Naha

Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum
614-1 Mabuni
098-997-3844
Â¥300 for adults
Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-17:00, closed Dec. 29-Jan. 3

Museum describes the Battle of Okinawa.

Okinawa World
1336 Maekawa, Tamagusuku Village
098-949-7421
Cave and village for ¥1,200, snake exhibition ¥400 extra.
9:00-17:00
Take Bus No. 54 or 83 to the Gyokusendo-mae stop.

The major attraction at this theme park is Gyokusendo Cave, 890 meters long, with some interesting stalagmite and stalactite formations. Above the cave is a touristy village with performances of traditional dance, shops selling crafts and snake liquors, and restaurants. Separate admission is required for the habu snake exhibition which includes a snake and mongoose show.

The town of Itoman lies south and southeast of Naha, and has several attractions.

Himeyuri Peace Museum
671-1 Aza-Ihara, Itoman
098-997-2101
Â¥300 for adults
9:00-17:00

Students from two women's schools, together called Himeyuri, were mobilized to work as field nurses during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. This memorial museum documents, from a personal perspective, their lives before and during the battle, in which many of them died. Exhibits are labeled in English, and the museum is a worthwhile visit.

Okinawa Peace Park has several memorials relating to the Battle of Okinawa. To get there by bus, take bus no. 89 from Naha bus terminal, change to bus no. 82 at Itoman bus terminal, and get off at the Heiwa-kinendo-iriguchi stop.

Peace Park

This park has a beautiful view overlooking the ocean, and features several open-air memorials including the Cornerstone of Peace, wave-like walls of granite on which are engraved the names of those who died in the battle on the front as well as the back. It is a very interesting park.

Okinawa Peace Memorial Hall
448-2 Mabuni Itoman
098-997-3011
Â¥500 for adults

A separate memorial, marked by a high tower, with the Peace Memorial Statue and exhibitions of Japanese artists.