Peace Memorial Museum & Park

This monument  is located the Mabuni hills where the last battle of Okinawa took place in World War 2 and is the corner stone of remembrance and peace in the prefecture.

The museum in the park tells the story of the war and also displays individual stories of victims and survivors. The exhibition shows the history of the Ryukyu Islands, the happenings of the war, explains how Okinawa was taken by the American forces and how life changed for the Okinawans with the occupation of the U.S. military.

Very impressive is also the display of the caves of Okinawa where the civilians hid. A replica of a cave is built so the visitor can experience how it was to live and survive in war times. The park offers walkways, resting areas and libraries to reflect on history and to enjoy the now peaceful and beautiful nature of Mabuni.

Right in the middle of the park you find stones with the names of American and Japanese soldiers engraved in it who fought and fell in the last battle of Okinawa.

It is one of the best museums I have been to because it is easy to understand, with English translation available. The post war town is one of my favorite parts because it shows exactly how the Okinawans lived in the 60ies and 70ies. The park is free and the museum only costs 300 Yen admission. The Peace Park is essential on a travel to Okinawa. It’s an important witness of history.

Admission Fees: Individual
Adults: 300 yen, children: 150 yen (Group over 20 persons: Discount available)
Free Audio Service in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish