Guide
The former Navy Headquarters Cave was constructed as a command center for the Imperial Japanese Navy to direct forces during the Battle of Okinawa. This massive underground complex, spanning 450m in length and reaching 20m in depth, was reportedly hand-excavated by approximately 3,000 soldiers and sailors over a period of five months. While only about 300m of the passage is currently open to the public, the site preserves much of its original state, including marks from grenades on the walls, inscriptions left by the commander, and traces of daily life. It is not merely a historical ruin, but a profound space that asks us to reflect on the meaning of peace in the modern era.
Okinawa served as the final stronghold for the defense of the Japanese mainland, making it the only place in Japan where a major ground battle directly involved the civilian population. This cave marks the location where the organized combat of the Japanese Navy reached its end. Following the period of US military administration, the Navy Memorial Tower was erected in 1958. This unique monument, shaped like a warship, rises toward the Okinawan sky. The plaza in front of the memorial offers a panoramic view of Shuri Castle and the southern cityscape, seamlessly blending historical background with the local landscape.
The facility offers extensive exhibits designed for a multi-faceted understanding of history. The first-floor museum uses panels, models, videos, and related documents to introduce the construction process of the cave and the events that occurred within. Additionally, the