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South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology: Visiting Ötzi the Iceman
Visiting Ötzi the Iceman at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy is one of the most fascinating museums I’ve been to and a lifelong dream of mine. Home to Europe’s oldest mummy, this world-class museum offers visitors a rare chance to see the preserved body of Ötzi the Iceman along with weapons, tools, clothing, and other artifacts, that belonged to him. Whether you are planning a Bolzano itinerary, traveling through the Dolomites, or have somewhat of a morbid curiosity like me, then a visit to the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology to see Ötzi the Iceman is an absolute must! In this post, you can learn about Ötzi the Iceman, plan your visit to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, and explore more of what Bolzano has to offer. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Who was Ötzi the Iceman? Who was Ötzi the Iceman? This question is still being debated even today. Was he a person on the run? Was he a shaman? No one really know who Ötzi really was, where he came from, or how he ended up where he was. There are speculations and theories about who he was. I’ll cover everything I’ve learned and read about throughout the years. There are some known facts about Ötzi the Iceman. ✅ Based on Radio Carbon Dating, Ötzi the Iceman is around 4,000 – 5,000 years old. ✅ The name Ötzi was coined by journalist Karl Wendl. Ötzi is in reference to the Ötz Valley. ✅ Ötzi the Iceman has many names, he’s also known as the “Glacier Mummy,” “The Man from Hauslabjoch,” “The Man from Tisenjoch,” “Similaun Man,” “Homo Tirolensis,” and the “Man in the Ice.” ✅ Based on bone structure and characteristic changes, he was potentially around 45 years old at the time of his death. ✅ After examining his body, researches think Ötzi has around 61 tattoos. These tattoos were different then what we think of today. They were maybe done as a means of painkilling like acupuncture. Instead of using needles incisions were made in the skin and charcoal was rubbed within the cuts. ✅ Ötzi most likely died of a wound caused by an arrow. Was he on the run? ✅ It’s not 100% certain where Ötzi the Iceman comes from, but it’s possible that he’s from the first independent Alpine culture group. He potentially lived or came from the Eisack Valley in today’s South Tyrol, Italy. ✅ Ötzi the Iceman was around 160cm tall and weighed around 61 kg. Apparently, two of his ribs were missing as well, he was probably born that way. Discovering Ötzi I’ve always been fascinated with the discovery of Ötzi in 1991. What fascinates me the most is these human remains are upwards to 5,000 years old and when first discovered, they thought he was a victim of a mountaineering incident. Ötzi was discovered by two German hikers, Erika and Helmut Simon on Thursday, September 19, 1991. The hikers were in the Ötztal Alps descending from Finail Peak. I read that they veered off the marked trail and passed a rocky gully. There they saw the body of a human laying against a rock. They had no idea they just discovered one of the most significant archaeological finds in Europe. The two hikers quickly informed a landlord at a nearby mountain refuge and he notified authorities in both Austria and Italy, since the find was close to the border of the two countries. Several attempts were made to recover the body and other hikers did interfere with the body before professionals and archaeologists were involved to remove the body and relocate it to the Institute for Forensic Medicine in Innsbruck, Austria. Visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology When visiting Bolzano or anywhere in the Dolomites, visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is a must! It’s home to Ötzi the Iceman. You can see his mummified body on display along with his belongings that were found. To make your trip easier and hassle free, I’ve done the planning, research, and spent time at the museum. Below you can find information on tickets and hours and learn about Ötzi himself. Tickets and Hours Below you can find updated information on the ticket fees and hours for the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. I found their hours to be a bit confusing, mainly because I was in Bolzano on a Monday in December. They were open but usually closed. So it’s best to double check the official website for updated hours and times. Admission Single Ticket: 13€Children under 6: FreeDiscount Ticket: 10€ For more information and updates, please look at the official South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology website. Hours Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00 (Last Admission is 17:30) Monday: Closed** Monday Closed except if Monday is a holiday, and in July and August the museum is open on Mondays. Ötzi’s Preserved Body When visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology most visitors including myself are looking for the opportunity to see the actual mummy remains of Ötzi the Iceman. Ötzi is on display at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. He’s