[2025 Tomigusuku Attraction] Travel Guide for Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters (Updated Jul)

In 1944, during the Pacific War, the Navy Headquarters Bunker was built on a hill southeast of the airport to protect the Oroku Airfield (now Naha Airport). The Japanese Navy Construction Unit dug semi-circular arched tunnels and reinforced the trenches with cement and wooden stakes. It is said that the total length was 450 meters at that time. Under the bombardment of the US Navy, the underground stronghold housed 4,000 soldiers to sustain a prolonged battle. However, in June 1945, the headquarters personnel committed suicide after the southwestern part of Naha City, where the trenches were located, was surrounded by US forces, ending organized combat in the Oroku area. After the war, the trenches were left untouched for a period. After several collections of remains, the Tourism Development Corporation began restoration in 1970, restoring 300 meters centered around the commander's room. The museum in the park displays relics such as guns, military uniforms, and letters to family members excavated from the trenches, as well as other materials related to the former Japanese Navy. 🔹 Highlights of the Visit 1. Commander's Room: The office of Major General Minoru Ota, where bullet marks and bomb explosion traces can still be seen on the walls. 2. Operations Room: The place responsible for information transmission and strategic planning during the war, with a solemn atmosphere. 3. Soldier's Quarters and Medical Room: A small and simple space for soldiers to rest and treat injuries, reflecting the harsh conditions of the war. 4. Major General Minoru Ota's Last Letter: A letter he wrote to the Japanese government before the defeat, describing the tragic situation of the Okinawan people. 🔹 Visiting Information 📍 Location: 236 Tomigusuku, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture 🕒 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 🎫 Admission: Adults 600 yen, Children 300 yen This place is not only a historical site but also an important reminder to cherish peace.

As someone personally fascinated by World War II, visiting the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters in Okinawa was high on my must-do list—even before our plane touched down. I had read about the events that unfolded here, and being able to walk through a place so steeped in history was something I wasn’t going to miss. Upon arriving, we parked our car and immediately noticed the many tombs surrounding the area. My wife and in-laws were taken aback, and understandably so—these tombs likely belonged to naval officers who took their own lives within the tunnels during the war. The solemn atmosphere was unmistakable, and given that we had our kids with us, they felt uneasy and chose not to proceed. But I continued on, drawn by my deep interest in the past. Entry to the museum section was free, and I was impressed by the number of wartime artifacts on display—helmets, tools, documents, and even maps—all recovered from the tunnel after the war. Each item told a silent story of the soldiers who once occupied these very halls. After exploring the museum, I opted to enter the underground tunnel, which required a small fee. Walking through those narrow, dimly lit passages was surreal. You could still see the command room, the generator room, and even the walls scarred by grenade blasts from the suicides that happened here. The air was heavy, and I couldn’t help but feel the weight of history bearing down with each step. It took about 15 minutes to complete the tunnel walk. Once I emerged, there was a small souvenir shop on the right. Though modest in size, it offered some thoughtful memorabilia for those who wanted to take a piece of this profound place home. This visit was more than just educational—it was a deeply emotional and thought-provoking experience. Not recommended for young children or the faint-hearted, but for those who appreciate history, especially WWII, this site offers an unforgettable window into the past. #summervacay #OkinawaHistory #WWIISites #JapaneseNavyHQ #UndergroundTunnels #WarMemorialJapan #OkinawaMustVisit #MilitaryHistory #okinawa #okinawatrip #japan #japantrip

You can learn about the war between Okinawa and the US military at that time. There are many shocking photos. The narrow passage in the underground trench also makes people feel the horror of war. The rest room is very small and you can only stand or sit on the ground to rest. There are bullet holes on the wall from suicides, and many human bones have been dug out. A visit here will really make people pray for eternal world peace.

#DomesticTravelTactics Have fun touring tourist spots with a gentle jog Starting from Kokusai-dori Tour tourist spots in each direction in 5-10km round trip Have fun balancing sightseeing and dieting ★8km course Shuri Castle Tamaudun Shikinaen ★5km course Fukushuen Naminoue Shrine Naminoue Umisora ​​Park ★12km course Gomotsu Castle Ruins Naminoue Shrine Tomari Ohashi Bridge (observation deck) Naha Cruise Terminal ★5km course Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum ★10km course Former Navy Headquarters Cave Okinawa Crafts Forest Okinawa Karate Kaikan Tomigusuku At night, enjoy senbero at the arcade streets of Ebisu-dori and Taihei-dori The further you go, the more atmospheric and super cheap senbero shops you'll find #Okinawa #WorldHeritage #Jogging #joggingarea #jogging