Japanese War Memorial
A Site of Remembrance and Peace: The Japanese War Memorial, officially known as the India Peace Memorial, stands atop Maibam Lotpa Ching (locally known as Red Hill) as a solemn tribute to the Japanese soldiers who perished during the fierce Battle of Imphal in World War II, a crucial turning point i n the Burma Campaign in 1944. The memorial was constructed by Japanese veterans in 1994 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the battle, making it a place of pilgrimage for Japanese tourists. The memorial is a symbol of peace, reconciliation, and the human cost of war, transcending national boundaries. The hillock itself was the site of intense fighting between the Japanese forces and the Allied forces (predominantly British and Indian troops). The memorial site now includes a stupa-like structure and is surrounded by a quiet garden area, encouraging visitors to reflect on the past. The presence of the recently established Imphal Peace Museum nearby further enhances the historical and educational value of the area, making it an essential visit for anyone interested in the history of the Manipur theatre of WWII. (Word Count: 200/400)
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1 - 2 Hours:Place Type:
Historical, Memorial, Peace:Entry Fees:
Entrance:
Nominal or Free: There is usually no entry fee for the memorial itself. Access is generally free, encouraging all to visit and reflect.
Imphal Peace Museum Fee:
Tickete...Entrance:
Nominal or Free: There is usually no entry fee for the memorial itself. Access is generally free, encouraging all to visit and reflect.
Imphal Peace Museum Fee:
Ticketed Entry: The nearby Imphal Peace Museum has a separate, ticketed entry fee, which is often INR 50 - 100 for Indian nationals and INR 200 - 500 for foreign tourists. This revenue supports the museum's operation.
Parking:
Small Fee: A nominal parking fee of INR 20 - 50 may be charged for vehicle security and maintenance of the area near the base of the hill.
Timing:
Regular Timings: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM (Daily) The memorial is an open site, but for safety and respect, it is accessible during general daylight hours. The nearby museum has set opening and closing hours, usually 10:00 AM to 04:30 PM.
Ideal Vis...Regular Timings: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM (Daily) The memorial is an open site, but for safety and respect, it is accessible during general daylight hours. The nearby museum has set opening and closing hours, usually 10:00 AM to 04:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM) The light is good for photography, and the temperature is comfortable. Visiting at this time allows seamless integration with a visit to the Imphal Peace Museum.
Best Day for Visit:
Any Day: Weekdays might be slightly quieter than weekends, offering a more reflective experience.
Special Events:
Peace Memorial Day: The anniversary of the battle's key dates in May and June sees special commemorative ceremonies and wreath-laying events, attended by dignitaries from India, Japan, and the UK, making it a time of solemn but significant gathering.
Read MorePeace Memorial Day: The anniversary of the battle's key dates in May and June sees special commemorative ceremonies and wreath-laying events, attended by dignitaries from India, Japan, and the UK, making it a time of solemn but significant gathering.
Japanese Pilgrimage Season: During the Winter months (particularly November to February), there is often an increase in organized tours and pilgrimage groups from Japan, with specific, solemn ceremonies.
Best Photo Spots:
The Memorial Against the Sky: A classic, low-angle shot of the white memorial column or stupa against the clear Manipur sky, emphasizing its role as a beacon of peace on the hillock.
Framing with the Garden: Use the carefully manicured garde...The Memorial Against the Sky: A classic, low-angle shot of the white memorial column or stupa against the clear Manipur sky, emphasizing its role as a beacon of peace on the hillock.
Framing with the Garden: Use the carefully manicured garden, especially the foreground path, to frame the memorial, creating a sense of distance and reverence.
The Inscription Plaque: A close-up, clear shot of the dedication plaque in Japanese and English, highlighting the message of peace and remembrance.
Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Reflect and Remember:
Quiet Contemplation: Spend time in silence at the memorial to reflect on the sacrifices and the history of the war. Read the inscriptions on the monument and the surrounding plaques.
