Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters — Attraction in Tomigusuku

I took a taxi on the way over but I got directions by bus on how to go back to Naha. You can reverse engineer it to get an idea on how to get here by public transport.

You could take the monorail to Onoyama Park Station and then take the bus from there on Yamashita street (bonus points if you know this was named after the Tiger of Malaya). You can take bus #98 or #55 to Municipal Uebaru Housing Complex. After you get off, you have to take the stairs up and keep walking straight until you have to make a left at some point.

I’ve left a photo of the bus map they gave me as well as the bus timetable. The timetable on the bottom half of the page is the one to return to Naha. The one above is presumably the timetable for arriving at that bus stop.

I’m pretty sure you can take bus #98 or #55 from Naha instead of taking the monorail to Onoyama Park Station but that’s up to you, do your own research to be sure. I know I’ve taken #55 before from Kamiizumi bus stop going the opposite direction to the north.

I’ve also left a map that you’ll run into when you make that left to go to the underground tunnel, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. I’ve also left a photo on how the direction to the underground tunnel looks like when you make that left. I’m not sure how much the bus costs to get to the tunnels but I’m sure it’s much cheaper than a taxi. Just take your ticket when you board and use the number on the ticket as a reference on how much your fare will be. The number of the ticket will be displayed on a screen at the front of the bus with an associated cost depending on how far you go.

Good luck...

The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters is a haunting yet historically significant site that offers a sobering glimpse into Japan’s World War II history. Located in Okinawa, this underground bunker was the command center for the Imperial Japanese Navy during the Battle of Okinawa. Walking through the tunnels, you can still see the scars of war—grenade blast marks on the walls and narrow passageways that once housed desperate last stands.

The experience is deeply moving, as visitors can explore the small rooms where officers and soldiers spent their final days. The preserved tunnels, along with historical displays, provide insight into the intensity of the battle and the tragic loss of life on both sides. The museum above offers additional context about Okinawa’s wartime history, making it an educational and emotional visit.

This is an important site for those interested in history, as it serves as a reminder of the realities of war and the resilience of those who lived through it. While not as widely known as Pearl Harbor or other WWII sites, the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters is a must-visit for those looking to understand the full scope of the...

Underground military administration base constructed during the war between Japan and the US for the islands of Okinawa.

The entrance to the base lies on top a hill inside a park. Prior to entering the tunnels, you would be shown an exhibit of photos and memorabilia from before, during and after the war - the suffering of peasants and soldiers alike.

The underground ancillary tunnels and chambers are well kept and maintained. The entire network of tunnels are meticulously dug out by hand and rudimentary tools (on display as well). You can literally experience what soldiers would have gone through at the time. The tunnels were not as expansive as I would have imagined but then again some part of the tunnels still remained inaccessible.

Whilst this may not be your typical, traditional beautiful and spectacular attraction, it's definitely a place that holds immense historical and humanity values and lessons that would be worth a visit...