Ryutan Pond, located near Shurijo Castle, is an artificial pond constructed in 1427 by the prime minister of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Kaiki, under orders of the second king of the First Sho Dynasty, King Sho Hashi. On Ryutan Pond the investiture envoys from China were entertained by such events as the Haari Dragon boat races.
During the kingdom period many fish swam in the pond and flowers and trees were planted around it. With Shurijo Castle reflecting off the surface of the pond, it was said to be the most beautiful sight in the kingdom.