Peace Memorial Park

Overview

Peace Memorial Park (平和祈念公園) occupies the cliffs of Mabuni Hill where the Battle of Okinawa ended in June 1945. The park honors all who died — military and civilian, of all nationalities — through monuments, gardens, and the Cornerstone of Peace.

Highlights

• Cornerstone of Peace: Over 240,000 names of all who died in the battle, regardless of nationality, are engraved on curved granite walls.
• Peace Memorial Hall: A tower-shaped monument with a panoramic view from the observation deck.
• Cliff Overlook: The dramatic Mabuni Cliff where the battle's final engagements occurred.

History

The Battle of Okinawa (April–June 1945) was the bloodiest battle of the Pacific War, killing an estimated 200,000 people — half of them Okinawan civilians. The park was established on the battle's final battleground, and June 23 (the day organized resistance ended) is observed as Okinawa Memorial Day.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Located 30 minutes south of Naha by car; allow half a day for the park and museum.
• Tip 2: Free entry to the park; the adjacent museum charges ¥300.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.