Visit the Peace Museum:
Historical Immersion: Be sure to visit the nearby Imphal Peace Museum for a more in-depth, artifact-rich understanding of the Battle of Imphal from local, British, and Japanese perspectives.
Photography of the Memorial:
Capture the Symbolism: Photograph the main memorial structure, focusing on its minimalist design and the surrounding peaceful gardens. Use the open sky as a backdrop to emphasize its height and solitude.
View the Landscape:...
Information
-
Why Famous:
WWII History: It is famous as the only monument in India built by Japanese veterans, marking the location of a pivotal and bloody battle in the Battle of Imphal in 1944. It represents a significant historical event of World War II's Burma Campaign.
Read MoreWWII History: It is famous as the only monument in India built by Japanese veterans, marking the location of a pivotal and bloody battle in the Battle of Imphal in 1944. It represents a significant historical event of World War II's Burma Campaign.
Symbol of Peace: Beyond its military history, it is renowned as the India Peace Memorial, symbolizing the friendship between India and Japan and serving as a universal reminder of the need for world peace and reconciliation.
Pilgrimage for Veterans: The memorial is a vital pilgrimage site for Japanese war veterans and their families who come to honor the memory of their lost loved ones.
Architecture:
The Stupa-Style Structure:
Design and Symbolism: The main memorial is a simple, yet elegant, column or stupa-like structure, often made of concrete or stone. Its design is deliberately minimalist, focusing on its function as a marker of reme...The Stupa-Style Structure:
Design and Symbolism: The main memorial is a simple, yet elegant, column or stupa-like structure, often made of concrete or stone. Its design is deliberately minimalist, focusing on its function as a marker of remembrance rather than elaborate architecture. The simplicity symbolizes the somber nature of the site and the universal theme of peace.
The Peace Garden Layout:
Landscaping and Arrangement: The memorial is set within a well-maintained garden or open space designed for quiet contemplation. The landscaping is simple, often featuring a pathway leading up to the monument and a few dedicated resting spots, reflecting a common style for war cemeteries and memorials worldwide, promoting a feeling of quiet respect.
Inscriptions:
Plaques and Dedications: The architectural elements include stone plaques with inscriptions in English, Japanese, and sometimes Meitei, dedicating the memorial to the fallen soldiers and carrying a message of peace, which are central to the structure's purpose.
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Imphal's Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF), approximately 20 KMS away. Hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw; the ride takes about 30-40 minutes. The memorial is well-known to local drivers.
By Train: The closest major ...Near Tourist Places:
Imphal Peace Museum (Adjacent) Loukoipat Ecological Park (Approx. 8 KMS) Loktak Lake (Approx. 10 KMS) INA Memorial, Moirang (Approx. 10 KMS) Keibul Lamjao National Park (Approx. 20 KMS) Bishnupur Temple (Approx. 15 KMS) Nambol (Town) (Approx. 5 KMS) Imphal (Approx. 20 KMS) Sendra Island (Loktak Lake) (Approx. 15 KMS) Thinungei Bird Sanctuary (Approx. 25 KMS)Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety:
Respectful Conduct: Maintain silence and dress modestly as a sign of respect for the war dead.
Walking Surface: Wear comfortable shoes, as the path on the hillock can be uneven.
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(477+) of Manipur Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Sakti FallsSophi VillageTolloi VillageTummu VillageWanglei PeakWanglei VillageKhayang WaterfallsLairok Maru Lairok Maru Peak Sirohi National ParkAkham Khou Azuram Community ReservesBarak WaterfallsBuning MeadowDailong VillageDevpriya HillDilji WaterfallDuithailong VillageMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Bishnupur Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Cafeteria Crafts Handloom Village
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chaoba Ching
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chingnungkok
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Japanese War Memorial
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Keibul Lamjao National Park
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Keirenphabi
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Khuman Lampak
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kumbi Town
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kwangdang Park
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities