Himeyuri Cenotaph and the Himeyuri Peace Museum

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Himeyuri Cenotaph and the Himeyuri Peace Museum

Cenotaph for the Himeyuri students and a museum that conveys their war experiences.

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The Battle of Okinawa claimed many victims during the Pacific War. Himeyuri Tower is a memorial to the Himeyuri students and teachers who died in the Battle of Okinawa, and was built in Itoman City, where the battle ended.

The Himeyuri Cenotaph is located just above a cave called the Ihara No. 3 Surgical Shelter, where about 100 people, including Himeyuri students, workers at Okinawa Army Hospital, and local residents, hid themselves at the time. The names of 227 students and teachers from Himeyuri Girls' School (Okinawa Daiichi (First) Girls' High School and Okinawa Shihan Womens' School), who died in the Battle of Okinawa are inscribed on the tower.

The Himeyuri Peace Museum was established by the Himeyuri Alumni Association in 1989, and was renovated in 2021 to include more illustrations and videos to help the younger generation, who did not know about the war, by enriched visualization of the war. The museum introduces school life before the start of the Battle of Okinawa and the battlefield using various materials, including video testimonies from surviving students, photographs from the time, and a full-scale model of a dugout shelter. Through the war experiences of the Himeyuri Students, the exhibition conveys the horror of war and the preciousness of peace.

Highlights

  • A cenotaph for Himeyuri students and teachers who died in the Battle of Okinawa. It stands on top of the cave where many victims were killed.
  • It is a place where many people visit to pray for peace.
  • The museum has a variety of exhibits that provide an insight into the Himeyuri students' experiences in the war.

Photos

  • Himeyuri Tower built over the limestone cave where the Himeyuri students hid themselves

    Himeyuri Tower built over the limestone cave where the Himeyuri students hid themselves

  • Himeyuri Peace Museum

    Himeyuri Peace Museum

  • Partial renewal of exhibit content in 2021

    Partial renewal of exhibit content in 2021

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)

A

English leaflet is available, most of the exhibition rooms have English descriptions, and part of the large testimonial books are in English, Chinese (traditional and simplified), and Korean.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?

A

No free Wi-Fi available.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Not available.

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?

A

Yes, by re-presenting the admission ticket of the day.

Q

Are there any smoking areas?

A

Not available.

Q

How long is it from Naha Airport by car?

A

It takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

Q

Are there any guided tours in the exhibition rooms?

A

Not available.

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Details

Name in Japanese
ひめゆりの塔・ひめゆり平和祈念資料館
Postal Code
901-0344
Address
671-1 Ihara, Itoman City, Okinawa
Telephone
098-997-2100 (Himeyuri Peace Museum)
Closed
Free to walk
Business Hours
Walk anytime ※Himeyuri Peace Museum 9:00am - 5:25pm (Admission allowed until 5:00pm)
Admission
Free ※Himeyuri Peace Museum Adults 450yen, High school students 250yen, Elementary and junior high school students 150yen
Access
From Itoman Bus Terminal, take the Route Bus about 15 minutes, get off at “Himeyurinotou-mae” Bus stop and short walk from there.
Credit Cards
Accepted (Himeyuri Peace Museum)
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)