The Cornerstone of Peace memorial stones at Okinawa Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, Japan

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Okinawa Peace Memorial Park Guide: Mabuni and the Battle Sites

   

Written by:

Jun

Okinawa Peace Memorial Park in Itoman: the Cornerstone of Peace, the peace museum, Mabuni hill, and how the battle sites fit into a Naha day trip.

Operational details such as opening hours, admission fees, and train times can change. Prefer official pages and reconfirm before you travel (sources checked on 31 October 2026).

Why visit

  • The park stands on Mabuni hill in Itoman, the ground where the Battle of Okinawa ended in 1945.
  • The Cornerstone of Peace lists the names of those who died, including civilians from Okinawa and people from other countries.
  • The peace museum explains the battle and the civilian experience with documents and testimony.
  • It is a short drive from Naha and combines well with the southern coast and Himeyuri monument.

Top places and highlights

The Cornerstone of Peace memorial stones at Okinawa Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, Japan
Photo: U.S. Navy CFA-O by Petty Officer 2nd Class Zachary Guth · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

The Cornerstone of Peace

Rows of stone pillars arranged in an open lawn, engraved with names, with the sea beyond. The arrangement is meant to be walked rather than viewed from one point.

The peace museum

Exhibits on the battle, evacuation of civilians, and the post-war period; admission is charged, so check the official site for current details.

Mabuni hill

The surrounding slopes hold memorials, caves and markers, and the hill itself has views over the southern coast.

Himeyuri monument

A short drive away, remembering the students who worked as nurses during the battle.

Food and drink

  • Itoman is a fishing town, so the port area is known for seafood restaurants.
  • Okinawan dishes such as goya champuru and Okinawa soba are widely available around the city.
  • The park itself has limited food options, so eat before or after the visit.

Getting there and around

  • By car: about 40 minutes from central Naha, with parking at the park.
  • By bus: services run from Naha bus terminal toward Itoman; check the current route and timetable with the operator.
  • The park is spread out, so allow walking time between the museum, the cornerstones and the hill.
  • Combine with the southern coast road for the return to Naha.

Where to stay

  • Naha has the widest range of hotels and is the usual base.
  • Itoman has smaller guesthouses and business hotels closer to the park.
  • Southern-coast resorts suit travellers who want to combine the memorial with beaches.

Best time to visit

  • The park is open year round and is one of the few outdoor sights that works in the rainy season.
  • Summer is hot with little shade on the lawns; go early or late.
  • Typhoon season can close transport, so keep a flexible day.

Practical tips

  • This is a memorial ground: keep voices low, especially near the name pillars.
  • Check the museum’s current opening days and admission on the official site before travelling.
  • Allow at least half a day; the museum alone takes time.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as shade is limited.

Suggested day-trip outline

  1. Morning: peace museum, to understand the battle before walking the grounds.
  2. Late morning: the Cornerstone of Peace and the memorials on Mabuni hill.
  3. Lunch: seafood in Itoman port.
  4. Afternoon: Himeyuri monument, then return to Naha along the coast.

Before you go

Timetables, fares, admission fees, and seasonal access rules can change. Check the official tourism and transport sites linked below for the latest information before you travel.

Explore More of Japan

Published guides that pair with this one:

Browse every Okinawa guide on this site for the rest of the region.

Sources

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