kept in a permanent “Icebox” and can be seen by visitors through a tempered glass window. According to what I learned at the museum, his body is housed in a unique room with two cold chambers. One cell has a temperature of -6°C with humidity of 99%. For us visitors, there is a 40×40 cm window so we can look at the mummy. Fortunately, when I was there the museum was not crowded so I was able to view the mummy without rushing. On busy days, there is a line. Artifacts and Tools One of the more interesting exhibits at the museum were the displays of all Ötzi’s weapons, tools, artifacts, and clothing materials. Most of his possessions were either on him or scattered around the archaeological site of discovery. At the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, you can view articles of clothing worn by Ötzi, equipment he used, weapons, first-aid supplies, and even his backpack. In terms of clothing, items that were preserved or found include a cap, garments, leggings, his belt, loin cloth, a cape, and pair of shoes. Most of the clothing was made of animal skins, tanned hides, and grasses. The coat was made of goatskin, the leggings were also made of goatskin, his belt was made of calf leather, and his fur cap was primarily made of bear fur. Regarding the equipment and weapons found at the discovery site, there was a axe made of copper. I read that it is the only intact prehistoric axe in the world. He had a dagger and sheath on his person, a retoucheur, which is an instrument to sharpen flint blades. One of the most important weapons he had was his longbow. It was a 1.82 m longbow that was made of yew. A quiver and arrow were also discovered. Ötzi the Iceman also carried a backpack. The backpack is on display at the museum as well. It was made of a U-shaped wood rod with wooden boards. Hide was used as a pouch to carry his goods. Ötzi also had a container made of birchwood. He had various wood pieces on him and minerals, meaning he probably was handy and could make tools and other resources by himself. Ötzi also had a first-aid kit. In the first-aid kit there was birch fungus which was most likely therapeutic. Gift Shop Make sure to stop in the gift shop at the exit of the museum. There are a lot of great finds here to include books, post cards, and fun souvenirs. The books come in various languages. What’s my Fascination with Ötzi the Iceman? I’ve been fascinated with Ötzi the Iceman for as long as I can remember. I’ve always had a morbid curiosity and enjoy dark tourism sites, which I think this classifies as one. His story has interested me and I still have so many questions about his life. I am always wondering why he’s the only mummy discovered? Are there more out there? Once glaciers melt, will we discover more? Visiting Bolzano? Other Things to do near the Museum Bolzano is one of the best places to visit in Northern Italy. I only had the opportunity to spend a day here during the Christmas holiday. Other then visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, top things to do in Bolzano include strolling the historic old town and Piazza Walther. If you have a day or two in Bolzano, here are some top listed things to do that I recommend. Piazza Walther Piazza Walther is the heart of Bolzano and a must visit attraction. Piazza Walther is surrounded by historical buildings, cafes, restaurants, and right next to the Bolzano Cathedral. If you are visiting around Christmas time, the bulk of the Christmas Market is here. Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta The Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta or Bolzano Cathedral is a beautiful cathedral located near the Piazza Walther. The cathedrals history dates back to the late 1100’s. It’s known for its beautiful glazed roof tiles, high altar, and treasury. Obstmarkt (Local Produce Market) The obstmarkt or local produce market, or farmers market, is a must when visiting Bolzano. It’s a large market on Piazza delle Erbe extending several blocks. You can find everything here from fresh fruit and smoothies, to cheeses and meats. The produce market is open Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays. Shopping Bolzano is a great place for shopping. Almost all the roads leading to and from Piazza Walther are lined with shops. We spent hours popping into random shops from shoe stores to shops selling outdoor gear. But you can find stores for children, souvenirs, clothes, from budget shops to high end stores. Bolzano Christmas Market The Bozner Christkindlmarkt or Bolzano Christmas Market is a magical time of year to spend in Bolzano. We were here for the Christmas Market and for being Italy, it was just as good as some of the large ones in Germany. Bolzano is surrounded by the Alps, the town has it’s charm, and Piazza Walther is surrounded by stunning architectural buildings, so it’s the perfect setting for a Christmas Market. I had Glühwein, Knödel suppe, a Bratwurst, and a few local craft beers from the area. The Christmas Market was set up traditionally with small wooden booths selling food, Christmas decorations, and local products. Conclusion Visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy and getting a chance to see the mummy of Ötzi the Iceman has always been a travel bucket-list item of mine. Seeing Ötzi the Iceman up close was a memorable moment and seeing all his tools, equipment, and clothing was fascinating. I learned so much while visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology and am happy to share my experience with you guys! Have you been to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano? If so, leave a comment, let me know what you thought or if you have other similar recommendations. Safe travels! Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Visiting the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas
