{mosimage}Peace Prayer Park, located on and around Mabuni Hill (Hill 89) on the southern portion of Okinawa, Japan, is a large complex dedicated to the memories of those that died during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. After Okinawa reverted from American to Japanese control in 1972, construction of the park began. The park is at once a destination for visitors and a sacred location for prayer and reflection. It is comprised of four zones: the Peace Zone, the Prayer Area, the Peace Ceremony Zone, and the Recreation Zone.

The Peace Zone
This area is comprised of the Peace Memorial Museum, the Peace Memorial Hall, the Cornerstone of Peace, and the Flame of Peace.

Peace Memorial Museum
Focused largely on the impact of the battle on the lives of Okinawan civilians, the Peace Memorial Museum is intended to teach the public about the horrors of war. Permanent exhibits explain the history of the battle from beginning to end and include audiovisual aids such as films, historical objects, 3-D maps, and even a replica cave. Particularly notable is Room 4, in which audio and written testimonies from battle survivors are displayed. The final exhibit chronicles the post-war occupation and struggle for reversion.

Admission is Ą300 for adults and Ą150 for children. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except December 29-January 3).

Peace Memorial Hall
Peace Memorial Hall is best known as the home of the largest lacquered Buddha in Japan. Standing 12 meters high, spanning eight meters across, and comprised of 3.5 tons of lacquer, the Buddha is the magnum opus of renowned Okinawan artist Shinzan Yamada. Prior to World War II, Yamada left Okinawa to study art in Tokyo. Though he returned in 1940 and survived the horrors of the "Typhoon of Steel," he lost two sons during the battle. He constructed the Buddha statue to commemorate the souls of the war dead and espouse hope that such a tragedy would never again occur.

Yamada began constructing the Buddha using tsuikin lacquer techniques in 1957 at the age of 72. The enormous statue took more than 18 years to complete, with work stopping several times due to a lack of funding and twice because Yamada sustained serious injuries in falls from scaffolding. According to literature from the Peace Memorial Hall, the Buddha statue "differs from the usual Buddha in its basic concept. The traditional Buddha is usually placed on a lotus-shaped pedestal, symbolizing the future life, while the pedestal of this non-religious peace statue is decorated with a flower whose six petals represent the six continents. Thus this represents human harmony and world peace."

In the hall, Buddha is surrounded by seven pillars, each representing one of the seven seas. A series of 20 paintings themed "War and Peace" hang on the walls. The paintings took seven years to complete and are the work of Keiyu Nishimura, who wished to "portray the unique culture, the beautiful nature, and the cordiality of Okinawans in contrast to their tragic war experiences." Also in the hall is a small table with paper and acrylic boxes containing hundred of folded cranes. Visitors are invited to fold origami cranes of peace, known as tsuru or orizuru, and place them in the box. On the platform surrounding the Buddha are thousands of cranes and crane collages folded by the children of Okinawa.

Located in a room beneath the hall is the Sacred Stone Chamber. Sacred stones from throughout Japan and the world were collected by Okinawans and placed beneath the statue to act as its foundation.

Outside of the hall on the right is the Peace Bell. Dignitaries toll the bell during peace ceremonies, most notably during Irei no Hi (Day of Remembrance) each year on June 23. Behind the bell is the Peace Monument; when the hall was opened in 1978, organizers collected 1,258 compositions on the subject of peace. The best three are inscribed on the Peace Monument.

Behind the Peace Monument is an art museum that opened in 1981 and houses the works of contemporary Okinawan artists. To the rear of that is the Meditation Forest and a notable bronze statue. When excavation was done for the hall, the bones and shoes of a young boy were found along with three rusty grenades. The statue was placed in the location to console the souls of the children who died during the battle. It also commemorates the tenth anniversary of the reversion of Okinawa to Japan.

