This Friday Ely, myself and some other families from our church branch decided to visit the former location of the Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters. It is kept in a respectful manner, with a monument at the entrance, a museum, the underground tunnels, and a park on the other side of the parking lot. The history behind this place is eerie; I would expect any historical site to be this way when related to war. Many Okinawans died in the tunnels, some at the hand of suicide because culturally that was considered more honorable and they feared what the Americans might do to them if captured. I can't imagine coming to that point, thinking that was the only way out. I think what made this seem even more heartbreaking was seeing their photographs in the museum, all black and white military portraits, usually where people are very serious, but one of these men was smiling. It definitely brought more humanity to the history. Even though I was mentally prepared to visit, I was really shocked to walk into one of the rooms that were labeled as the room where several officers took their life that had evidence of this as there were grenade marks in the walls (I did not take pictures of this particular room). After the tunnels we went to the park, which was nice as to not make the day so heavy. It was a humbling experience; it made me grateful that in my life I haven't had to endure something like this.
The view of Okinawa from the entrance. Naha is so beautiful.
Ely has a little friend that comes on many of our adventures. She loves her.
Monument at the entrance.
Part of the museum that showed pictures of the war. If you are interested in going with small children you could just bypass this section and move on.
This is all constructed out of paper.
The entrance to the tunnels.
The actual tunnels, there were a few sectioned off rooms and showed an opening in the tunnels where the Okinawans fought during the war.
A display of how the tunnels were built, all by hand which was impressive.
After the tunnels we went into the gift shop (for some heavenly AC). I had to get a picture of this cow I've seen around the island.
Ely with a large Shisa dog.
Another incredible Okinawan park.
My poor sweaty child. I'm not sure will ever acclimate.
After all my pictures of Ely I realize now I need to do a better job of getting pictures of everyone in our group. I had a nice time visiting with everyone and seeing my daughter play with her good little friend.
