Ishigaki Island - Yaeyama Peace Memorial Hall -
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!
About the Yaeyama Peace Memorial Hall
The Yaeyama Peace Memorial Museum is located a short distance from the center of Ishigaki CityGushiken Youtaka Memorial HallIt is located very close by. It was established in 1999 as a branch of the Peace Memorial Museum on the main island of Okinawa. During World War II, residents of Ishigaki Island and Hateruma Island were forcibly relocated to Iriomote Island and other locations. Because these areas were malaria-endemic zones, as many as 3,647 people across the Yaeyama Islands lost their lives to malaria. The museum uses photographs, documents, and videos of related programs to clearly explain and display the reality of wartime malaria and the path toward its eradication after the war.
Photography is prohibited inside the memorial hall.
Directions to the Yaeyama Peace Memorial Hall
The Yaeyama Peace Memorial Hall is located about an 8-minute drive from the Remote Islands Terminal and about a 15-minute drive from Ishigaki Airport.
The Yaeyama Peace Memorial Hall is accessible by car or bus, so we’ll provide details below.
・If you're coming by car
If you're coming from New Ishigaki Airport
Leave New Ishigaki Airport and head south on Route 390.
Turn right at the first T-intersection after crossing the Isobe River, then turn left at the end of the road.
After turning right at the next T-intersection, continue straight along the Seido Line, turn onto City Hall Street, and follow the road.
Turn right at the road just before the gas station, then turn left immediately after that, and you'll arrive.
If you're coming from the Remote Islands Terminal
After exiting the Remote Islands Terminal, turn right, then turn left at the intersection with the 730 Monument, and proceed west on City Hall Street.
Continue along the road, and you’ll find the Yaeyama Peace Memorial Hall on the left side of the T-intersection just past the Shinkawa Police Box.
・If you're traveling by bus
There are two routes: one via Hiraoki, Ohama, and Shiraho, and the other via JAL Yaeyama and ANA Intercontinental.
Both run every 30 minutes, so please try riding them at a time that works for you.
How to Enjoy Your Visit to the Yaeyama Peace Memorial Museum
To gain a deeper understanding of the history of the Yaeyama Islands, we recommend visiting the Yaeyama Peace Memorial Museum.
You can learn about the Battle of Okinawa and the reality of malaria. It’s also a great idea to take some time between exploring the ocean, mangrove-lined rivers, and remote islands to learn about the history of Ishigaki Island.
Also, nearbyGushiken Youtaka Memorial HallI recommend going there, too.
Details on the Yaeyama Peace Memorial Hall
The Yaeyama Peace Memorial Museum was established in 1999 as a branch of the Peace Memorial Museum on the main island of Okinawa.
After the war, many people lost their lives to malaria.
It was created to accurately convey the true nature of war malaria to future generations and to appeal to the world for the realization of lasting peace.
In the Yaeyama Islands, it is known as “Yaeyama fever,” and there are areas prone to malaria outbreaks throughout the Yaeyama region.
Although it still occurred during World War II, it no longer happens today.
Evacuations were carried out in the Yaeyama Islands due to air raids and naval bombardment.
At our evacuation site, we were relocated to a malaria-prone area.
Air raids began on Ishigaki Island in 1944 as well, forcing residents to evacuate.
In addition, residents of the nearby islands of Hateruma and Kurojima were similarly ordered to evacuate.
Most of those who evacuated were in Minamikazamida, in the southeastern part of Iriomote Island, where there was no danger of air raids.
However, Minamifumita was a malaria-prone area, and many people lost their lives there.
Most of the evacuation shelters were little more than huts that offered only minimal protection from the rain, and since it was impossible to hang mosquito nets, malaria became widespread.
Due to shortages of medical supplies and persistent malnutrition, there were many sick people and deaths.
In the Yaeyama Islands, 174 people died as a result of the war, while 3,647 died of malaria—a figure that illustrates just how high the death toll from malaria was.
On Minamikazumida Beach, there is a stone engraved with the words “Do Not Forget,” reminding visitors of this event.
In the hope of lasting peace, a monument was erected at a spot overlooking Hateruma Island, where a memorial service is held every year.
In addition, the Yaeyama Peace Memorial Museum displays photographs and video materials related to wartime malaria, and efforts are being made to ensure that people never forget the horror of malaria and the tragedies of war.
Also, there is a memorial monument for the victims of malaria during the Yaeyama War near the south entrance of Banna Park. Since it’s only a 10-minute drive from the Yaeyama Peace Memorial Hall, be sure to visit it while you’re there.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Yaeyama Peace Memorial Hall
Gushiken Youtaka Memorial Hall
The Yoshitaka Gushiken Memorial Museum is located across the street from the Yaeyama Peace Memorial Hall.
Mr. Gushiken is a legendary boxer who successfully defended his WBA World Junior Flyweight title 13 times in a row during his professional boxing career.
To honor his legacy, monuments were erected at the Yoshitaka Gushiken Memorial Hall and on the pier at the Remote Islands Terminal.
Inside the memorial hall, items such as the gloves Mr. Gushiken used in his matches, his championship belt, and trophies are on display.
Also, videos of his title defense matches are shown continuously, so you can see how cool Mr. Gushiken looked back then.
Address: 2376-1 Shinkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Directions: About an 8-minute drive from the Remote Islands Terminal; about a 15-minute drive from Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Available
Restaurant: Available
Toilet: Yes
Admission: 400 yen
Business hours: 9:00-18:00
Funakura Park
To get to Funakura Park from the Yaeyama Peace Memorial Hall, exit the hall and head west on City Hall Street.
After crossing the Shinkawa River and following the road for a while, you’ll see Funakura Park on your left.
Makira Elementary School is located in front of Funakura Park, which serves as a place for children to relax and is known locally as the "Children’s Park."
It’s usually a lively and friendly place, but events are often held there as well.
Address: 2462-1 Shinkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
Parking: Available
Restaurant: None
Toilet: Yes
Sakhalin fir (Abies sachalinensis)
To get to Tōrin-ji Temple from the Yaeyama Peace Memorial Hall, exit the memorial hall and head southeast along City Hall Street.
Turn left at the intersection where it crosses the Torin-ji Nishi-dori Line.
If you turn right at the intersection after the Torin-ji intersection, you'll see Torin-ji on your right.
Since there were no temples or shrines in the Yaeyama Islands, it was built in 1614 along with the Gongen-dō.
It is known as the oldest wooden structure in Okinawa Prefecture.
In 1737, two Nio statues were enshrined at the temple gate; they have been designated as a Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property and are famous as the oldest wooden sculptures in Okinawa.
Location: 285 Ishigaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 15 min. walk from the remote island terminal
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Details on the Yaeyama Peace Memorial Museum
| Location | 79-3 Shin-ei-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture (View in MAP) |
| Access | About an 8-minute drive from the Remote Islands Terminal, and about a 15-minute drive from Ishigaki Airport |
| parking lot | ant |
| toilet | ant |
| Business Hours | - |
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