All throughout Okinawa you’ll find remnants of the Battle of Okinawa, a major World War II campaign fought over the course of three months in 1945.

Today, many battle sites have become parks and museums. Some have many-in-one attractions for the whole family to enjoy, including playgrounds and picnic areas intermixed with battle-related sites, others are in Naha and surrounded by city life and adventures. 

As always, be careful! Okinawa is home to a variety of poisonous snakes, spiders, and insects.

1. United States Landing Beaches 

The Americans landed on Okinawa’s central west coast to begin the battle for Okinawa. The U.S. Marines landed to the north at Toguchi Beach, Yomitan. Four miles south, in Sunabe Baba Park, Chatan is a landing monument for the U.S. Army.

Today, Toguchi Beach and Sunabe Baba Park have picturesque ocean-front parks. The coastal water can be calm and shallow during low tide, but precautions still need to be made when exploring these areas.

Toguchi Beach, Yomitan - World War II U.S. Military Landing Monument

GPS (monument) 26.3634965, 127.7393802

GPS (parking): 26.3642484, 127.7386859

Chatan Beach - World War II US Army Landing Monument 

GPS: 26.3339899, 127.7454675 (monument)

GPS (parking): 26.3334139, 127.7453981

2. Kakazu Ridge

The hilly area known as Kakazu Ridge is 7.5 miles south of the U.S. Army Landing Monument. The fight for this ridge began on April 9, 1945, and continued for about two weeks until the Japanese abandoned this area and withdrew less than a mile south to Hacksaw Ridge, according to an Urasoe City guide on area battle sites.

Kakazu Ridge was the first of Japan’s numerous outer defense positions, called the Shuri Defense Zone created to protect the Shuri Castle. It was here that Lt. General Mitsuru Ushijima, Commander of the Japanese Forces on Okinawa, stayed for most of the battle. According to an article titled “Shuri Castle and Japanese Castles: A Controversial Heritage,” the headquarters’ location, close to Shuri Castle, ultimately made the castle a target for the Americans. 

These days, Kakazutakadai Park is a beautiful outdoor attraction with a great picnic area and a newer playground. This area is well-maintained, and several battle-related sites include an observation deck, a pill box, an underground bunker, and a portion of a wall with bullet damage. All these sites saw action during the fight for Kakazu Ridge.

Kakazu Ridge 

GPS (parking): 26.2580599, 127.7367010

Climb the staircase and follow the posted signs to each site.

3. Hacksaw Ridge 

Hacksaw Ridge is one the most important battlefields during the Battle of Okinawa.

After the United States gained control of Kakazu Ridge, it marked the fall of the first Shuri Defense Zone, according to the book “Okinawa: The Last Battle - United States Army in World War II, The War in the Pacific.” The Japanese military then withdrew to Hacksaw Ridge to defend the second ring of protection for the Japanese headquarters. By May 6, the book details, Hacksaw Ridge was captured by the U.S. military, marking the fall to the second Shuri Defense Zone.

Each site along Hacksaw Ridge is more than just a location, it’s a piece of history. Exploring the ridge, enjoying nature, and appreciating the views from the top gains a deeper understanding of the events that happened here.

GPS (parking): 26.2454012, 127.7299241

For Desmond Doss point:

This spot is named after Desmond Doss, a combat medic who refused to carry a weapon due to his religious beliefs and saved the lives of many troops while still under enemy fire. A signboard here describes Doss and his actions during the battle which led to a Medal of Honor, as well as how American troops were killed or wounded when attempting to retreat at this very spot.

 GPS: 26.2467418, 127.7323642

Needle Rock – This 42.7 foot-tall rock marks the U.S. military’s approach there as described in a previous Stripes Okinawa article.

GPS: 26.2452551, 127.7342552

Kanpan Underground Position – According to a signboard at this location, this tunnel that was used to store food and medical supplies for the Japanese military. 

GPS: 26.2453002, 127.7324383

4. Sugar Loaf Hill

From Hacksaw Ridge, hop back in your car and drive three miles southwest to Sugar Loaf Hill. The fight for Sugar Loaf Hill began on May 12, 1945. Sugar Loaf was a strong defensive position designed to protect the 32nd Japanese Imperial Army’s Headquarters, about a mile away. A signboard on top of the hill reads: “The Americans prevailed on May 18, with 2,662 casualties, and another 1,289 suffered battle fatigue.”

