Southern Okinawa



Southern Okinawa (沖縄南部 Okinawa-nanbu), also known by its historical name Shimajiri (島尻), is the southernmost part of Okinawa Island.

Understand
Southern Okinawa covers the cities of Itoman (糸満), Tomigusuku (豊見城), Nanjo (南城), Haebaru (南風原), Yonabaru (与那原) and Yaese (八重瀬). The capital Naha and the Kerama Islands are also administratively part of the area, but are covered in their own articles.

Throughout its history, the city of Itoman has been an invaluable port city in Okinawa with a thriving fishing industry. Even today, many of the city's biggest festivals revolve around fishing.

The city's trajectory and notability completely changed in early 1945 when it became one of the bloodiest battlefields in the American invasion of Okinawa. Thousands of Japanese, Americans, and native Okinawans died here. The city now contains multiple sites dedicated to World War II, the Battle of Okinawa and its effects on the island and the people, and peace. The museums here are considered must-visit sites by many visitors to Okinawa.

Tourist information sites
All are Japanese-only.
 * Itoman City: tourist association
 * Tomigusuku City: tourist association
 * Nanjo City: tourist association
 * Haebaru Town: town government
 * Yonabaru Town: town government
 * Yaese Town: tourist association

Get in
There are many buses that travel to Itoman from Naha.

Get around
Once you get to Itoman Bus Terminal, you can then transfer to a bus that will take you to your destination within the city. Bus #82 goes to the Peace Park (Heiwa Kinendo Iriguchi Bus Stop) and passes the Himeyuri Peace Museum (107 and 108 pass the Himeyuri Peace Museum but do not go to the Peace Park). Check Bus Map Okinawa for bus routes.

Peace Park
Okinawa Peace Park (平和祈念公園, heiwa kinen kōen) 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.



Go next

 * Naha
 * Central Okinawa