Banzai Cliff
Northern Mariana Islands
Banzai Cliff is located at the northern tip of Saipan island in the Northern Mariana Islands, offering dramatic views over the Pacific Ocean. It is historically significant as the site where hundreds of Japanese civilians and Imperial Japanese Army soldiers jumped to their deaths during the final days of the Battle of Saipan in 1944, choosing death over capture by American forces. Some who jumped survived and were taken prisoner by American ships offshore. The site covers about 7.5 acres and is part of a larger historic district that includes the Landing Beaches, Aslito/Isley Field, and Marpi Point. Banzai Cliff was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and contributes to the National Historic Landmark District designation recognized in 1985. Its somber history is commemorated alongside its natural beauty, making it a place of reflection and remembrance.
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Tip: The best time to visit Banzai Cliff is during daylight hours to fully appreciate the panoramic ocean views and the historical markers. Visitors should be respectful of the site's solemn history. It is advisable to check local visitor information for any guided tours or interpretive signage that can enhance understanding of the site's significance. There are no specific ticket requirements, but some areas may have limited access depending on weather or conservation efforts.
Interesting facts
- •Banzai Cliff is part of a 7.5-acre area listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places since 1976.
- •The site is included in the Landing Beaches; Aslito/Isley Field; & Marpi Point historic district, designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1985.
- •Nearby Suicide Cliff was also a site of numerous suicides during the Battle of Saipan.
- •Some individuals who jumped from Banzai Cliff survived and were captured by American forces.
History
Banzai Cliff's tragic history dates back to June and July 1944 during the Battle of Saipan in World War II.
As American forces advanced, hundreds of Japanese soldiers and civilians chose to leap from the cliff to avoid capture.
The site was formally recognized in 1976 when it was listed on the U.S.
National Register of Historic Places.
Later, in 1985, it became part of the National Historic Landmark District encompassing several related World War II sites on Saipan.
This recognition reflects the site's importance as a symbol of the Pacific War and its human cost.