Admission to the Peace Memorial Hall is Ą450 for adults, and Ą350 for junior and senior high school students. Group rates are available. The museum is open daily (except December 29-January 3). From April 1 to October 15, hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. From October 16 to March 31, hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Cornerstone of Peace
Though its name makes it sound as though it is a singular mass of stone, the Cornerstone of Peace is a series of zig-zag, black granite monuments that stretch across the low area of Peace Prayer Park and are dedicated to those--American, Japanese, and Okinawan military and civilians--who died in the battle. As you stand at the Flame of Peace and walk down the center aisle, the foreign (American, British, Irish) casualties are listed in a small section on the immediate left. The American casualties are divided by their branch of service, though the branches are not listed on the monuments. (Americans familiar with the military bases on Okinawa need only look for the names of the camps. If you see the last name Lester (Camp Lester, a Navy installation and home of the United States Naval Hospital Okinawa), you'll know you're in the Navy section. The name Buckner (Fort Buckner, one of Okinawa's two Army installations and home of the 58th Signal Battalion) will indicate the Army section. Seeing the names Kinser, Foster, Courtney, McTureous, Hansen, Schwab, and Gonsalves (all Marine Congressional Medal of Honor winners from the Battle of Okinawa) will indicate the Marine Corps section.) Names in each service's section are listed A-Z. Okinawan casualties are also located to the left of the center aisle, and the names are organized by village. Japanese casualties are to the right of the center aisle, and those names are broken down by prefecture.

Anchoring the Cornerstone of Peace is the Flame of Peace, which has been burning continuously since June 23, 1995. It was started from other flames of peace throughout Japan, including one from Zamami Village on Aka Island in the Keramas (the first landing place of U.S. forces during the Battle of Okinawa), one from the Light of Peace at Hiroshima, and another from the Flame of Affirmation in Nagasaki.

Many incorrectly assume that Peace Prayer Park is where the Battle of Okinawa ended in June 1945. The many cliffs on this portion of the southern coast are often known as Suicide Cliffs. While Generals Ushijima and Cho did commit ritual suicide in the area, they were only one of a handful who did so. Looking toward the water from the Cornerstone of Peace, there is a cliff face to the left. Some individuals committed suicide by jumping off that cliff. Others jumped at Cape Kyan. The area was not a massive field of suicide.

The Prayer Area
The Prayer Area is composed of the National War Dead Peace Mausoleum and the Memorial Path.

The National War Dead Peace Mausoleum
After World War II, Okinawans began the enormous task of collecting the bodies of their friends and families and cremating them according to local custom. In 1945, the government collected the ashes of the deceased and placed them in the mausoleum on Mabuni Hill. More than 180,000 are at rest there.

Memorial Path
Prefectures throughout Japan have donated monuments to the memories of their soldiers that perished during the Battle of Okinawa. Approximately 50 such memorials line this path.

The Peace Ceremony Zone
This large expanse is used annually on June 23 for Irei no Hi. Thousands flock to the site--Okinawan, Japanese, and American--to honor the lives lost. At noon, a moment of silence is observed across the island. A large granite monument anchors the ritual service area used for these ceremonies.

The Recreation Zone
Peace Prayer Park also contains several multi-purpose recreation fields used for gateball, badminton, and other sports. There are several jogging trails, a picnic grove area, and a children's playground. Every year, this area is the half-way point of the Naha Marathon.

Peace Prayer Park Photos

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{mosimage}The word Yanbaru means "mountains and trees". This word is used to describe the area of northern Okinawa where the rolling hills and covered with dense forests of trees. Between these mountains lay farmland that remains preserved far out of the eye of modern day Okinawa. Beautiful vistas can be seen all throughout Okinawa's northern Yanbaru.

Seen here is a small area of farmland near Okinawa's Nakijin region. In the distance the sun sets over Sesoko island.

Yanbaru Photos

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{mosimage}Sefa Utaki is the most sacred site on Okinawa and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Utaki is a hogen (or Uchinaguchi, the language of the Ryukyus) word that means "a place enshrining the gods." Okinawans believe that gods descend to utaki and individuals can communicate with them there through villages and festivals.

Like most other utaki, Sefa Utaki is located in a forested grove. To those unaware of the site's importance, the area seems like little more than a coral outcropping whose main feature is an unusual triangular passageway formed by a portion of the formation sliding off and landing on its edge. While the date of the foundation of Sefa Utaki is unknown, the Chuzan Seikan (the royal history of the Ryukyu Kingdom) says it was the creation of Amamikyo, the founding god of the Ryukyu Islands.

