Himeyuri Monument and Okinawa Peace Memorial Park: Cherishing the true value of peace.
Today, I traveled to southern Okinawa. The Himeyuri Monument (Tower of Himeyuri) and Okinawa Peace Memorial Park are located close to each other along the same main highway, so I’ve combined them into this single travel guide.
Both spots center around postwar reflection and historical remembrance. During World War II, Okinawa was the only part of Japan to suffer ground combat. Nearly all major attractions in Naha hold distinct pre-war and postwar histories—prominent examples include Kokusai Dori, Shurijo Castle, and Naminoue Shrine. Consequently, several meaningful sites were founded specifically on the premise of advocating for peace. This is one of the reasons I appreciate Okinawa so deeply: it offers far more than just leisure and gorgeous tropical beaches. It encourages deep contemplation and personal takeaways, and I believe every traveler can find their own growth from visiting here!
◎ Himeyuri Monument & Peace Museum (ひめゆりの塔)
This is certainly not a typical "fun-filled" tourist attraction.
Towards the end of World War II, facing acute shortages of medical nursing staff at the Haebaru Okinawa Army Hospital, the Japanese military mobilized 240 female teachers and students from the Okinawa Normal School Female Division and the First Prefectural Girls' High School. Throughout the battle, they nursed severely wounded soldiers in dark subterranean bunkers. When the military collapse became inevitable, commanders abruptly dissolved the student nursing corps and ordered a chaotic retreat. Many dispersed into cave shelters around where the Himeyuri Monument stands today. By that time, US forces had almost entirely occupied the area, and these caves were subjected to intense attacks. Over half of the mobilized teachers and students lost their lives here. This monument was erected to commemorate the tragic young lives of the Himeyuri Student Corps.
During my visit, I observed groups of Japanese visitors quietly paying respects—some on educational tours, others traveling with family—yet very few foreign tourists. On a bustling vacation island like Okinawa, witnessing such quiet reverence is quite striking. What touched me even more was how deeply they listened and read every single memorial inscription. You can instantly tell when visitors are truly reflecting and absorbing history. The locals hold wartime memories and an earnest yearning for peace with the utmost gravity; surely, the people of Okinawa wish never to experience war ever again.
Carrying a heavy, contemplative heart, I continued along my journey.
♁ Address: 671-1 Ihara, Itoman City, Okinawa (Himeyuri Peace Museum)
♁ Opening Hours: 09:00 - 17:30 (The outdoor Himeyuri Monument has no time restrictions)
♁ Admission: Adults ¥310 / High School Students ¥210 / Elementary & Junior High Students ¥110 (10% off for groups)
♁ Transportation: Take Bus 89 or 34 from "Naha Bus Terminal" to "Itoman Bus Terminal" (approx. 30 mins), then transfer to Bus 82, 107, or 108 to "Himeyuri no To-mae" stop (approx. 15 mins) (Detailed Bus Guide | Car Rental Guide)
♁ Official Website: Himeyuri Peace Museum
♁ Check Accommodation: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare Prices | Recommended Stays)
(Bus terminals across Okinawa feature boards like this to build passenger trust and track accident-free days. It serves as healthy competition among local transit operators, proving that higher safety standards earn greater passenger confidence!)
(Because I relied entirely on public buses, I first arrived at Itoman Bus Terminal to transfer. Away from bustling Naha, this area felt peaceful and somewhat remote, which meant longer intervals between buses. I took the chance to wander the surrounding streets, where I had some heartwarming encounters. The local harbor kids had that lively coastal vibe—just like the children on Ou Island—carrying fishing nets and rods ready to fish. The streetscape here felt less like stereotypical mainland Japan and more like a nostalgic Taiwanese fishing village. Later on, I met an elderly couple from Osaka. Because ferry tickets to the Kerama Islands were sold out, they had altered their itinerary to match mine. We chatted in a mix of English and Japanese—they spoke the best English I have ever heard from elderly Japanese travelers! When they learned I was from Taiwan, they expressed immense gratitude and spoke passionately about their dream of visiting Taiwan. They clearly knew so much about Taiwan already and held such fond impressions. Hearing their perspectives made me reflect on my own homeland, and I also shared stories from my travels in Kansai. Before we parted ways at the bus stop, they gifted me a cold bottle of an Okinawan drink, proudly claiming it was the best local specialty! Having nothing on me to give in return, I sketched a quick drawing for them as a keepsake. They didn’t use social media, and I knew deep down that this might be the only time our paths would ever cross. Travel is so wonderful precisely because of these serendipitous, warm moments. Saying goodbye with smiles left my heart thoroughly warmed!)
(Upon entering the Himeyuri Monument grounds, you are greeted by this solemn memorial inscription)
(Directly opposite the Himeyuri Monument, there are several souvenir shops selling Okinawan specialties and snacks—feel free to drop by if you have time!)
◎ Okinawa Peace Memorial Park (Hall, Museum & Cornerstone of Peace)
Okinawa Peace Memorial Park is a southern Okinawa destination I enthusiastically recommend. Situated atop coastal bluffs at the southern tip of the island, it features expansive landscaping and panoramic ocean views. The observation platform allows you to take in the entire coastal scenery, while the museum offers rich historical insights. It does not feel oppressive like some memorial sites; rather, an aura of profound respect and serenity fills the air.
The Okinawa Peace Hall is situated on the Mabuni Hill, which was the scene of fierce combat in the final stages of the Battle of Okinawa and marked the conclusion of organized fighting on the island. Many might not know that more than 200,000 lives were lost during the Battle of Okinawa alone, including countless innocent civilians. Today, 50 memorial towers representing different Japanese prefectures stand here for contemplation and prayer. Meanwhile, the "Cornerstone of Peace" (Heiwa no Ishiji) has the names of all fallen combatants and civilians inscribed on granite walls, with names still being researched and added each year. This is a place where you can find tranquility while actively meditating on the value of peace—truly worth experiencing when traveling in Okinawa!
♁ Address: 444 Mabuni, Itoman City, Okinawa (Peace Memorial Park)
♁ Opening Hours: 09:00 - 17:00 (Peace Memorial Museum closed Dec 29 - Jan 3; Peace Hall open year-round)
♁ Admission: Park grounds free / Peace Memorial Museum Permanent Exhibition: Adults ¥300 (¥240) / Children ¥150 (¥100) / Preschoolers free; Peace Hall: ¥500 (Check discounted ticket details here) *Parentheses denote group rates; free admission on Okinawa Memorial Day (June 23)
♁ Transportation: Take Bus 89 from "Naha Bus Terminal" to "Itoman Bus Terminal" (approx. 40 mins), then transfer to Bus 82 and alight at "Heiwa Kinentou Iriguchi" stop (Detailed Bus Guide | Car Rental Guide)
♁ Official Website: Okinawa Peace Memorial Park
♁ Check Accommodation: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare Prices | Recommended Stays)
(Every corner of the park is vast, immaculate, and blissfully relaxing!)
(The Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum houses invaluable historical exhibits and a library reading room for families. Best of all, there is a free 5th-floor observation deck inside that central high tower. From here, you can gaze over the entire park and coastline, taking in the elegant wave-like arrangement of the Cornerstone of Peace granite arcs!)
(Observing each prefecture’s memorial cenotaph reveals unique regional motifs—some through traditional shrine architecture, others via sculptural installations. Japanese visitors coming from those prefectures will surely feel a special connection. The surrounding walkways are filled with quintessential Japanese landscaping and make for a wonderfully tranquil stroll!)
(The park grounds are massive! Similar to Ocean Expo Park and Busena Marine Park, an intra-park shuttle operates here. However, departures are relatively infrequent, so be sure to check the timetable posted on the sign if you plan to ride!)
(There are few residential homes and hardly any restaurants near Peace Memorial Park. If you plan to visit, I recommend avoiding typical meal hours—nobody enjoys exploring on an empty stomach!)
(Here’s an amusing little encounter where I tried not to let my Japanese skills get bested by local kids! Seeing me walking around with a camera, unaware I was a foreigner, they asked me, *"Nani wo shiteru no?"* (What are you doing?). A sudden childish impulse hit me—I didn't want them to realize I was a foreigner right away, so I replied, *"Sampo shiteru yo"* (Just taking a walk). *"Doushite sampo shiteru no?"* (Why are you taking a walk?)… Kids really have boundless curiosity! Knowing my cover would be blown if this continued, I quickly said, *"Shashin wo totteiru yo!"* (I'm taking photos!), snapped this candid shot, and strolled away casually pretending nothing happened... By the way, I truly envy their carefree childhood, running around outdoors catching insects with little bug cages!)
That concludes my travel guide to the Himeyuri Monument and Okinawa Peace Memorial Park. When exploring southern Okinawa, many visitors head straight to theme attractions such as Okinawa World or sacred cultural grounds like Sefa Utaki. However, if you wish to genuinely understand Okinawa’s modern history and soul, these two southern sites are profoundly worthwhile places to visit!