Visiting the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas is a somber yet interesting experience as you visit one of the most pivotal moments in the history of the United States. Located in the former Texas School Book Depository, this museum explores the life, legacy, and assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Although tragic, I feel the Sixth Floor Museum is a must-visit attraction in Dallas. I wrote this post to provide information and help you get the most out of your visit to the Sixth Floor Museum. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! History of the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza was opened to the public in 1989. This site was linked to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy which took place on November 22, 1963. This is not a political post or anything, so I am just sticking to the facts and keeping them short. About John F. Kennedy John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States. John F. Kennedy was known to have signed the first nuclear weapons treaty, was tied to Civil Rights Movements, the Space Race, started the Peace Corps among other positive feats. Texas School Depository Building If it weren’t for the events that took place on November 22, 1963, the Texas School Depository Building would be just another beautiful historical building in Dallas. Now, the Texas School Depository Building is one of the most historic landmarks in Dallas. The building is located at 411 Elm Street and has been around since 1901. The building was a warehouse for school textbooks. Events of November 22, 1963 On November 22, 1963, history was forever changed in Dallas and for the United States. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald. While riding in a motorcade at Dealey Plaza, the presidential limousine passed the Texas School Book Depository and shots were fired from the sixth floor killing President John F. Kennedy. He was 46 years old. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested after murdering a police officer that same day. Two days later, Lee Harvey Oswald was murdered by Jack Ruby, live on television. Planning Your Visit to the Sixth Floor Museum When planning to visit the Sixth Floor Museum, you can purchase tickets in advance or pay at the entrance. The museum offers self-guided tours that walk you through the exhibits on the life and legacy of John F. Kennedy. Planning on visiting the Sixth Floor Museum? Based on my visit, I’ll share the location, parking, hours and admission, and what to expect when visiting the museum. Location and How to Get There The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is located at 411 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75202. Right next to the museum, there is a convenient paid parking lot. According to the Sixth Floor Museum website, if you are taking public transportation, the closest station is the West End Station, connecting all DART lines. It’s five blocks from the Union Station. Hours and Admission Hours Monday – ClosedTuesday – ClosedWednesday – 10:00 – 17:00Thursday – 10:00 – 17:00Friday – 10:00 – 17:00Saturday – 10:00 – 17:00Sunday – 10:00 – 17:00* Last Ticket sold at 16:15 Admission Adult – $22Senior – $20Youth – $18Child – Free The admission and hours are from the official Sixth Floor Museum website. For updated times, prices, and information, I recommend visiting the official Sixth Floor Museum website. Purchasing Tickets to the Sixth Floor Museum You can purchase admission tickets at the ticket counter within the Sixth Floor Museum. To guarantee a ticket and time, you can buy them online via the Sixth Floor Museum website. If you are looking for Guided Tours to the Sixth Floor Museum, I recommend booking a tour in advance online through Get Your Guide or Viator. Below are some tours of the Sixth Floor Museum that are worthwhile. ✅ Dallas: JFK Assassination and Sixth Floor Museum Tour✅ Dallas: JFK Assassination Highlights Walking Tour✅ JFK Assassination Tour with Oswald’s Rooming House Exhibits If visiting the Sixth Floor Museum, you can tour the museum on your own. There are numerous collections, exhibits, and information on the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy from his upbringings until his assassination and life beyond that. Some artifacts on display at the museum include Lee Harvey Oswald’s wedding ring, Jack Ruby’s gray fedora that he wore when he shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald, Jack