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One of the most iconic photos taken during the Battle of Okinawa is of soldiers huddled behind the Tomori Large Stone Lion observing the hillsides and cliffs ahead through their binoculars.
The Tomori Lion is located in the Tomori District of Yaese, Okinawa, an area of southern Okinawa.
The monument was originally erected in 1689 to protect the area of Tomori from prevalent fires that were occurring. It stands in at 141.2 cm tall and 175.8 cm in length.
You can still see that it's scarred from its wounds in battle, but it lived through it, unlike many other structures in Okinawa, and remains the oldest shisa lion on Okinawa.
The Tomori Lion was designated a tangible folk cultural property of Japan (Okinawa) on December 2, 1974.
Today, the people of Tomori gather every October 1st for a Fire Prevention Ceremony.
Accessing Tomori Lion:
Accessible from many roadways and directions, you will eventually run into this one leading up a hill marked with a small white sign labeling its location.
Go up the roadway and there will be parking to the right.
You'll go up the first stairway, up the second, and over the arched bridge.
You will be greeted by the Tomori Lion on your immediate right.
There are two picnic tables in the park. One on an observation deck with great vantage points.
The other in the grassy area.
Tip: If you don't want to be eaten alive by mosquitos, bug-spray should be packed.
The Tomori Lion is located in the Tomori District of Yaese, Okinawa, an area of southern Okinawa.
The monument was originally erected in 1689 to protect the area of Tomori from prevalent fires that were occurring. It stands in at 141.2 cm tall and 175.8 cm in length.
You can still see that it's scarred from its wounds in battle, but it lived through it, unlike many other structures in Okinawa, and remains the oldest shisa lion on Okinawa.
The Tomori Lion was designated a tangible folk cultural property of Japan (Okinawa) on December 2, 1974.
Today, the people of Tomori gather every October 1st for a Fire Prevention Ceremony.
Accessing Tomori Lion:
Accessible from many roadways and directions, you will eventually run into this one leading up a hill marked with a small white sign labeling its location.
Go up the roadway and there will be parking to the right.
You'll go up the first stairway, up the second, and over the arched bridge.
You will be greeted by the Tomori Lion on your immediate right.
There are two picnic tables in the park. One on an observation deck with great vantage points.
The other in the grassy area.
Tip: If you don't want to be eaten alive by mosquitos, bug-spray should be packed.
The views expressed on this page by users and staff are their own, not those of Okinawa.Org.
