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Okinawa Peace Memorial Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Okinawa Peace Memorial Park in Itoman is located at the southern tip of the island, on the very site where the bloody Battle of Okinawa during World War II reached its conclusion in June 1945. The centerpiece of the complex is the 'Cornerstone of Peace' (Heiwa no Ishiji), a series of granite walls inscribed with the names of all those who perished in the war, regardless of nationality, rank, or status. Set within a landscaped park overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the monument commemorates over 240,000 victims, including Japanese and American soldiers and tens of thousands of civilians. The onsite Peace Memorial Museum displays documents and personal items that illustrate the suffering of the local population during the three months of intense fighting. The park serves not only as a place of mourning but also as a center for education and a global message for lasting peace. Every year on June 23, a memorial ceremony is held here to mark the official end of the hostilities.

Location: Japan
Top sights: Kyan Beach · Kyan Fishing port · Kita-Nashiro Beach
Nearby: Yaese (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	19	19	20	22	25	27	29	29	28	26	24	21
Rain mm	61	50	81	124	209	293	125	175	186	126	83	67

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The large memorial park in southern Okinawa is freely accessible and can be visited at any time. There are several monuments and museums within the park.

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Typical hours

The park is typically open from sunrise to sunset. Some museums within have their own hours, usually 9 am to 5 pm.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the park, but be respectful of the memorial site. Flash is often prohibited inside museums.

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Time needed

Allow at least 1 to 3 hours to explore the park. For a thorough visit of all memorials, 3-4 hours is suitable.

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Combine with

Combine with the nearby Himeyuri Peace Museum and the Cornerstone of Peace. Both are accessible on foot or by shuttle.

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Getting there

The park is reachable by bus from Naha, taking about 30 minutes. Renting a car features more flexibility for the area.

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Insider tip

Visit the park early in the morning when it's still quiet. You can better enjoy the contemplative atmosphere.

Geography

Coordinates

26.06400, 127.72500

Facts

The Battle of Okinawa lasted from April to June 1945.
The 'Cornerstone of Peace' contains over 240,000 names.
June 23 is the official Memorial Day in Okinawa.
The memorial grounds cover an area of approximately 40 hectares.
Names are inscribed in the languages of the victims' home countries.
The monument was established in 1995 for the 50th anniversary of the war.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Yaese6 km · WExplore →

Itoman8 km · SWExplore →

Tomigusuku9 km · SWExplore →

Naha11 km · SWExplore →

Nishihara11 km · WExplore →

Urasoe12 km · WExplore →

Kadena21 km · WExplore →

Yomitan23 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Okinawa Peace Memorial Park (18)

Kyan Beach 🌿 nature

This coastal viewpoint overlooks a sandy beach and the expansive ocean waters of the region.

Kyan Fishing port 🌿 nature

Visitors can observe local maritime activities from this coastal viewpoint overlooking the bustling fishing port.

Kita-Nashiro Beach 🎡 recreation

This sandy beach on the coast has a scenic setting for seaside relaxation.

Odo Beach (John Man Beach)🎡 recreation

Characterized by its coastal setting, this sandy beach provides expansive views of the surrounding shoreline.

Arasaki Coast 🌿 nature

This rugged coastal viewpoint gives panoramic sights of the shoreline and the rhythmic crashing of the ocean waves.

Himeyuri Peace Museum 🏛 museum

Dedicated to the memory of the Himeyuri student corps, this museum preserves artifacts and stories from the Battle of Okinawa.

Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum 🏛 museum

This museum documents the immense tragedies of the Battle of Okinawa and promotes a profound message of global peace.

🌐 peace-museum.pref.okinawa.jp

Uegusuku Castle Site 🏰 castle

The stone foundations of this historic hilltop fortress offer a glimpse into the defensive architecture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Horohoro-no-mori Forest 📍 landmark

This lush forested attraction features dense greenery and winding trails typical of the island's sub-tropical ecosystems.

Site of Bomb Disposal Facility 🏺 historical

These remnants of a wartime bomb disposal site serve as a poignant physical reminder of the region's explosive legacy.

Gushichan History and Fork Museum 🏛 museum

The museum explores the local cultural heritage of Gushichan through exhibits of regional folk tools and historical artifacts.

Remains of Nanzan Castle (Shimajiri Ozato Castle)🏺 historical

The archaeological site preserves the defensive stone walls of a fortress that once belonged to the local rulers of the Nanzan kingdom.

Gushikawa Castle Site 🏰 castle

Perched on a dramatic cliffside overlooking the ocean, these ruined stone walls mark the former seaside stronghold.

Heiwakinen Memorial Park 🌳 park

Covering a vast coastal area, this solemn park features widespread memorials dedicated to the victims of the Battle of Okinawa.

🌐 heiwa-irei-okinawa.jp

kashin ⛪ religious

A sacred spiritual site integrated into the island's landscape, serving as a tranquil area for local religious practices.

Okinawa Maha Bodhi Garden 📍 landmark

This tranquil Buddhist site features landscaped gardens designed to foster meditation and reflection.

Utaki in the Castle ⛪ religious

Situated within the ancient castle grounds, this traditional Utaki remains a sacred sanctuary for indigenous Ryukyuan worship.

Ryugushin Place of Worship ⛪ religious

This coastal place of worship is dedicated to maritime deities, set among the rocks near the sea.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the 'Cornerstone of Peace'?

Monuments inscribed with the names of all who died in the Battle of Okinawa, regardless of nationality.

Where exactly in Okinawa is the park located?

It is located in Itoman, at the southern tip of the island.

Is there a museum in the park?

Yes, the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum documents the battle.

Is entrance to the park free?

Access to the park is free, while a fee is charged for the museum.

How much time should be planned for the visit?

Plan for about 2 to 3 hours to see both the park and the museum.

Okinawa Peace Memorial Park: where is it located?

Okinawa Peace Memorial Park is located in Japan.

Okinawa Peace Memorial Park: what is there to see?

Highlights include Kyan Beach, Kyan Fishing port, Kita-Nashiro Beach.

Okinawa Peace Memorial Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

Okinawa Peace Memorial Park: why is it worth visiting?

The Okinawa Peace Memorial Park in Itoman is located at the southern tip of the island, on the very site where the bloody Battle of Okinawa during World War II reached its conclusion in June 1945.

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Okinawa Peace Memorial Park

Best time to visit & climate

📋 Practical info

Geography

Facts

Explore nearby

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Sights in the town Okinawa Peace Memorial Park (18)

Kyan Beach🌿 nature

Kyan Fishing port🌿 nature

Kita-Nashiro Beach🎡 recreation

Odo Beach (John Man Beach)🎡 recreation

Arasaki Coast🌿 nature

Himeyuri Peace Museum🏛 museum

Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum🏛 museum

Uegusuku Castle Site🏰 castle

Horohoro-no-mori Forest📍 landmark

Site of Bomb Disposal Facility🏺 historical

Gushichan History and Fork Museum🏛 museum