Culture & History #3 of 11 in this area

former naval headquarters bunker

This underground bunker was used as the headquarters of the Imperial Japanese Navy during the Battle of Okinawa, and was dug in 1944 by a naval installation team of about 3,000 men, the remains of the battle in which 4,000 soldiers fought. Currently, a 300-meter section is open to the public, and the commanding officer's office and operations room remain in their original state. The museum exhibits artifacts and photographs, and is maintained as a battle site park that communicates peace.

What is a former naval headquarters bunker?

This is an underground command post dug by the former Imperial Japanese Navy for the defense of Oroku Airfield (now Naha Airport) in 1944, at the end of the Pacific War, in preparation for the landing of U.S. forces. Approximately 3,000 men of the 226th Naval Expeditionary Unit dug the dugout with pickaxes and a circular spoon, and completed it in December of the same year. Up to 4,000 soldiers holed up in the dugout, which served as a command center for fierce ground fighting until June 13, 1945, when Commander Minoru Ota and his men committed suicide.

Highlights

In the 300m dugout open to the public, the commander's office, operation room, staff room, code room, medical room, etc. remain as they were in those days. The walls are covered with grenade holes and pickaxe marks, showing the tragedy of the Battle of Okinawa. In the museum on the ground, Commander Ota's telegram to the Vice Minister of the Navy, "Okinawa Prefecture Citizens Shikusen Heri," as well as artifacts, photographs, and paintings are on display.

As a place for peace education

The area around the bunker has been developed as a naval bunker park, with a cenotaph and observation plaza. Many visitors come here on school trips and for peace education, and the park is well known as a war site park that transmits the message of lasting peace from Okinawa to the world.

Access

Approximately 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport. Located on the border between Tomigusuku City and Naha City, on a hilly area.

#war site #peace education #Battle of Okinawa #Toyomigusuku #navy #museum #history

Info

4.3 (1,800 reviews) Google

Address: 236, Toyomigusuku, Toyomigusuku-shi, Okinawa 901-0241, Japan
Opening Hours: Hours: 9:00-17:00, last admission at 16:30
Admission: Admission (Individual) Adults (high school students and older) 600 yen / Children (elementary and junior high school students) 300 yen Free for preschool children (Group) *20 people or more Adults 400 yen / Children 200 yen
Official Website: Visit Website

Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Score

Total Score 66 / 100

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