Tsushima-maru Memorial Museum

Description

When exploring Okinawa, one place that stands out is the Tsushima-maru Memorial Museum in Naha. This unforgettable museum tells a deeply moving story from World War II that you won’t typically hear on regular tours. Located just a short walk from Naminoue Beach and the bustling streets of central Naha, the museum feels distinctly grounding—a quiet moment of reflection amid your Okinawa adventures.

The Tsushima-maru Memorial Museum is dedicated to the memory of the tragic sinking of the Tsushima-maru, an evacuation ship that carried children and civilians away from Okinawa in 1944. On August 22 of that year, the ship was attacked by a U.S. submarine, resulting in the loss of over 1,400 lives, including hundreds of schoolchildren. In a country proud of its peace, Okinawa holds this event close, and the museum serves as a reminder for future generations about the value of peace and the consequences of war. Throughout the exhibits, you’ll find personal stories, artifacts, and thoughtful presentations designed to help visitors—especially children—reflect on history, hope, and the importance of cherishing dreams.

I remember feeling a solemn calm as I entered. The museum manages to balance tragedy and the forward-looking spirit that Okinawa is known for. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about Okinawa’s past, the Tsushima-maru Memorial Museum offers a unique perspective you can’t find anywhere else.

Key Features

Detailed Exhibits: The presentations include personal belongings from victims, letters, photographs, and comprehensive background about wartime Okinawa and the sinking incident.
Reconstructed Ship Interior: There’s a life-size model that lets you walk through a recreated section of the Tsushima-maru vessel, making the experience tangible and heart-touching.
Documentaries and Animations: English subtitles are provided for most media, making it accessible even if your Japanese is limited. The animations especially are designed to help children understand the tragedy in an age-appropriate way.
Interactive Peace Learning Corners: These encourage visitors, including kids, to consider peace and imagine their own futures, with reflection spaces and hands-on activities.
Survivor Testimonies: Heartfelt survivor accounts (sometimes in both Japanese and English) evoke empathy and foster a personal connection to the past.
Bilingual Information: Most signage is in both Japanese and English, and the staff are patient in guiding foreign visitors.
Wheelchair Accessibility: Entrances, restrooms, and most walkways are fully accessible, ensuring everyone can explore at their own pace.
Quiet Location: Its proximity to Naminoue Shrine and Naminoue Beach makes it a thoughtful stop before or after visiting other nearby attractions, yet it remains a tranquil spot amid central Naha’s energy.
Memorial Space: Outside the museum, a peaceful garden and memorial monument become an evocative setting for contemplation and remembrance.

Best Time to Visit

Since the Tsushima-maru Memorial Museum is an indoor destination, it really works at any time of year—even during Okinawa’s rainy season. Personally, I found a weekday morning visit the most meaningful. There were fewer groups, and the quiet allowed me to take in the exhibits at my own pace without interruption.

Okinawa’s busiest season is summer (July through September), but the museum’s location means it rarely feels crowded. School field trips are common, especially in May and autumn, but they usually move as guided groups, so you can comfortably enjoy the space around them. If you’re combining your trip with a visit to Naminoue Shrine or Beach, the museum makes for a wonderful respite during the heat of the day. For a particularly reflective experience, visit during August—around the anniversary of the incident—when special ceremonies and exhibitions are sometimes held to honor the memory of those lost.

How to Get There

Reaching the Tsushima-maru Memorial Museum from central Naha is easy, which is one reason I recommend it to friends with tight schedules. Here’s how you can get there:

By Foot: The museum is about a 10–15 minute walk from Kencho-mae Station (Yui Rail), making it accessible if you’re already exploring downtown Naha. Just head west toward the coastline and you’ll find signs leading to Naminoue Shrine—the museum is right nearby.
By Bus: Multiple city buses (including lines 1, 2, 5, and 15) stop at Wakasa, a short walk from the museum entrance. This is a good option if you’re coming from further out or staying outside the immediate city center.
By Taxi or Car: If you’re traveling with family or have mobility issues, taxis from Kokusai-dori or central hotels are quick and affordable. For drivers, there is wheelchair-accessible parking available right on site.
By Bicycle: Renting a bike is a fun way to explore Naha. Cycling along the coast to reach the museum gives you lovely ocean views, and parking for bicycles is available in front of the entrance.

The museum’s address is 1 Chome-25-37 Wakasa, Naha, Okinawa. As you approach, you’ll see the memorial monument and museum entrance surrounded by lush native trees—a quiet, inviting space.

Tips for Visiting

Allow Enough Time: Give yourself at least 60–90 minutes here. Some exhibits invite contemplation, and you don’t want to rush through the reconstructed ship or survivor stories.
Bring Kids—But Prepare Them: While the museum is suitable for children, its subject is understandably serious. Consider talking about the visit in advance and accompanying them through the exhibits, especially the animated film and artifacts.
No On-Site Restaurant: There’s no restaurant or café inside, but plenty of small eateries and convenience stores are within walking distance—perfect for grabbing a meal after your visit.
Photography: Photography is permitted in some parts of the museum, especially the memorial gardens and exterior, but be sure to check signs before snapping pictures indoors.
Combine with Nearby Attractions: After your museum visit, walk over to Naminoue Shrine or head down to Naminoue Beach for a contrasting experience—reflection followed by relaxation or local street food.
Accessible Facilities: All key areas—including restrooms—are wheelchair accessible. The staff are helpful and understanding if you need extra assistance.
Language Support: English signage and brochures are available throughout, and staff members are accustomed to helping international visitors. If you have specific questions, they’ll do their best or point you to English explanations.
Stay Respectful: Many visitors come to pay their respects at the memorial monument. A quiet, considerate attitude is deeply appreciated by both locals and survivors’ families.
Check for Seasonal Exhibitions: Especially in August and around special anniversaries, the museum sometimes hosts temporary exhibitions or ceremonies—check the display board at the entrance when you arrive.

Visiting the Tsushima-maru Memorial Museum is a powerful experience that lingers long after you leave. It’s a testament to Okinawa’s resilience and passion for peace, and it provides a thoughtful counterpoint to the region’s more touristic attractions. If your travel plans bring you to Naha, I highly recommend setting aside a couple of hours for this meaningful, educational, and surprisingly hopeful museum visit.