When was Okinawa Peace Memorial Park established?

The park was established to commemorate the tragic events and significant loss of life during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. The cornerstone of peace was laid in 1975, marking the 30th anniversary of the end of World War II.

What can visitors see at Okinawa Peace Memorial Park?

Visitors can explore several monuments, memorials, and museums within the park, including the Cornerstone of Peace, the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, and the Memorial Hall. Each site offers insights into the Battle of Okinawa, the impact of war, and the ongoing efforts for peace.

How do I get to Okinawa Peace Memorial Park?

The park is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island. Visitors can reach it by car, bus, or taxi from Naha, the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture. The journey from Naha to the park takes approximately 40 minutes by car.

Can I bring food and drinks into the park?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks into the park. However, it's essential to respect the park's environment by disposing of trash properly and following any posted guidelines.

A cemetery with rows of dark granite headstones arranged along winding paths, surrounded by green grass and evenly spaced trees under a partly cloudy sky. Buildings and a tall white structure are visible in the background.

A large modern building with red-tiled roofs, turquoise windows, and a central tower stands under a blue sky, surrounded by green grass and outdoor walkways.

A tall white memorial tower stands at the top of a wide, long staircase with handrails, surrounded by greenery, stone walls, and a bright blue sky above.

A large park with scattered sculptures, including a seated figure in the foreground. In the background, a tall white monument rises among trees under a blue sky. Neatly trimmed grass and pathways are visible throughout the scene.

A round fountain with a conical centerpiece sits in the foreground of a park, with grass, trees, and pathways leading to a large, modern building with multiple windows and towers in the background.

Okinawa

Okinawa Peace Memorial Park

4.4 (6102)ParkTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, located at the southern tip of Okinawa Island, is a poignant site dedicated to the memory of those lost during the Battle of Okinawa, one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. This park serves as a symbol of peace and hope, drawing visitors from around the world to reflect on the tragic cost of war and the enduring value of peace.

The park is home to the iconic "Cornerstone of Peace," a vast collection of wave-like granite walls inscribed with the names of all who died in the battle, regardless of their nationality. This powerful monument dramatically conveys the scale of loss and the indiscriminate nature of war, making it a deeply moving experience for all who visit.

Spanning over a scenic area overlooking the ocean, Okinawa Peace Memorial Park also includes several other memorials, museums, and monuments. Each element of the park is thoughtfully designed to promote understanding and reflection. The park's setting offers a tranquil environment where visitors can stroll along peaceful paths, surrounded by lush greenery and soothing sea breezes.

Hours:

Open 24 hours

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Fees:

Adults: 300 yen

Children: 150 yen

Preschoolers: Free

Phone

+81 98-997-2765

Website

kouen.heiwa-irei-okinawa.jp

Overview

Address

444 Mabuni, Itoman, Okinawa 901-0333, Japan

Traveler reviews

If you live in Okinawa this is a must see on your bucket list. We were only there for about an hour and I don’t feel we had enough time to experience all of its beauty. This is a memorial site for all the Japanese and American soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Okinawa.

Stephanie Namballa

Jun 13, 2026

A truly beautiful, well made park and museum. I'd recommend planning on visiting the museum for a full 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the displays and history. The outside monuments and the park are very well designed and a pleasure to see and walk through. I'd recommend setting a side at least and hour or two to walk around.

David Bush

Dec 27, 2025

Brilliant park as a whole, worth the drive from Naha. Expect to spend half a day really exploring the grounds, the nearby museum and the beaches. What I loved was the diverse range of memorials dedicated from each prefecture, all unique in design. Be sure to follow the steep yet rewarding hike to the waterfront with crystal clear waters and rocks to climb. The museum itself has permanent exhibits including an interactive WWII area, an observatory and temporary exhibits hosted on the lower floors. Featuring activities for all ages, I would definitely recommend this for families, couples or solo travellers.

Life's Abroad

Sep 16, 2025

A beautiful and deeply moving place to visit. Okinawa Peace Prayer Park offers stunning ocean views alongside powerful memorials that honor history and promote peace. The grounds are well maintained, and the atmosphere is both serene and reflective. A must-see for anyone who wants to better understand Okinawa’s history and spirit.

Tremon Jackson

Aug 9, 2025

This was a profound spot my husband and I discovered while driving on the island. Located on the southern end, the museum and surroundings grounds commemorate the over 250,000 casualties that resulted from the Battle of Okinawa, which occurred between March and September 1945. That figure, which included 150,000 Okinawan civilians, was more than the combined total in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Dramatically set on Mabuni Hill next to the Pacific, the area consists of several components starting with the expansive museum itself, which preserves memories of the battle through vivid photographs, artifacts, testimonials, and dioramas. An observation tower provided stunning panoramic views of the grounds and the rugged coastline. The museum was established in 1975. The newest addition, the Cornerstone of Peace, was built in 1995. It was a striking sight, concentric arcs of black granite block screens inscribed with the names of the 250,000 who died. It reminded us of the design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. There are numerous individual memorials spread out throughout the grounds, but I would think 2-3 hours should suffice to tour the grounds thoughtfully.