This is the remains of a meteorological observatory built in 1927.

Basic information

Address

901-0142 Kagamizu Naha Okinawa Near the entrance of the Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Naha.

Business hours

Nothing in particular

Close day

Nothing in particular

Charge

Free

Parking

None

Access information

A 2 minute walk from the Kanagusuku bus stop.

Additional Information

Academic information

This is the remains of a meteorological observatory built in 1927.

Okinawa's meteorological observation began at Matsuoyama (present: near Matsuyama park Naha in 1980 (the 23rd year of Meiji era) when Okinawa prefectural the second class meteorological observatory has established. In 1st July of the same year, observation started six times a day. At the beginning, the people in Naha red the sign of observation station, they thought it is a place to observe Nafa (Naha people) then, surprised and run away from there. In 1900 (the 33rd year of Meiji era) it up graded to Naha the first class meteorological observatory, started to observe 24 times a day. (in 1917 the title changed to Naha prefectural meteorological observatory) In May 1924, it destroyed by fire then, Central meteorological observatory in Tokyo requested to nationalize of the observatory. In the same year、it re-started as attached observatory of National central meteorological observatory. They bought 2500 tsubo (8264㎡）land near Kagamimizu -nazahara, Oroku village (common name: height of Gajan-bira) then, in April 1927 (the 2nd year of Showa era), a government office building and, two radio towers were completed. The radio tower was 90m tall and, proudly the highest in Okinawa. (in 1932, the title changed to Okinawa branch of central meteorological observatory, in 1933, title changed to Fukuoka district Okinawa local meteorological observatory)

In 1945 (the 20th year of Showa era) the facility totaled by Okinawa battle. The site turned to U.S. military base. Today there are Japanese defense force army's camp. In 1950 (the 25th year of Showa era), Ryukyu meteorological station has established for postwar meteorological observation by Ryukyu Army. After returned to Japan, they kept the observation as Okinawa meteorological observatory at Ameku-maehara. (present: Ameku, Naha) In 1987 (the 62nd year of Showa era) the facility moved to the current location at regional government office in Hikawa, Naha.

Quote

Naha City Museum of History