Ruby’s hand written note handed to his attorney, the tan suit that Detective Jim Leavelle wore, the famous Zapruder Camera, and so much more. There is an Italian-made Carcano rifle replica on display which is the same rifle that was found by investigators following the assassination. The museum also has a display showing the exact window where that fatal shot was taken from. Dealey Plaza After visiting the Sixth Floor Museum, don’t forget to walk around Dealey Plaza and see the exact location where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. There is a marker on the street where the event took place. Not only can you witness the exact spot of the assassination, but you can go to Abraham Zapruder Filming location, get photos of the outside of the Sixth Floor Museum, and read other historical markers. Conclusion Visiting the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas Texas is definitely a Dark Tourist attraction but it also brings light into the life and legacy of former President John F. Kennedy. The events that took place on November 22, 1963 forever shook the United States and to this day, it is still one of the most significant events that took place. When visiting Dallas, make sure to pay a visit to the Sixth Floor Museum and learn about the life and assassination of John F. Kennedy. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️ 🇺🇸 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Intramuros Travel Guide: What to See Inside Manila’s Walled City
Intramuros, the historic walled city in the heart of Manila is a unique and fascinating area that offers a glimpse into the Philippines colonial and often times dark past. When visiting Manila, Intramuros is a must-see destination. Intramuros is a large area with a lot to see to include Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, and so much more. I created this Intramuros travel guide to highlight the must see attractions and maximize your time inside Manila’s walled city. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! History of Intramuros Intramuros and Manila in general has a long and complex history. Intramuros was first built by Spanish explorers led by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, in the mid to late 1500’s and was the center of the military power, political rule, and religious practices during the Spanish colonial period. The walls around Intramuros were built after 1590 to protect the town and structures within. Overtime because of war and occupation, Intramuros was under rule by other countries to include Great Britain, the United States, and Japan. Jose Rizal The name Jose Rizal was unknown to me until my trip to Manila. I read a lot about Jose Rizal at the beautiful Rizal Park and during my visit to Intramuros. For those that don’t know, Jose Rizal was a Filipino nationalist, writer, and revolutionary, who is regarded as a national hero of the Philippines. Two novels written by Jose Rizal, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” were written to kind of expose the abuses of the Spaniards during the Spanish colonization. In return, this created a movement for reform and independence. Rizal was then arrested by Spanish authorities as he was deemed a danger and was imprisoned at Fort Santiago in Intramuros. Rizal was then sentenced to death and was executed in Luneta Park (now Rizal Park) by firing squad on December 30, 1896. Japanese Occupation During WWII Another historical tragedy that took place at Intramuros, specifically at Fort Santiago was the Japanese occupation during WWII. During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines from 1942 to 1945, Intramuros was a strategic military center for Japanese forces. There were some horrendous acts that took places at Fort Santiago. The dungeons which are not that big held 600 prisoners at the time, most dying of starvation, disease, and suffocation. Inside the dungeon, I learned about the Manila Massacre. From February 3 to March 3, 1945, Manila was the center of a major conflict. Allied forces fought to liberate Manila from the Japanese forces. According to information at Fort Santiago, the Japanese forces went on a rampage and killed thousands of civilians in Manila. Most of the city was destroyed and over 100,000 civilians lost their lives. Getting Around Intramuros Once inside Intramuros, I found it to be very walkable and easy to navigate. I walked from the entrance of Intramuros on General Luna Street to Fort Santiago which is a little over a kilometer and took me 15 minutes. Walking is not the only way to see Intramuros. You can take a calesa (horse carriage, which I do not recommend), tricycle, or ride around on a Bamboo Bike. Calesa (Hose-drawn carriage) – The Calesa were parked around some of the popular tourist destinations within Intramuros like the Manila Cathedral. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend the Calesa. From what I witnessed, the poor horses were overworked, in poor health, and not well cared for. I saw one horse struggling to stand up because of the heat and the owner would not let it lie down or rest. Tricycle – There were plenty of motorized tricycle riders around Intramuros. They all seemed friendly and eager to drive me around, I declined, but hey! It’s an option. Prices are relatively low and they drop you off where you want. Bamboo Bicycle – One of the best ways to get around Intramuros that is not on foot is by bike. Bambike Ecotours offer tours and rentals. How to Spend Your Day at Intramuros Intramuros, Manila’s historic walled city is a must when visiting Manila. You should plan on a half day to full day. In my Intramuros travel guide, below you can find my recommended things to do and how to maximize your time at Intramuros. Club Intramuros Golf Course I am not a golfer, but couldn’t help and notice the beautiful golf course tucked around the historic walls of Intramuros. The Club Intramuros Golf Course is an 18-hole par-66 layout course. For more information on the course and rates visit the Club Intramuros Golf Course website. General Luna Street General Luna Street at Intramuros is an iconic street and the main road in the walled city that has a nice blend of colonial charm, modern day restaurants, and historic churches. When walking through the main entrance to Intramuros, you are right on General Luna Street. Along this street you can find the San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, and Fort Santiago. San Agustin Church San Agustin Church in Intramuros is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Philippines top historical landmarks to visit. According to the UNESCO plaque, San Agustin Church is one of four Baroque Churches in the Philippines and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1993. San Agustin Church was founded in 1571 and completed in 1607. Today, visitors can freely enter the church and admire the beautifully decorated interior. Manila Cathedral Right down General Luna Street from San Agustin Church is the Manila Cathedral also known as the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Manila Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Basilica and was built in 1571 but has been rebuilt several times because of natural disasters and war. What I liked about the Manila Cathedral was the blend of Romanesque architecture and the somewhat modern interior. Fort Santiago One of the most important and significant sites in Intramuros is Fort Santiago. No Intramuros travel guide can be written without mentioning Fort Santiago. Earlier on in this post, I mentioned Fort Santiago a bit in regards to the history of Intramuros. Fort Santiago was built in the 1500’s by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Fort Santiago served as a fortress and served as a military defense during the Spanish colonial period. Fort Santiago is also known as being a prison and one of its most famous prisoners was Dr. Jose Rizal, also listed earlier on in this post. When visiting Fort Santiago, you can see Jose Rizal’s prison cell and learn more about his accomplishments, eventual capture, and execution. During WWII, Fort Santiago was used by Japanese forces as a prison and torture chamber. There are some intense images and descriptions in the prison today. Today, Fort Santiago is open to the public and a must visit. It stands as a reminder of the Philippines history and resilience. Conclusion I wrote this Intramuros travel guide because I want to share everything I learned while visiting Intramuros. If visiting Manila, I highly recommend adding Intramuros to your itinerary. Intramuros is a fascinating district of Manila that is rich in history and completely different then any other place you will visit while in Manila. Spend a half day to a day walking the old walls, visiting Fort Santiago, and marveling at San Agustin Church. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️ 🇵🇭 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Battle of Okinawa: WWII Sites Around Okinawa to Visit
When you think of Okinawa, you probably think of beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and its unique culture. Today, Okinawa is a peaceful sub-tropical island that was once involved in one of the most intense battles of WWII. For visitors that love history or have a deep fascinations and passion about WWII, there are many WWII Sites Around Okinawa that are a must visit, some easier to explore then others. I am by no means an expert when it comes to Okinawa’s WWII history, there are others in Okinawa that are far more qualified to talk about the history and sites around Okinawa. But I love exploring all things Okinawa, which includes its WWII history. Whether you are visiting Okinawa for the first time or just want to get out and explore, here are some of the main WWII sites around Okinawa that are a must visit. