The Hokuden, or "North Hall," also known as the giseiden, faces the Nanden across the plaza, and is known as the Nishi-no-udun in Okinawan. Built around 1506-1521, it is a structure more Chinese in style, which housed visiting Chinese officials and Chinese-style ceremonies and, as the site of the chief administrative offices of the royal government, was on an average day the busiest and most active building in the compound. Commodore Perry was also entertained and banqueted here on two occasions when he forced his way into the castle. Like the Nanden, the Hokuden today* contains exhibition space devoted to material related to the castle, the royal family, and the kingdom's relationship with China.
* commentary in this feature predates the October 31, 2019 fire that destroyed several buildings including this one, the Nanden and the Seiden.
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