There is also a monument and an observation tower near the signboard and can be viewed by the public. 

TeamLab Future Park Okinawa, a popular interactive digital art experience for children, is across the street.

GPS (parking): Must find appropriate parking

GPS (Sugar Loaf Hill): 26.2226300, 127.6959140

5. Japanese Imperial Army Headquarters (Shuri Castle)

The former Japanese Imperial Army Headquarters is located on the premises of the Shuri Castle, two miles east from Sugar Loaf Hill. A pamphlet from the Center for the Tokyo Raids and War Damage details how the hill was used by the 32nd Japanese Imperial Army’s headquarters and was the living quarters for Lt. Gen. Ushijima, commander of the Japanese forces at the time. By the end of May, the defenses around the castle were weak, most areas were deserted. The U.S. only experienced minor confrontations. The perimeter was surrounded, the high grounds were occupied, and U.S. troops entered the castle.

Shuri Castle is one of Okinawa’s most familiar buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a long and devoted history and is a must-see stop for every tourist. It is one of the highest points on the island and the view from here is fantastic.

GPS (parking): Must find appropriate parking

GPS (headquarters): 26.2182709, 127.7178877

6. Kibogaoka Park

Heading two miles west of the Shuri Castle are several tunnel entrances around the base of the park used, they are now closed to the public. Today, it is a recreational park run by the City of Naha with a fun playground and a tug-of-war air museum.

GPS (parking): Must find appropriate parking

GPS (park): 26.2154946, 127.6895143

7. Tabaru Park, Navy Underground Headquarters

Continuing your journey, take an unforgettable trip through downtown Naha for about two-and-a-half miles to Tabaru Park. There is a playground, a cement slide, and a beautiful area to picnic. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon.

Tabaru Park is also great for those interested in discovering more sites related to the Battle of Okinawa. Stroll around the outer ring of the park where you’ll see gated entrances to tunnels that served as the headquarters for the Japanese Naval Base Forces. The tunnels are not open to the public.

GPS (parking): Must find appropriate parking

GPS (park): 26.1964480, 127.6689160

8. Okinawa Army Hospital

From Naha, head east for about five miles to the Okinawa Army Hospital. There is an underground tunnel used to treat wounded Japanese forces during the battle, according to a museum pamphlet.

Visitors are allowed to tour the tunnel, by reservation, where it still stands in present-day Kogane Forest in Haebaru. The Haebaru Cultural Center (museum) is also on the grounds of park and has various displays of artifacts, flags, clothing, and personal items relating to the history of the hospital. A life-size display of the tunnel with makeshift bunkbeds used when accommodating patients and hospital staff, can be walked through.

Kogane Forest Park also has a hill to hike, trails to follow, and signboards to read along the way (with Google Translate). 

GPS (museum/parking): 26.1872465, 127.7307703

Hours: 9 a.m. – noon, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

*Closed on Wed. plus Dec. 29 – Jan. 3

For reservations, contact Haebaru Town Cultural Center (museum) at 098-889-7399 or H8897399@town.haebaru.okinawa.jp 

*Reservation required for tunnel tours. The exhibition at the cultural center (museum) doesn’t require reservations. For tunnel tours, there is a 30-minute or one-hour course available. While the 30-minute course covers the tunnel only, the one-hour one covers surrounding areas as well. You will be accompanied by a tour guide on both courses. Each tour is limited to a group of eight or less. 

9. Former Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters 

The Former Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters is in Tomigusuku and is a five-mile drive from the Haebaru Field Hospital. There is a visitor’s center and museum. Give yourself time to wander through the underground maze-like tunnels where Japanese navy personnel stayed and hid weapons and supplies during the battle.

GPS (headquarters and parking): 26.1863451, 127.6769247

10. Santenmo Park, Itoman

Next, you can head five miles south from the Japanese Naval Headquarters to Santenmo Park in Itoman. It is fun for the whole family! Even though it is an attractive park with a colorful playground, a signboard states that there are relics, located throughout the park, damaged by the United States military prior to the battle. There is an observation deck overlooking the Itoman Rotary. It is sometimes hard to develop a sense of how tragic the battle really was when an area is so beautifully maintained.

