Learn the history of Okinawa while going on a journey that wishes for peace!
Okinawa is a region with a special history in Japan. By visiting areas of Okinawa that were devasted by warfare and now have war museums, you can learn more about the true history of Okinawa. Doing so, your wish for peace will become even stronger.
The most famous World Heritage site in Okinawa.
Shuri Castle (首里城) burned down due to damage in World War II. It was later restored as a national park and World Heritage site.
The fact that Shuri Castle Park is located on a hill is part of its charm.
Visit this place that is filled with history, such as Kyonouchi which is known as the holiest shrine in the Castle. Also, this is a great spot to overlook Naha.
It is a World Heritage site you want to visit at least once and it is easily accessible in Naha.
There is a volunteer tourist guide available to listen to while exploring.
You will be walking up and down cobblestone so wear comfortable walking shoes.
【Spot name】Shuri Castle
【Address】1-2 Shuri Kinjo-cho Naha-city Okinawa
【Hours of operation】8:30a.m. to 6:00p.m. (months 12-3)、8:30a.m.to 7:00p.m. (months 4-6 and 10-11)、8:30a.m. to 8:00p.m. (months 7-9)
※ Admission ticket sales are closed 30 minutes before
【Closed on Mondays】On the first Wednesday in July and the next day
This is a good place to learn about the battle of Okinawa!
It is approximately 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport to the former navy headquarters cave, the cave was dug by soldiers with only the use of shovels over 70 years ago. In the space that was the battlefield there are memorial towers, visitor centers, and exhibits. There is a multi-panel exhibit explaining battle of Okinawa in an easy-to-understand manner. The Old Navy Headquarters Museum has relics such as firearms and military uniforms. They also have exhibited personal materials such as a letters soldiers wrote to send home to the family.
【Spot name】Old Navy Headquarters
【Street address】236 Tomigusuku Tomigusuku-city Okinawa
【business hours】8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (July – September) 、8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (October – June)
【Regular holiday】None
Learn the actual situation of the battle of Okinawa and the postwar situation.
The Okinawa Prefecture Peace Memorial Museum is located in Itoman City’s Maybuni area. It is a place that tells the story of the battle of Okinawa from the standpoint of the inhabitants who sacrificed so much during the Okinawa war. The testimonies about the Okinawa war experience are the pillars of the exhibition. The permanent exhibition room consists of 5 exhibition rooms, where you can learn about the actual situation of the battle of Okinawa and the history of Okinawa before and after the war. This is a place where you can think about and feel the experience of the battle of Okinawa.
【Spot name】Okinawa Prefecture Peace Memorial Museum
【Street address】614-1 Mabuni Itoman-city Okinawa
【business hours】9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (entrance into the permanent exhibition room until 4:30 p.m.)
【Regular holiday】New Year’s Holiday
Relive the 90 days of the school Corp in the battle of Okinawa!
The Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum in Itoman City allows you to relive the 90 days that the Himeyuri school squad was mobilized to the battle of Okinawa. With the release of the movie “Tower of Himeyuri,” it was the first among a number of such situations to be known in Japan. The inside of the hall is made up of six exhibition rooms and a multipurpose hall. It is possible to relive the past events through the testimony of former students who actually experienced it. The exhibits include testimonial videos, a diorama of the caves, and actual materials, such as letters and personal belongings. Even if you have already visited the museum, you will be inspired to visit again and again!
【Spot name】Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum
【Street address】671-1 Ihara Itoman-City Okinawa
【business hours】9:00 a.m. to 5:30p.m. (Admission is until 5:00 p.m.)
【Regular holiday】None
Let’s take a stroll through the old battlegrounds while praying for peace!
The Peace Memorial Park is in a place where the view of the coastline is very beautiful. The wide park is classified into different zones. There is the Peace Zone, the Peace Ceremonial Zone, the Spiritual zone, and the Sonoji Plaza Zone. The Peace Zone is where the locals are most proud of. Inside this zone there is a peace memorial symbol that is 36 feet high. It is regarded as the Okinawan symbol of peace. Also, inside of this zone there is the Okinawa Prefecture Peace Memorial Museum. At the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Park you will experience the feeling of mourning the lives lost from the war and the urgent need of the heart to pray for peace.
【Spot name】Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Park
【Street address】444 Mabuni Itoman-city Okinawa
【business hours】It depends on facilities
【Regular holiday】None
