living in the surrounding region. For example, Sefa Utaki is believed to be deeply related to the ties between Nirai Kanai, a land of gods across the seas, and our world. That the indigenous religion of nature worship conducts ceremonies and festivals within the Gusuku even today is evidence that this culture is still alive.