Peace Memorial Park

Wow! I didn’t realize that each prefecture has a memorial here. It was really beautiful to see all of them. The park is huge so you will definitely get all your wiggles out and there is a children’s park on one end as well. We would definitely recommend and go back again.

This is a huge memorial park with numerous memorials, monuments and shrines. The museum is definitely worth a visit (only 300 yen for adults) which showcases the history of Okinawa from the time the Japanese took over to when the Americans gave over the lands back to them (not appropriate for younger/sensitive kids as there are photos of dead Okinawans on display). The museum also has a small children's section which is worth a visit with the kids.

Okinawa National Peace Memorial Park or Okinawa-senseki Kokutei Kōen is a memorial park for the soldiers who died for the Okinawa battle or war. It lists name of the soldiers of all sides- Japan and U.S., while it also lists some soldiers from Taiwan, South Korea and North Korea. In one section of the Park, it lists the name of sailors who worked in Japanese cargo boats which were attacked by U.S. navy [mainly by submarines] and sunk in Pacific Ocean. In another area, it documented the name of students, mainly female students, in Okinawa, who were conscripted as nursing or Medi-Care for the injured soldiers. Up to now, the Park has listed about 240,000 people who died at the Okinawa battle.

Other than viewing for the memorials for soldiers and other people who died for the wars, visitors can actually visit the site for its well-designed monuments, ocean views, etc. For monuments alone, there are about 100 monuments in the Park, which is designed for seeking the global peace forever, while it uses large sum of soldiers and other people who died in the Okinawa battle to indicate the cruelty of the past war.

The Park is free for admission, and there are a few public toilets for visitors.

It’s a park built to commemorate of those who died in Okinawa during the war. This is a place that every historian and younger generation should visit at least once when visiting Okinawa and remind us the tragedy and brutality that took place here. The park is huge and the views are breathtaking. Lots of parking available. When I visited, there were lots of high school students in the area and in the museum. But, on a Sunday...? Part of the park was closed and off limits due to renovations but the museum is open.

We’ve been here several times, and it has been enjoyable each time. Sobering and peaceful, and the play area is great for kids.

Very similar to the Arlington Cemetry (USA) setup. Spacious and tranquil. Provides rooms for visitors to ponder and reflect the horrors and consequences of war.

Must visit while you're on the island. The historical significance and beauty of the park is unmatched. I quite enjoyed my time at the museum, the hall, and simply walking about the park and viewing the memorials.

I loved it very relaxing extremely historic and peaceful you could certainly gather your thoughts there and just enjoy being out and about.

Kenny - Chicago

Peace prayer park. An awesome place to capture and get just a small glimpse of the battle of Okinawa during wwII. The ground’s are kept very well, the monuments with the names of those that fought during that battle is so beautiful. Not all names are present. The view of the cliff is breath taking. The indoor museum is amazing. It does cost about 300 yen to enter so plan accordingly.
The art exhibit with the gigantic Buddha is unreal. You have to see it to believe it. And there is a small butterfly garden there as well. Great experience, great art gallery, great day to take in just a little bit of history.

Beautiful and serene park with dozens of monuments commemorating WWII. Many of the monuments were purchased by local communities or family members of the fallen. Make sure you give yourself at least an hour, but more like two. Restrooms, vending machines, and a few little shops are available in the parking lot. The park is not terribly wheelchair accessible, lots of stairs to see the good views and most of the memorials.

A very large facility and vast grounds to commemorate the sacrifice of life suffered in WW11. Very respectfully presented and maintained to display the horrors of mass conflict.

Must seem location when you visit Ryukyu
You can connect all the attractions and culture spot in the island by view those information in museum

Definitely a must visit place while in Okinawa. Peace Memorial Park is contains various memorials of the war. On a nice day, walking around the grounds is very enjoyable. There is a playground for the kids as well that will definitely keep them entertained. There are public restrooms and vending machines throughout the park. Walking around the grounds is free but there are fees for the museums.

Although somber, it was an enriching reflective experience. The grounds are large and beautiful and even after three hours I didn’t get through everything. It was hot, but manageable and the facilities include small eateries, toilets, picnic areas, parks, etc. I took public transportation and the bus was pretty well timed each hour. I would definitely recommend this as a learning outing and use the English guided tours at the museums to have more understanding of the history. All of the outdoor things were free, but there was a small entrance fee to the Peace Hall, Museum, etc.

The museum was under renovation when we visited. Instead we spent our time walking around the park and memorial. The memorials are so moving and beautiful. I am so glad I was able to visit.

Huge park to remind us of history that took place during WW2. The views up top were amazing. We strolled for about 3 hours although the museum is closed until April. We also did not get to see the 32nd Army Underground. We were not sure if it was open but we didn't go because we had somewhere else to go.

Wear comfortable shoes and take note this place is very windy so flowy skirts are not advised. And bring cash. The park is free but we were not able to enter the Peace Hall because they only accept JPY cash for the entrance fee.

Very calming, peaceful, and quiet place with beautiful views of the ocean. Somber vibe for those interested in history. There are memorial stones inscribed with the names of every soldier that died during the war from all nations. There is also a museum, a lacquer Buddha, and a few shop stands on the grounds. May want to bring sunscreen and a hat!

It's shows the history and recognition of everyone who lost their life. Great memorial.

May those who perished during the horrible times of pacific war. Okinawa story is one tragic story where the innocent were tricked and conned into fighting for immoral governments and falling in to nationalist propaganda. They say one in three Okinawa citizens fell victims to this war lead by crazy nationalist imperialism and the American war machine. This peace memorial holds tombstones of American soldiers on the left side, tombstones listing names of Japanese soldiers who came from other provinces of Japan, and tombstones listing names of local Okinawa citizens who died. Some Okinawa citizens died by jumping off cliffs fearing American soldiers as blood thirsty killers and cannibals or waited inside caves until American soldiers approached near and entire families committed suicide. This is one sad and emotional place where you need to visit if you are in Okinawa.

The Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Park is a strongly recommended attraction by one of our friends. Mostly because of the extensive playgrounds that the place affords – perfect for families with kids to enjoy a day out. We arrived at approximately 1215pm. Here, you’ll also be able to visit the Okinawan Prefectural Peace Memorial Park that commemorates the Battle of Okinawa in WW2.

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