GPS (parking): 26.1302098, 127.6704951

GPS (park): 26.1299356, 127.6702543

11. Himeyuri Peace Museum

Go for a four-mile trip from Santenmo Park, through old Okinawa villages and the lush hills of Okinawa, to the Himeyuri Peace Museum. It is on the grounds of the former Ihara Third Clinic Cave. The cave was used as a field hospital to treat wounded Japanese soldiers throughout the battle, according to the Himeyuri Peace Museum.

As Lt. Gen. Ushijima began to realize the end of the battle was near, he ordered the end of the student corps and then committed suicide. Instead of negotiating with the Americans to protect the island’s civilians, these girls were left to fend for themselves.

Information at the museum indicates that over 100 of the original 222 nurses were killed after their corps were deactivated. The museum remembers the girls and teachers that were forced to become nurses. Photos of the nurses and written stories of their personal experiences during the battle are available to read (in Japanese). Interviews of some survivors are replayed to watch along with a life-size replica of the cave that can be walked through. Pictures, mannequins, and descriptions explain the nurses’ involvements throughout the battle and while working inside the cave.

The cave itself is off-limits. 

GPS (parking): 26.09608, 127.689909

GPS (museum): 26.0958909, 127.6907478

Hours: 9 a.m. – 5:25 p.m. (last admission at 5 p.m.)

12. Okinawa Peace Memorial Park 

Finish your adventures two-and-a-half miles to the southern tip of Okinawa. Peace Memorial Park has many monuments and a museum relating to the Battle of Okinawa. The largest is Cornerstone of Peace, which is dedicated to those who perished during the battle. Their names are engraved into granite slabs placed on an open court, regardless of nationality and are positioned so the ray of the sun shines directly down the center on the morning of every June 23, the last day to the Battle of Okinawa. June 23 is known as War Memorial Day, or Irei-no-hi in Japanese, and is a public holiday on Okinawa.

Peace Memorial Park is one of the most beautiful parks on the island.

GPS (parking): 26.0962507, 127.7221323

Peace Memorial Park Museum honors the Okinawan’s people and their experiences before, during, and after the battle and what life was/is like having their homeland being overshowed by two opposing military forces. There are exhibits with personal items including books, papers, diaries, and pictures.

GPS: 26.0962642, 127.7252765

Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.)

*Closed on Dec. 29 – Jan. 3

An air museum, outside of the Peace Memorial Park Museum, is on permanent display and includes numerous field artillery pieces from the Battle of Okinawa. 

GPS: 26.0962907, 127.72566684

Peace Memorial Park has many monuments relating to the Battle of Okinawa. The largest is Cornerstone of Peace which is dedicated to those who perished during the battle. Their names are engraved into granite slabs placed on an open court, regardless of nationality and are positioned so the ray of the sun shines directly down the center on the morning of every June 23, the last day to the Battle of Okinawa. June 23 is known as War Memorial Day or Irei-no-hi, in Japanese, and is a public holiday on Okinawa.

GPS: 26.0951664, 127.7256896

The United States forces cornered the last of many Japanese soldiers and Okinawan civilians on the cliffs of Mabuni in the closing days to the Battle of Okinawa. 

It was difficult for the Okinawans to believe the enemy would rescue them; instead, they threw themselves over the edge of these cliffs to their deaths. 

GPS: 26.0951710, 127.7259226

Mabuni Hill was the last of the 32nd Japanese Imperial Army Headquarters during the final days to the Battle of Okinawa. It was here that General Mitsuru Ushijima and Lieutenant General Isamu Cho committed hara-kiri. By the morning of June 22, 1945, organized resistance ended for the Japanese Imperial Army, Okinawa was captured, and an American flag was raised over the island.

GPS: 26.0927862, 127.7207107 (coordinates are for at the bottom of the stairs, follow the signs to the entrance of the tunnel)

For more on the battle sites in Okinawa, follow Okinawa Battle Sites on Facebook. The group was started by the author in 2021 to share information about the sites on Okinawa and her family’s adventures exploring them.

Stripes Okinawa writer Shoji Kudaka contributed to this story.

related stories

• Exploring Okinawa: A peek inside Kuganimui’s tragic WWII tunnels
• VIDEO: Exploring Okinawa: Sugar Loaf site of brutal WWII battle
• Quick trip to Itokazu’s cave and castle on Okinawa