Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters
Quick Facts
- Location
- Japan, Naha
- Category
- Historic Ruins & Heritage
- Duration
- 45-60 min
- Opening Hours
- Daily 09:00-17:00 · Tickets until 16:30, open daily; the ground-level Kaigungou Park and lookout are free
- Ticket Price
- Adult: JPY 600 · Child: JPY 300 elementary and junior high · A Yui Rail day pass brings a discount; the park's playground is free
- Address
- 236 Tomigusuku, Tomigusuku-shi, Okinawa 901-0241, Japan
- Coordinates
- 26.2100, 127.7100
Introduction
The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters was hacked by hand with picks into a Tomigusuku hillside in 1944. In the final phase of the Battle of Okinawa it held as many as 4,000 naval personnel, and it was here that Vice Admiral Minoru Ota sent his celebrated farewell telegram. Some 450 metres of tunnel are open in their wartime state: the operations room, staff room, commander's room and medical room follow one another, with pick marks and shrapnel scars still on the walls, most heavily in the commander's room. Entry means 105 steps down to roughly 30 metres below ground; the tunnels are low and dim, a stark contrast to the bright park above. A peace museum on the surface displays objects and documents recovered from the tunnels, and the Kaigungou Park lookout above commands Naha and the East China Sea.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 09:00-17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 09:00-17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00-17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00-17:00 |
| Friday | 09:00-17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00-17:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00-17:00 |
Tickets until 16:30, open daily; the ground-level Kaigungou Park and lookout are free
Ticket Information
| Adult | JPY 600 |
|---|---|
| Child | JPY 300 elementary and junior high |
| Free Admission | Free under six |
A Yui Rail day pass brings a discount; the park's playground is free
Transportation
Bus 55/88/98 from Naha to Uebaru-Danchi-mae, 10-15 min uphill
15 min from Naha Airport; free parking
Tunnel entrance is 105 steps down
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters?
Monday: 09:00-17:00; Tuesday: 09:00-17:00; Wednesday: 09:00-17:00; Thursday: 09:00-17:00; Friday: 09:00-17:00; Saturday: 09:00-17:00; Sunday: 09:00-17:00; Tickets until 16:30, open daily; the ground-level Kaigungou Park and lookout are free
How much is the admission for Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters?
Adult: JPY 600; Child: JPY 300 elementary and junior high; Free Admission: Free under six; A Yui Rail day pass brings a discount; the park's playground is free
How long should I spend at Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters?
A typical visit takes 45-60 min.
How do I get to Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters?
Bus: Bus 55/88/98 from Naha to Uebaru-Danchi-mae, 10-15 min uphill; Driving/Parking: 15 min from Naha Airport; free parking