The entrance of Seifa Utaki is the Ujoguchi. In centuries past, admission past this point was limited to members of the royal government. Ordinary citizens could pray at one of the six incense burners at the entrance, each of which symbolized one of the altars in the utaki. Typically, royal priestesses came to Sefa Utaki most often. Because most of the Ryukyuan deities were female, women have historically been held in high regard. Thus, the sisters and aunts of the king, called kikoe kimi, were enthroned at Seifa Utaki and treated as priestesses.

Past the Ujoguchi is the Yuinchi, which shares its name with the Shuri Castle cooking quarters where servants prepared sacred meals for the king. During the reign of the kingdom, foods such as seafood and produce were brought to those quarters from mainland Japan, China, and other distant locations. The term Yuinchi means "a place full of abundant harvest and catches of fish." Until World War II, a horse-shaped stone was placed at the Yuinchi at Sefa Utaki to tell yearly fortunes. Today, visitors might be able to see visitors praying and chanting at this altar.

When facing the triangular opening of Sefa Utaki, an area called the Kifujinnsama Oyasumidokoro is on the right. Two stalactites hang here, and water dripping from them is considered holy. The water was used to tell the fortunes of the kikoe kimi priestesses as well as the Nakagusuku Udun (king's son). The holy water was also used as an offering during New Year rituals.

Through the triangular opening are several altars, including the Sanguui in front and the Chohana on the right. To the left is an impressive view of Kudaka Island, which was also regarded as sacred among Okinawans. The king of Ryukyu visited this triangular opening at least once a year to pray for a rich harvest.

Seifa Utaki Photos

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{mosimage}Images from the quiet area of Okinawa known as Katsuren. The most traveled part of Katsuren is Katsuren Castle, yet the area surrounding Katsuren Castle is covered in sugarcane farms and beautiful beaches that line the western side of the island of Okinawa. Pictured below is an 80-year-old sugarcane farmer in Katsuren Village.

Katsuren Photos

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{mosimage}Bise is a small area in northern Okinawa best known for it's Fukugi trees that line sandy paths through a village that is hundreds of years old. These trees serve as protection from strong typhoon winds.

Travelers visiting Bise will find this area of Okinawa a quiet, undisturbed area of Okinawa that looks like you have just stepped off the boat on one of the outer islands.

Bise boasts crystal clear waters and a beautiful beachline that has a view of Ie Island in the distance. Snorkelers and spear fisherman can be seen in these waters all year round.

Bise Photos

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Okinawa Prints

Images from this collection are now available as fine art prints. Bring home a master crafted print of Okinawa. Custom order your prints of Okinawa through John in Japan. Unique images of Okinawa backed by over 50 years of printing excellence.

{mosimage}Nago, the largest city in northern Okinawa, is best known for its cherry blossom festival. The first cherry blossoms that bloom in Japan are found in Nago at the end of January. During this time the 2,000 cherry blossom trees that surround the ruins of Nago castle come into full bloom.

Not only home to Japan's early blooming cherry blossoms, Nago is also home to Okinawa's Orion Beer brewery, scenic landscapes, a 300-year-old Chinese banyan tree, resorts, and theme parks.

Nago is the largest city on the northern portion of Okinawa, Japan and is perhaps best known for its cherry blossoms. Because Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture, the island receives the country’s first blossoms of the year, typically in late January or early February. Thus, during these two months, people across Japan watch the forecast in anticipation of the city’s first burst of blossoms. The city holds its annual Cherry Blossom Festival and first hanami (cherry blossom viewings) of the year in Nago Central Park, at the base of the Nago Castle ruins. At the festival, vendors sell typical matsuri (festival) fare such as takoyaki (balls of fried dough stuffed with octopus), yakitori (grilled, skewered meats, typically chicken or pork), and yakisoba (stir-fried noodles and vegetables), while also hawking wares such as inflatable toys.

