I’m proud to announce my Tokyo WWII Tour beginning in Spring 2023. Many people have requested this over the years and I’m excited to offer a glimpse into less famous side of Tokyo.
Tokyo WWII Sites
Although most of the Pacific War was fought in the southern islands of Okinawa and Kyushu, Tokyo was utterly destroyed in the Firebombing of 1945. Unbeknownst even to locals, there are still a handful of spread out ruins in the Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area. If you’re a WWII buff, this one is for you!
| heritage tourism, historical tourism; war tourism, battleground tourism; dark tourism |
SUMMARY
Note: This might be the only Tokyo WWII tour in English. These sorts of sites are extremely rare in this part of Japan.
As you know, World War II in Asia ended with dramatic assaults from the South Pacific up to Okinawa and eventually the island of Kyushu. The Tokyo Air Raids devastated the seat of government of the Japanese Empire as well as impoverishing Asia’s most prosperous and modern city – then, there were two nuclear strikes on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Prior to 1945, this level of carnage was unprecedented in human warfare. Most of what is preserved in popular memory here are family stories and seven decades of historians trying to make sense of it. Unlike Europe, where a few major battlegrounds are preserved, very little remains north of Japan’s southernmost islands. Even less remains in Tokyo. That said, if you want to devote a whole day to it, we can probably hit up about three spots in the Greater Tokyo Area.
WWII buffs, interested in Pacific War historical sites in #Tokyo? This walking tour’s got you covered!
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I’m currently working on two more Japan WWII tours besides this Tokyo WWII Tour. As it looks now, I’m thinking about a two night/three day excursion and another much more involved two-week tour. These Japan WWII tours are still in development, so if you have questions or suggestions about this, please contact me.
- Destinations
- Tokyo Station
This iconic train station bore the scars of war until 2012 when the façade was restored to its original 1914 glory. Dutch-influenced dome artwork was thought to be lost in the war, but was recovered and is now visible again! - Kamakura Bridge
This is the only site in the capital that still bears the marks of bullet holes. - Tachikawa Airfield Power Station
This is quite far outside of the city; Occupation Era ruins also exist, but are not easily accessible; dramatic signs of aircraft ordinance is still visible (see the photo above). - Yasukuni Shrine
There’s a revisionist history “museum” called Yushu-kan which, for better or worse, gives a “certain point of view” of WWII. To this day, a small but hawkish, right-wing element of society honors Japanese war dead here, including 14 class-A war criminals. - Chofu Airfield WWII Hangars
Three hangars for WWII fighter planes remain. These used to protect Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien “flying swallow” fighters. - NHK Broadcast Museum
See the actual vinyl recording of Emperor Hirohito announcing Japan’s surrender to the country, a recording that was almost lost in a last minute military coup. A must see for WWII enthusiasts! - Tokyo Air Raid and War Damage Center
I highly suggest centering your entire tour around this museum to get a feel for how this sensitive topic is handled in Japan. - Yoshimi Tunnels
Originally a cluster of burial chambers from Japan’s Kofun Period (300-600), we can also see a network of tunnels created to hide arms and ordinance factories built for a last stand against the Allied land invasion that never happened.
Popular Add-ons
- I’m more than happy to bring you to a fun restaurant.
- As you can imagine, WWII isn’t a popular subject in Japan. Most people just want to put that part of history behind them. Other than dinner or karaoke, I have no related add-ons to suggest.
Starts at ¥35,000
LIMITED INTRODUCTORY PRICE
UNTIL DEC. 31, 2023!
I expect to finalize this tour in spring 2023. Would you like to be updated then? If so, just join follow my email list. I won’t spam you. I only update occasionally.
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Modify this tour or design one from scratch!
SUMMARY
Here’s a secret. All my tours are customized in one way or another. If you need a private tour or someone to make things smoother, or if you’re gathering contents and shooting video and need a fixer, I’m sure I can help out and get you sorted.
- Services
- Fixer
- Guide
- Liaison
- Historical consultant
- Interpreter
- Wingman
- Shoulder to cry on
