The Former Okinawa Naval Headquarters Fortress, a treasure trove of evidence, chronicles the bloody history of Okinawa during World War II. The wealthy man believes the underground fortress is remarkably well-preserved and a worthwhile place to explore and savor the historical traces.
Traffic in the Former Okinawa Naval Headquarters
You can reach the Former Okinawa Naval Headquarters in the following ways:
- Self-driving: The rich man drove himself this time and there is free parking.
- Public Transportation: Get off at the monorail "Obuyama Park" station and take a taxi.
Okinawa Former Naval Headquarters Admission Ticket
The wealthy family purchased their tickets on-site, with adult tickets costing 600 yen and children 300 yen. The crowds were small that day, and the wealthy family only encountered a few children.
Introduction to the Former Okinawa Naval Headquarters
The Former Naval Headquarters Trench, located within Naval Trench Park, is a significant historical relic of the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. In 1944, the Japanese Navy dug a 30-meter-deep and approximately 450-meter-long underground trench in the hilly terrain of Tomigusuku Castle as a base for protracted warfare, reportedly capable of accommodating 4,000 soldiers.
Photo of the entrance to the former Okinawa Naval Headquarters trench.
After entering the memorial building, you can see some old photos of Okinawa residents and Japanese soldiers' internment camps during World War II.
Battle of Okinawa Exhibition Hall
Take the elevator to the underground floor, where you will find a document exhibition hall at the entrance. The hall houses weapons, uniforms, and daily necessities of the Japanese army at the time, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the history of the Battle of Okinawa in World War II.
On January 20, 1945, Vice Admiral Ota Minoru was appointed commander of the area. However, not long after, in March, the US military launched its offensive, marking the beginning of the 87-day Battle of Okinawa. By mid-May, with the US military advancing into Naha, the Japanese Army stationed near Shuri decided to retreat to the southern tip of Okinawa Island and plan a joint counterattack with the Japanese Navy, which was defending the Oroku Headquarters Ditch. However, due to a miscommunication, the rendezvous was not possible. By June, the US offensive intensified, forcing the rendezvous to be abandoned, leaving the Japanese Navy stranded near the Headquarters Ditch helpless and vulnerable.
The exhibition hall preserves the last telegram sent by Commander Ota Minoru before his death. This reminds the rich man of his visit to Tokyo.Japanese War MuseumThe scene at the Hall of Heroes is very heavy and solemn.
Listen to the full wartime telegrams online (Japanese and English versions).
On June 4th, the US military launched a fierce offensive, encircling the southwest of Naha. On the evening of the 6th, Commander Ōta issued a farewell telegram, expressing his resignation. On the morning of the 13th, Commander Ōta Sane and several other officers committed suicide in a trench. With Commander Ōta's suicide, organized fighting in the Oroku area ended.
The soldiers' uniforms and weapons during the war.
Historical commentary on the Battle of Okinawa.
Some statistics of the Battle of Okinawa show that Okinawa also suffered great damage during World War II.
Statistics
- Unexploded ordnance disposal in Okinawa Prefecture – 1,178,869 rounds
- Remains found in naval trenches – 1,090
- Number of bombs used by the US military – 2,716,691
- Total deaths (including Japanese soldiers, American soldiers, Okinawans, and migrant workers) – 200,656
Items left behind by soldiers in the trenches of the former Naval Headquarters in Okinawa.
Knitting to pray for the victims.
After visiting the memorial hall, we prepared to enter the old naval headquarters trench. The entrance was also covered with prayer ornaments and a small altar for the Bodhisattva.
After passing the small altar, we prepared to go into the trench, which involved about 100 steps. If you are traveling with elderly people, you should consider their leg strength.
An underground map of the old Naval Headquarters. The wealthy man believes the old Naval Headquarters is remarkably well-preserved, with the wartime signal room, medical room, operations room, and commander's office all intact.
Soldiers worked day and night, using small shovels to dig out a 400-meter underground bunker.
The signal room, where telegraphs were sent. A Type 92 wartime telegraph machine remains on site.
A photo of the walkway in the former Naval Headquarters trench. The walkway is about 180 centimeters high, so even a wealthy person can easily walk through it. However, taller people will have to bend their heads to walk.
This telegram, sent at 12:36 PM on June 6, 1945, describes the Okinawans fighting alongside the Japanese army. Despite a shortage of supplies, the people actively participated in the battle, with even women and children caught up in the flames of war, showcasing their fighting spirit and tragic emotions.
Medical room.
The non-commissioned officers' room is where soldiers usually rest. The space is very small and there is no place to put beds. There are only simple shelves for soldiers to lean on and rest. Even sleeping can only be done standing up.
The most tense attack exit in the trench.
Commander's Office. Commander Ota Minoru led several generals in a mass suicide in a trench with grenades. Traces of grenade fragments remain on the walls.
After Japan's defeat, many soldiers committed suicide. These images, captured in vivid detail, left a heavy heart upon viewing them. Alas, the scars of war can be seen everywhere in the old naval headquarters trenches, a heartbreaking sight.
The rich man found the atmosphere inside the old naval headquarters trench a bit eerie, considering it was once a battlefield. If you're bothered by this kind of atmosphere, he suggests reconsidering your decision. Whew! Finally, I saw light from the cave entrance! The exit was right in front of me, and the next step was a gentle slope, no more stairs to climb.
Not far from the exit, there is a tomb where the people of Okinawa can pay tribute to the officers and soldiers who bravely sacrificed their lives in the trenches.
In March 1953, archaeologists discovered the remains of over 800 people, including Commander Ota, in the former Navy Headquarters trench. In 1958, they discovered the remains of over 1,500 more. The Okinawa Sea Friends Association then built a memorial tower for the Navy's fallen soldiers to commemorate the souls of those who heroically sacrificed their lives. In March 1970, a 300-meter section of the trench was restored and opened to the public.
rich man experience
After visiting the Old Naval Headquarters Trench, the rich man felt a little complicated. This should be the saddest war attraction he has ever visited, but he still wants to share it with all his friends.
Attractions nearby
New Naval Trench Park! A large, banyan-themed playground, the Banyan Tree Maze, will be constructed. The existing, dilapidated playground equipment will be demolished and replaced. Taking advantage of the slope, a 35-meter-long slide will be installed. Construction is expected to be completed in March 2026. Stay tuned!
Visit Information
Address: 236 Toyomi Castle, Toyomi City, Okinawa Prefecture, 901-0241
Opening hours: 09:00 ~ 17:00
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