The city of Nago curves around a bay facing south. Highway 58 travels along the seafront and curves toward Mt. Yaedake and the area’s many mikan (tangerine) orchards on the northwest side of the city. Just a short distance from Highway 58 is the city’s “guardian,” a massive, 300-yeard old gajyumaru (banyan) tree that grows in the middle of a traffic circle. Nearby is Nago Museum, which hosts displays of rice planting and farming as well as whale hunting pictures and displays. Next door to the Nago Museum is the Orion Brewery. There, you can tour the factory and see for yourself how Okinawa’s famous local beer is made, completing your tour with a taste of the island’s best brew. Only a few hundred feet northeast of Orion Brewery are the Nago Castle ruins, which are located up a lengthy flight of stairs and past several torii. Though nothing of the castle remains, the area has a children’s park and a magnificent view of Nago Bay.

Another nearby attractions is Busena Terrace Resort, located only about 10 kilometers southeast of the city. Famous for its splendid underwater observatory in which visitors can have an excellent showing of many aspects of marine life, this resort is typical of the many commercial endeavors overtaking Okinawa’s coastline. Another wonderful sight are the Nakijin Castle ruins, which overlook the northern coast and the Motobu Peninsula. Nakijin Castle was the 14th century fortress of Hokuzan, the northernmost of the three Ryukyu principalities.

Nago epitomizes the slow, laid-back nature for which Okinawa is famous. Except for blossom time, Nago goes virtually unseen by tourists and foreigners. For those willing to venture north, buses run through Motobu from central Nago, so sightseeing is simple. All sights are also easily accessible by car, and once in the city, navigation is easy and most sights can be easily reached on foot.

Nago Photos

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Okinawa Prints

Images from this collection are now available as fine art prints. Bring home a master crafted print of Okinawa. Custom order your prints of Okinawa through John in Japan. Unique images of Okinawa backed by over 50 years of printing excellence.

{mosimage}Located in Kitanakagusuku Village, the Nakamura House stands as a symbol of the power of Okinawan architectural craftsmanship. This traditional Okinawan home has stood for over 300 years, enduring the Battle of Okinawa, and the harsh subtropical climate of Okinawa.

Nakamura Photos

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{mosimage}Manzamo is located near Onna Village, Okinawa Japan. The Okinawan prefecture government has declared this area a nature preserve due to it being a habitat for rare species of plant life. The area is a naturally formed cliff that exposes the beautiful Okinawa coral reefs.

Manzamo Photos

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{mosimage}Rich with a cultural heritage that goes back 600 years this area of central Okinawa offers a relaxing area that visitors to Okinawa can enjoy the natural beauty and traditions that Yomiton village offers.

Ancient ruins in 37 places have been discovered in Yomiton, the oldest being the Toguchiagaribaru ruins which were discovered in 2-3 meters of water. The Toguchiagaribaru ruins are remnants of ancient Okinawan earthenware. Scientists speculate this early pottery could have been crafted approximately 6000 years ago.

In 1908 Yomiton officially established it's town and village system, though long after the reversion of Okinawa, U.S. bases which host communication sites continue to occupy much of the land in Yomiton village.

From the Yomiton Village administration:

...the geographic outline of Yomiton Village resembles a phoenix flying toward the East China Sea. The head of the phoenix is Zanpa Point and its wings consist of mountains which include Takoyama and Zakimi Castle. The phoenix is carrying a coral reel in its mouth to welcome the happiness that comes from the overseas land of Niraikanai (a paradise) and goes into the golden rim of Zakimi Castle. Zakimi Castle is like a waist towel blown by the wind. The people, goods, and cultures meet at the crossroads of the main street of Yomitan Village whose west side is a busy community and east side is calm and peaceful. Nagata River runs along the skirts of the mountains and washes away the past with its flow.

Seen below are fisherman who hang their lines from the Zanpa cliffs, the rocky beaches in Yomiton, Zanpa Point, Zakimi Castle, Murasaki Mura, and an aerial view of the corals reefs and rocky shores that stretch across Yomiton Village.

Yomiton Photos

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