During the Battle of Saipan in 1944, thousands of Japanese soldiers & civilians jumped off a cliff into the Pacific Ocean to their deaths. They chose to die by suicide, rather than surrender to American soldiers. Saipan’s Banzai Cliff Tour takes you back to this tragic event. I spent a day here and visited the Banzai & Suicide Cliffs, along with numerous shrines and monuments. It was profound and life-changing, so I humbly share my experience and what to expect if visiting here.
Saipan and Battle of Saipan Background
Saipan is the second largest of the Mariana Islands after Guam in the western Pacific Ocean and a commonwealth of the United States. It’s about 12 mi (19km) long and 5.6 mi (9 km) wide. Overall, the island is surrounded by coral reefs, with the western side lined with sandy beaches and the eastern more rugged with rocky cliffs. Furthermore, the northern coast of Saipan rises to heights with rugged precipices and sea cliffs plunging into the crashing sea. Also, this is where thousands of Japanese people jumped to their deaths from the historic Banzai and Suicide Cliffs.
During WW I, the Japanese began to occupy Saipan in 1914. Later, in WW II after the Japanese invaded Pearl Harbor, the American soldiers invaded in the Battle of Saipan, lasting from June 15 to July 9, 1944. More than 3,000 American soldiers died in this battle. Even more, approx. 20,000 Japanese civilians and soldiers died, including thousands that jumped off the cliffs in mass suicides. As the American troops began to win the battle, the Japanese people retreated north. Because the Japanese people are traditionally loyal and patriotic to their homeland, thousands preferred to commit suicide rather than surrender to the American soldiers. Therefore, many jumped off Banzai Cliff into the ocean below and Suicide Cliff on to the Marpi Point Field. In 1976 a Park and Peace Memorial was established, where thousands of Japanese make their pilgrimage each year.
My Emotional Pilgrimage
Saipan’s Banzai Cliff Tour and Memorials
Mesmerized, I took a day tour with a guide, seeing all the places I mention. This is one of the most emotional tours that I have done in all of my travels. Once I arrived to see the precipitous cliffs with the tumultuous sea and craggy rocks below, chills ran up and down my spine. The incredible shrines, statues and monuments help to put the mind at ease a bit. It’s also nice to realize that so many people make a pilgrimage here each year to honor all those that perished. When looking over the cliffs into the water, I could almost imagine the thousands of Japanese citizens, including women and children plunging to their deaths, screaming “Banzai!!”
Banzai Cliff and Monuments Sites
Banzai Cliff: This craggy 600-foot precipice, along with Suicide Cliff, is where thousands of Japanese citizens and soldier leapt to their death in the tempestuous sea. There are tragic videos and stories of mothers pushing their children over the cliffs, to avoid surrendering to American soldiers. Additionally, when they jumped, they screamed “Banzai!” wishing 10,000 years of life for the emperor. Therefore, it’s also called “Longevity Cliff.”
This area along here is eerily beautiful and majestic, with the Pacific Ocean’s turquoise waters as a backdrop. Being at the northernmost point of Saipan, it is almost always windy. When I was there, it was intermittently raining and very blustery. I observed many of the eloquent Peace Monuments, obelisks, sculptures and shrines. Additionally, there are expressive Buddhist shrines and altars. Overall, the setting is very conducive for prayer, meditation and peace.
Suicide Cliff: Additionally, this precipice was another suicide point where many plummeted to their deaths on the ground of Marpi Point Field.
Last Japanese Command Point & Jail Ruins
During the Battle of Saipan, the Japanese forces operated from the Last Japanese Command Point between 2 gigantic rocks. Furthermore, to reach the post, I walked up the stairs and into a cave and tunnel, where visitors observe. Also, outside the tunnels are military artillery and remnants. This is a must-see for military buffs.
Old Abandoned Japanese Jail Ruins: This historic jail near the west coast of Saipan is where many American prisoners stayed during the Battle of Saipan. During the early days of the Battle, the Japanese kept a stronghold, so many of the POW’s were held in this jail early on. Today, the jail ruins and dank cells with bars are overgrown with vines and graffiti.
A Stop at Bird Island Lookout
On Saipan’s northeast coast is the Bird Island lookout. Also, visitors actually go on the island where thousands of birds and marine species inhabit. I just observed it from the Lookout Point.
Overall, Saipan’s Banzai Cliff Tour
This is one of the most emotional and historically significant places that I have ever explored in my travels. My life changing tour deeply penetrated my memory, staying with me and opening my eyes to humble awareness about history. This is why we travel, to experience with all of our senses and help preserve memories for posterity.
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