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Brief Introduction to the Battle of Okinawa The Battle of Okinawa was a major WWII battle that took place between April and June of 1945. The Battle of Okinawa was one of the most pivotal yet bloodiest battles in the Pacific. The Battle of Okinawa was one of the final battles in the Pacific. If Okinawa was captured, then the U.S. troops would secure the airbases and have better success storming mainland Japan. The land assault was launched on April 1, 1945 when soldiers landed on the Kerama Islands just off the coast of the main island of Okinawa. After taking the Kerama Islands, U.S. troops landed on the beaches of Okinawa facing little to no resistance by the Japanese Army. This was all part of the plan as the Japanese Imperial Army was waiting in Southern Okinawa where present day Shuri Castle is. The Japanese Army had several strongholds set up as defenses between the northern beaches and Shuri Castle, one being Hacksaw Ridge. The Japanese Army used the landscape and terrain to their advantage as the U.S. troops slowly progressed toward the south. Shuri Castle eventually was overrun by U.S. forces and fell on June 1. By June 6, the airfield in Naha was under control of the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Defense website, The Battle of Okinawa was officially declared over on June 22, 1945. More then 12,000 U.S. soldiers were killed and around 90,000 Japanese soldiers. Sadly, more then 150,000 civilians also lost their lives. WWII Sites to Visit Around Okinawa The Battle of Okinawa, fought in 1945, is considered to be one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific. Today, visitors to Okinawa can explore a range of historic sites related to the war. From memorials to battlefields, here are a few of the WWII sites around Okinawa that played a significant role in the war and are easy to visit. Visiting these WWII sites are perfect for those touring Okinawa with limited time or just want to explore a couple of the main sites around Okinawa that are related to the war. Hacksaw Ridge One of the more famous WWII Sites Around Okinawa has to be Hacksaw Ridge. Hacksaw ridge, officially, Maeda Escarpment is a ridge with dramatic cliffs that was the setting for one of the most intense battles. Hacksaw Ridge became famous because of the 2016 movie, Hacksaw Ridge. The movie told the story of Desmond Doss, a combat medic who refused to carry any weapons because of his beliefs but he was responsible for saving the lives of 75 soldiers. The Maeda Escarpment was a defense line for the Japanese military to protect the 32nd Army Headquarters located at Shuri. Hacksaw Ridge is a 400 ft cliff that plateau’s on top. The United States approached Hacksaw Ridge on April 26 and an intense battle unfolded for 11 days. The Japanese were defending the escarpment, meanwhile the U.S. forces pushed forward up Hacksaw Ridge. Fighting was mainly in close quarters. The U.S. troops successfully gained control of Hacksaw Ridge on May 6, 1945. In total, about 2,500 American soldiers were killed at Hacksaw Ridge. Address: 2 Chome- 53 Nakama, Urasoe, OkinawaCoordinates: 26.2468072, 127.7297201 The Battle at Kakazu Ridge One Ridge after another. The Battle at Kakazu Ridge was one of the bloodiest during the Battle of Okinawa. Kakazu Ridge was one of the ridges where Japanese forces were set up to protect Shuri in the south. According to signage at Kakazu Ridge, this area was littered with mines set by Japanese forces. Japanese Forces heavily attacked the U.S. Forces here with heavy weapons to include anti-tank guns and mortars. On April 19, U.S. Forces lost twenty-two tanks. Both sides suffered huge loses in terms of injuries and causalities. Many civilians lost their lives during the battle as well. When visiting Kakazu Ridge today, there are many memorials, remnants of the battle, bunkers, and even a Tochka (pictured above). A Tochka is a Russian word and is used to describe thick concrete blocks with gun ports. Address: 1 Chome-5-7-3 Kakazu, Ginowan, OkinawaCoordinates: 26.2583568, 127.7355609 Peace Memorial Park and Museum The Peace Memorial Park and Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum in Southern Okinawa is a must see site when visiting Okinawa. Whether you are touring the WWII sites around Okinawa or just visiting Okinawa as a tourist I highly recommend visiting the Peace Memorial Park. The Peace Memorial Park isn’t just an attraction in Southern Okinawa. There is a Memorial Museum, the Cornerstone of Peace, and memorials from Prefectures around Japan. The Cornerstone of Peace is a somber reminder of all the lives lost during the Battle of Okinawa. These granite walls list all the names of the lives lost during the Battle of Okinawa. The museum is well worth visiting. The museum was full of information related to the Battle of Okinawa. I stated this in my Battle Site Tour Post, but the museum was nicely done as it did not point fingers or blame any ides. It provided first hand accounts from people affected by the war. There were amazing displays and tragic stories. Address: 444 Mabuni, Itoman, OkinawaCoordinates: 26.0949888, 127.7236577 Ie Shima Ie Shima is a small island located off the coast of the Motobu Peninsula of Okinawa. U.S. forces, in particular the U.S. Army’s 77th division, landed on the shores of Ie Shima on April 16, 1945. Heavy fighting between U.S. troops and Japanese forces took place here until it was secured by the U.S. forces on April 21, 1945. A famous journalist and War Correspondent, Ernie Pyle was shot and killed on Ie Shima on April 18, 1945. Ernie Pyle was a