Excursion Battle of okinawa –a remembrance tour at Okinawa

Explore the sites of one of the deadliest battles of World War II during this memorable, half-day excursion to Okinawa, its battlefield sites, and monuments.

Battle of Okinawa

Some of the deadliest fighting of World War II took place on Okinawa, the only place where a battle was fought on Japanese soil. U.S. troops landed here on April 1, 1945 and it took 82 nightmarish days for the island to be captured. Discover the major points of interest that memorialise the fighting on Okinawa during World War II.

Depart the pier for the approximately 30-minute drive to the former Japanese Navy's Underground Headquarters.

Former Japanese Navy's Underground Headquarters

The former underground headquarters of the Japanese Navy is located where Rear Admiral Ota and his men desperately fought to the end on June 13, 1945. Upon arrival, walk down the 101 steps into the narrow tunnels of the headquarters to see the commanding officer's room, staff room, generator rooms, and more. Along the way, gain a unique insight into the experiences of the Japanese soldiers and officers inside the headquarters.

Himeyuri Monument

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the Himeyuri Monument. This monument and small museum symbolises the severity of the Battle of Okinawa and is dedicated to over 200 female students and their teachers who died as volunteer nurses in the Himeyuri Corps. Visit the small museum to learn more of the lives of these civilians. While most of the displays are in Japanese, the message of the value of peace is evident.

Peace Memorial Park & Cornerstone of Peace

Your tour continues with a visit to Peace Memorial Park, which offers beautiful vistas overlooking the ocean and features several open-air memorials. From here, proceed for a visit to the Cornerstone of Peace. Located in the hills of Mabuni where the fiercest battles took place, the Cornerstone of Peace stands as a symbol of the tragic loss of life for both the Okinawan and Allied forces.

At the conclusion of your tour, commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately one mile (1.6 kilometres), and 101 steps to negotiate through narrow tunnels at the former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. This tour includes sensitive material and graphic displays of the atrocities of war. Most of the museum/memorial signage is written in Japanese. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. Space is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Okinawa, Japanese Navy's Underground Headquarters, Himeyuri Monument and Museum, Peace Memorial Park, Cornerstone of Peace, Mabuni

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