Iwojima: Volcanic Island and Memorial Sites

Iwojima is a volcanic island whose landscape and history are closely intertwined. Fumarole fields cover large areas, while cemeteries, tunnels and monuments commemorate the people and events that have shaped the island. Those interested in nature and history will encounter an unusual combination here: an island undergoing ongoing geological change, and places where different chapters of its past can be seen.

A Changing Volcanic Landscape

Iwojima lies about 280 kilometres south of Chichijima. Together with Kita Iwo Jima and Minami Iwo Jima, it forms the Volcano Islands. The island stretches 8.5 kilometres from northeast to southwest and is 4.5 kilometres wide. It is a constantly monitored volcano: the rapid uplift of the entire island continues, and eruptions occur in several places. Extensive fumarole fields and individual fumaroles are also part of its landscape. This means that its volcanic character is not merely a backdrop, but an essential part of Iwojima’s identity.

At 170 metres, Suribachiyama, also known as Pipe Mountain, is the island’s highest peak. From Chin-kon no Oka, you can look out towards the mountain and across Iwojima’s southern coast. The view brings together two striking features of the landscape: the distinctive peak and the coastline. The island can thus be understood both as a volcanic natural environment and as the setting for a complex history.

Memorial Sites and Remembrance

Chin-kon no Oka was built by Tokyo in 1983 to commemorate all Japanese and American war dead. Three more monuments stand on the summit of Suribachiyama: one to the Japanese war dead, one to the special forces, and one to the landing of the US Marines. The memorial sites focus on different aspects and make clear that remembrance of the war encompasses several groups and perspectives.

The Iwo Jima War Memorial stands above the Tenzan Tunnel. The tunnel served as the command post for the northern naval sector and was a site of the last organised fighting. The memorial is also known as the Tenzan Memorial. Another place of remembrance is the Peace Memorial Cemetery for former island residents. It was completed in 1990 on the site of the pre-war cemetery for island residents. Together with the monuments at Chin-kon no Oka and Suribachiyama, it is among the sites associated with remembrance of Iwojima’s past.

Tunnels and Historical Traces

The island’s tunnels tell of its different uses and periods of history. The Awazu Tunnel beneath Chin-kon no Oka is about 630 metres long. The Medical Tunnel of the Navy Guard Unit is 112 metres long; inside are objects believed to be medical equipment, as well as household items. The Army Headquarters Tunnel is a natural cave with several side passages. Rooms made of reinforced concrete from that period have been preserved there. The different structures—tunnel, cave and fortified rooms—give a tangible impression of the physical traces associated with the island’s history.

Settlement and Earlier Livelihoods

The development of Iwojima began in June 1889. At the time, resident Tanaka Eijiro travelled from Chichijima to the island aboard the Nanyōmaru, which had been built there, with more than ten other people, to fish for sharks and extract sulphur. Later, the main source of income shifted from sulphur mining to agriculture that made use of the island’s flat land and geothermal heat.

Traces of pre-war life are also part of this history. The island’s largest settlement was then in the Motoyama district, and the Iwo Jima Shrine served as a social gathering place for island residents. A machine powered by cattle was used at the remains of a sugarcane press: it processed sugarcane into sugar, and the press residue was used to make sugarcane liquor. These details complement the memorial sites with glimpses of everyday life, work and community on Iwojima.

For the general travel overview: Japan.