Culture & History #11 of 16 in this area

Itokazu Abuchiragama Information Center

This is the base facility for visiting a 270-meter-long natural cave (gama) located in Tamagusuku Itokazu, Nanjo City. During the Battle of Okinawa, it was used as an evacuation shelter for the community of Itokazu, then as a camp shelter for the Japanese Army, and as a branch of the Nambuwara Army Hospital, where the "Himeyuri Students" provided nursing care. It is an important place for school excursion students and memorial tourists as a peace education spot where they can experience firsthand the reality of the war through guided tours.

What is Itokazu Abutiragama?

Abuchiragama is a large natural cave (gama) with a total length of 270 meters located in Itokazu, Tamaki City, Nanjo City, in the southern part of Okinawa's main island. In Okinawa, natural caves developed on limestone plateaus are called "gama," and during the Battle of Okinawa, many of them were used as evacuation shelters for residents and as dugouts for the Japanese military. Itokazu Abuchiragama is an indispensable place for peace education as a war site that conveys the vivid memories of the Battle of Okinawa.

Wartime Use

As an evacuation shelter for residents

Initially, it was used as a designated evacuation shelter for the residents of Itokazu village.

Japanese military camp shelter and warehouse

As the war situation worsened, the Japanese Army seized it as a camp shelter and a warehouse for food and weapons.

Nanpuhara Army Hospital Itokazu Branch

As the battlefield moved south, it became a branch of the Nanpuhara Army Hospital and became a facility for wounded soldiers. The "Himeyuri Students Corps" and other nursing personnel performed harsh nursing activities in this shelter.

Postwar

After the war, the U.S. military conducted poison gas treatment in the area.

About the tour

Guided tours are required.

The caves are unlit, uneven, and slippery, so visitors must be accompanied by a guide. Advance reservations are recommended.

Time required

Entry time is about 1 hour. Helmets and flashlights are provided.

Clothing

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Wearing clothes that can get dirty is recommended.

Points of interest

Some artifacts from that time are displayed in the bunker.
Guided tours provide detailed information about the conditions at the time of the bombing.
Helmets are required.

Information

Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: No holidays (except New Year's holidays)
Entrance fee: Adults 250 yen, children 100 yen
Flashlight rental: 100 yen
Guide fee is not included.

Reservations and inquiries

Advance reservation recommended. From Southern Tourism Center (098-852-6608) or official website.

Access

Approximately 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport. Tamaki district, Nanjo City.

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Info

4.3 (600 reviews) Google

Address: 667-1 Itokazu Tamaki, Nanjo City, Okinawa 901-0606, Japan
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (open year-round, reservations required)
Admission: Adults 250 yen, children 100 yen (flashlight rental 100 yen, guide fee not included)
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 67 / 100

* These scores are AI-assessed estimates based on publicly available information. They reflect subjective judgment and may differ from actual conditions.