Saipan’s Historical Sites of WWII

By Jetta Allen, Editor in Chief

Living in South Korea provides an unparalleled gateway to exploring the vibrant tapestry of Asia Pacific destinations. With major Korean airports serving as strategic hubs, military families enjoy convenient access to countless destinations through short, affordable flights. Our family has taken full advantage of every opportunity to travel within Korea and outside of the country.

Saipan's historical legacy leaves an indelible mark on those who walk its storied grounds. Beyond its postcard-perfect beaches, visitors find themselves deeply moved by the island's profound WWII heritage sites, where concrete bunkers, war memorials, and battle-scarred landscapes tell stories of immense sacrifice and human resilience. Saipan harbors profound echoes of World War II that shape the island's identity today.

The small island holds the largest United States and Japanese tank battle of the entire Pacific battle. As a critical Pacific theater battleground, this Northern Mariana island holds numerous historical sites that stand as silent witnesses to one of history's most significant conflicts. The emotional weight of standing at Suicide Cliff or Banzai Cliff, where countless lives were lost, transforms typical tourist experiences into powerful moments of reflection.

The Last Command Post of the Japanese Imperial Army, captured in 1944. The 4th Marine Division secured the post after heavy fighting.

Tank traps still embedded in pristine beaches and bullet-riddled structures serve as stark reminders of the island's pivotal role in the Pacific Theater. From haunting remains of coastal bunkers and command posts to poignant memorial sites, Saipan offers visitors a powerful glimpse into the human cost and strategic importance of the Pacific War. These tangible connections to the past do more than educate - they create a visceral understanding of history that textbooks alone cannot convey. The landmarks scattered across the island have preserved significant moments of WWII history. Visitors often depart Saipan with not just vacation memories but with a deeper appreciation for peace and a renewed perspective on the true cost of war.

Time and nature are slowly reclaiming Saipan's World War II relics, making now a crucial moment to witness these powerful historical landmarks. Tropical storms, coastal erosion, and the relentless Pacific climate continue to weather the concrete bunkers, military equipment, and battlefield artifacts that have stood for over 75 years. Each passing typhoon season threatens to further deteriorate these landmarks. The rusting tanks on beaches, weathered gun emplacements, and crumbling defensive positions tell stories that may not be physically present for future generations to experience firsthand. While preservation efforts continue, the authentic character of these sites- including the battle-scarred caves and the bullet-marked structures - faces an inevitable transformation. For those seeking to truly understand the Pacific Theater's impact, the window to walk these hallowed grounds in their current state grows shorter with each passing season.

Don't let your Saipan journey remain an endless 'someday' plan. Instead of waiting for an ideal moment, consider setting concrete travel dates now. Start by monitoring flight deals from South Korea, which often offers convenient nonstop flights under 4 hours to Saipan through major carriers. Take advantage of off-peak seasons when accommodations are more affordable and tourist sites are less crowded. Remember that work schedules and life commitments will always exist, but the WWII sites across the island will not. By planning your trip today rather than tomorrow, you're not just booking a vacation - you're securing your chance to experience a piece of Pacific history before time and nature further alter these irreplaceable sites.

The image of American Memorial Park is displayed on the 2019 quarter coin (USD).

5 Day Vacation Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Saipan

Pick up a rental car

As Lito Airfield Historical Sites Near Saipan International Airport

Japanese Air Raid Shelters: 4PJG+4Q, Chalan Kanoa III

Japanese Army Pillbox Ruins: 4PFH+C8G, I Fadang

Japanese Bomb Magazine: 4PFH+H37, I Fadang

Japanese Army Medium Tank: 4PFH+VMH, I Fadang

Memorial for the War Dead in the Battle of Saipan: Airport Rd

Stop by a local shop like Joeteen Superstore for bottled water and snacks

Check into the hotel

Explore your accommodations and check out your beach or pool

Take a night stroll around the local restaurants and shopping areas

Day 2: Historical Sites from Spain, Germany, Japan to Present

Old Japanese Jail: 5PX9+WM8, Garapan, Saipan 96950

NMI Museum of History and Culture: Kopa Di Oru Street &, Chichirica Avenue, Garapan

Sugar King Park: 6P2C+Q7H, China Town

Saipan Katori Shrine: 6P2C+PQ3, China Town

German Steps circa 1904, German District Officer Georg Fritz’s home

Sugar King Park Cave

Saipan International House of Prayer: 6P2F+G59, Husga Ave, China Town

Dinner at Japanese Signal House: 6P6J+MMM, Navy Hill

Day 3: Echoes of War in Saipan

Saipan Korean Peace Memorial Monument: 7RJ3+7VG, Pidos Kahalo

Last Japanese Command Post: 7RJ4+7H3, Pidos Kahalo

Japanese Peace Memorial: 7RJ4+3X, San Roque

USA Veterans Cemetery: 7RP6+3FH, Capitol Hill

Banzai Cliff Monument: 7RP8+G68, Capitol Hill

Suicide Cliff: 7RG5+XV3, Rte 322, Capitol Hill

American Memorial Park: 6P89+CRQ, Micro Beach Rd, American Memorial Park

Day 4: Tanks and Tapochau Lookouts

Mount Tapochau: Tapochao, Saipan

WWII Sherman Tank at Kilili Beach Park: 5P75+P9M, Rte 30, Susupe, Saipan

WWII Japanese Tanker displayed at the Beach Road on Saipan

Day 5: Exploring Saipan and Departure

Explore other beaches and areas of Saipan

Depart for home

A monument to the "Sugar King" Haruji Matsue, director of the South Seas Development Company who established the commercial sugar industry in the Northern Mariana Islands.

This Shinto Shrine built in 1931 is an active shrine with an enshrined diety.

Inside the Saipan International House of Prayer where people still pray for peace and tranquility across the globe.

The massive Bomb Magazine near the former As Lito Airfield shows camouflaged blast doors to a facility that warehouses Japanese aerial bombs.

These blast doors are nearly 12 inches thick on the Bomb Magazine, making it a stronghold that was easily disguised from the air.

Inside the Bomb Magazine, you can see the rails on the ceiling that aided in the loading of aerial bombs to trucks that would then take them to be loaded on planes on the former As Lito Airfield.

The Last Command Post of the Japanese Imperial Army, captured in 1944. The 4th Marine Division secured the post after heavy fighting.

A small entrance to the Last Command Post. Smaller entry ways made for stronger defense posture.

The view from the Last Command Post had me contemplating… How could anyone be at war in such a beautiful place?

About the Author

Jetta Allen is an Army spouse stationed at USAG Humphreys. Since she arrived in 2019, she has contributed to numerous organizations in a volunteer capacity. She began her journey with United on the RoK Magazine in 2022 as an author of a support column for adults and children enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. Two years later, she is an accomplished author, photographer, and content creator fulfilling the role of Editor in Chief at United on the RoK Magazine. She loves nature, travel, and culture, but most of all, making memories with her family. As a military spouse, Jetta understands the importance of community and how being connected can help one find the resources and networks that help them thrive.