Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Himeyuri Monument (Himeyuri Tower) is a memorial and museum in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture (formerly the Mabuni area) commemorating the Himeyuri Student Corps, who lost their lives during World War II (the Battle of Okinawa). The Himeyuri Student Corps consisted of female students (high school students who served as nursing assistants, etc.) and their teachers and staff who were mobilized between 1944 and 1945, many of whom lost their lives as the Battle of Okinawa intensified. The Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum (Himeyuri Museum), adjacent to the tower, displays their belongings, photographs, video and audio testimonies, and materials from that time, conveying the horrors of war and the value of peace.
Features and attractions: The greatest feature of the museum is that it allows visitors to learn firsthand about the reality that young people faced through actual materials and survivor testimonies. The tranquil grounds, monuments, and museum exhibits have a strong emotional impact, and the museum attracts a constant stream of visitors from both within Japan and overseas as a place to pass on the memory of the war to the next generation.
Highlights
- Himeyuri Memorial Monument — A stone monument commemorating the deceased and the surrounding quiet space for worship, including a flower stand and prayer area.
- Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum — Exhibits include student corps belongings (letters, uniforms, daily necessities, etc.), photo panels, and actual medical equipment. There are also permanent video and audio interviews with survivors, allowing visitors to hear firsthand what it was like at the time.
- Testimony Video and Audio Section — The experiences of survivors are very powerful and provide a deep understanding of the impact war has on individuals (viewing may take some time).
- The surrounding memorials and the Cornerstone of Peace (nearby) are dotted with monuments bearing the names of those who died in the Battle of Okinawa, and you can offer prayers while strolling around.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train: There are no full-scale trains on the main island of Okinawa, but the nearest public transportation is Naha Airport Station or Prefectural Office Station on the Yui Rail (Okinawa Urban Monorail). From there, you can transfer to a bus or taxi to get there.
- Bus: You can access the area by taking a local bus from central Naha (Naha Bus Terminal/Kokusai Street area) to the south (towards Itoman and Mabuni). Get off at bus stops such as Himeyuri Tower and Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum. Routes and schedules are subject to change, so please check the schedule before setting off.
- Car/Taxi: Approximately 30-50 minutes by car from Naha Airport (depending on traffic). Parking is available near the museum. Taking a taxi is convenient, and the journey takes about 30-40 minutes from central Naha.
- Group/sightseeing tours: It is often included in sightseeing routes related to the Battle of Okinawa (Peace Memorial Park, Mabuni Hill, etc.), so it is convenient to join a tour.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Himeyuri Tower (exterior and worship only): 15-30 minutes
- Viewing the museum exhibits + watching the testimony video: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours (please allow more time if you want to watch the video in detail)
- If you also visit the surrounding memorial facilities: 1.5 to 3 hours
Nearby spots
- Okinawa Peace Memorial Park / Cornerstone of Peace — A memorial to the entire Battle of Okinawa, located on Mabuni Hill. Accessible by car from Himeyuri Monument.
- Itoman City's fishing port area (Itoman Fishing Port) — A place to enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies.
- Mabuni Battlefields — Explore the battlefields and monuments.
- Peace Memorial Museum (prefectural or municipal related facilities) — There are several facilities where you can learn about the Battle of Okinawa from a broad perspective.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- This is a solemn place: as this is a memorial site, please be quiet and refrain from talking loudly, running around, or taking silly photos.
- Photography: There are some areas of the museum where photography is prohibited, including exhibits and video sections. Please follow the signs at the entrance and inside the museum.
- Be mindful of emotional responses: The exhibits are heavy and can be particularly impactful for children and the elderly. If you are traveling with others, please plan your visit accordingly.
- Busy times: It gets crowded during school trip season, Memorial Day (June 23rd, near the day the Battle of Okinawa ended), Golden Week, etc. If you want to see the site in peace and quiet, the early morning and evening times are relatively quiet.
- Weather and clothing: Okinawa is very hot in the summer and the direct sunlight is strong. Please bring a hat, drink, and sunscreen. Winter is also warm, but there are some windy days.
- Check facility information: Opening hours, closing days, admission fees, and availability of English guided tours may change, so please check the latest information on the official website or at the facility before visiting.
- Barrier-free: There are some areas with steps and stairs. If you are using a wheelchair or have trouble walking, please contact the facility in advance.
Himeyuri Monument is an important place to learn about the memories of war and the importance of peace. Please be respectful and quiet when visiting, and take what you have learned home with you.