beloved and very respected War Correspondent during WWII. He covered battles in in both Europe and Asia and was known for covering stories of ordinary soldiers fighting on the front lines. As a tribute to Ernie Pyle, the 77th Infantry Division placed a monument on the site of where he was shot and killed. This monument is still there today. On the monument, there is a plaque that says: “At This Spot The 77th Infantry Division Lost a Buddy, Ernie Pyle.” There are other sites around Ie Shima that are related to the Battle of Okinawa. One of the more famous buildings is the Municipal Pawnshop which is located in the middle of town. The plaque at the Municipal Pawnshop states: “During World War II, a fierce battle took place on Ie Shima and around 1,500 local villagers and 2,000 Japanese soldiers lost their lives. Almost all buildings were destroyed. The pawnshop was damaged but maintained its original shape. The featured photo of this post is of the Municipal Pawnshop on Ie Shima. Address: Kawahira, Ie, Kunigami District, OkinawaCoordinates: 26.7108868, 127.7954151 Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters Not far from Naha and a must visit if interested in the WWII sites around Okinawa is the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters. The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters served as the underground command center for the Japanese Navy. Rear Admiral Ota Minoru was the Commanding Officer. The Underground Headquarters is a network of tunnels and rooms located about 20 meters deep. There are about 450 meters of tunnels. During the Battle of Okinawa, the headquarters was able to house around 4,000 soldiers. Rear Admiral Ota Minoru and six other officers committed suicide in the Underground Headquarters on June 13, 1945. Today, visitors can explore the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters. I recommend visiting the small museum first prior to entering the tunnels. The entrance to the tunnels involves going down 105 stairs. You can freely walk around the tunnels, see the operations rooms, living quarters, and signal rooms. The Officer’s Room which you walk through is covered in holes that were caused by the detonation of a had-grenade. Address: 236 Tomigusuku, OkinawaCoordinates: 26.186248, 127.6763201 Tomori Stone Lion One of my favorite WWII sites in Okinawa is the Tomori Stone Lion. Although not as significant as some of the other sites, the iconic photo of the soldiers at the base of the statue whether staged or real is a venerated site. The Tomori Stone Lion, technically a Shisa, dates back to 1689 and still stands today. The statue was placed here by local villagers to protect the town from evil spirits. The Shisa survived the Battle of Okinawa with only a few bullet holes to show, which still can be seen today. Type in the Tomori Stone Lion in Google Images, you will see the iconic photo where troops are at the base of the statue looking through binoculars. I thought it would be fun to recreate the photo by myself. Address: 22 Tomori, Yaese, Shimajiri District, OkinawaCoordinates: 26.1335766, 127.7217049 Memorial Monument of Lieutenant General Buckner Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr. was the highest-ranking United States military officer killed during WWII. Lieutenant General Buckner was the commanding general of the 10th Army. He was killed three days before the Japanese surrendered in Okinawa. He was visiting a forward observation post, here he was killed by enemy artillery fire. Today, there is a Memorial Monument of Lieutenant General Buckner placed at the location where he was killed. At this same location, there is a memorial for Claudius M. Easley, Brigadier General, who also lost his life during the Battle of Okinawa on June 19, 1945. There is another memorial for Edwin T. May, Colonel of the 383rd Inf. Regt. who also died at this location on June 5, 1945. There is a set of stairs that lead to the memorials on top of a hill. There is a small pull off for vehicles to park. Address: 615 Maezato, Itoman, OkinawaCoordinates: 26.1146274, 127.6802595 Caves of Okinawa I took a Tunnel Rats Tour in Okinawa that explored various caves around Okinawa related to the Battle of Okinawa. Many of the caves around Okinawa are open to the public and accessible while others are blocked off or dangerous and entering is not advised, so please use common sense and do your research before entering any cave in Okinawa. During the Tunnel Rat Tour I took, we visited the Shimuku Gama Cave otherwise known as “Happy Cave.” The second cave was Garabigama in the Shimajiri District in Southern Okinawa. Todoroki Cavern is another cave I personally explored on my own. According to a sign posted at Todoroki Cavern, locals fled to this cave during air raids in March of 1945. Around June 15th, around 20 Japanese Imperial Forces arrived at the cave and placed themselves at the entrance, of course this mix of Japanese Forces and civilians did not bode well. On June 18th U.S. forces threw drums of gasoline and explosives into the cave in a “clearing operation.” killing and injuring many of the civilians. On June 25th, around 500-600 civilians