Japanese Bunkers

12:34:11 pm

Port Blair,Andaman and Nicobar Islands

29°C / Clouds

Japanese Bunkers, situated in Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, tells the tales of a foreign invasion, a world war, and a struggle for independence. These bunkers had been constructed by the Japanese army who invaded and occupied the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the time of World War II. The solid bunkers that lie in the serene surroundings of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the adventurous anecdote that takes you to the intense war times of the bygone era.

Port Blair is one of the prominent tourist places in India and can be seen with a countless number of tourists all year round. Summer is best to enjoy and indulge in adventurous water sports while winters are great if the motive is to spend quality time with your loved ones. Talking specifically about the Japanese Bunkers one may visit this historical site any time of the year.

History of Japanese Bunkers Port Blair

Japanese bunkers were built between 1942 to 1945 when the Japanese army invaded the Andaman and Nicobar Islands strategically to defeat the Allied Powers which included Britain, France, Russia, and the US. Japan was a part of the Axis powers which included Germany and Italy. During this period, India was also witnessing a lot of freedom movements against British rule.

The major freedom struggle campaigns and movements were led by Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose. Although the motive of the two supreme leaders was India’s sovereignty, however, their methods and ideology were different. Mahatma Gandhi was inclined towards fighting the battle without blood and weapons, while Bose believed in leading from the front.

Subhash Chandra Bose wanted to take advantage of the international scenario that led to World War 2 by helping Japan and the other Axis powers. According to Bose, helping the Axis powers would weaken the hold of Britain on the continent, which will ultimately lead to India’s freedom. Japanese army also became interested in the first place because they thought that it will help them keep a close eye on Britishers through Indians.

Subsequently, the Japanese army captured the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from the Britishers and handed over the land to Bose where he hosted the tri-color flag and named the islands Shaheed and Swaraj. But soon resistance was felt in the collaboration between INA and the Japanese army, and the latter gained control over the entire island and its administration.

Locals claim that more than 300 bunkers were built till the time the Japanese army stayed there. It is also claimed that almost 2000 Indians died as a result of Japanese brutality. Today, most of the bunkers have been ruined as an effect of natural calamities in the region while the structures and the bunkers that are in moderate and good condition are preserved by the ASI. The Japanese bunkers were used to stock lethal weapons, and for surveillance. These bunkers are visited by tourists from India and across the world. .

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Major Attractions Near Japanese Bunkers

Discover the soul of Japanese Bunkers through these iconic landmarks

15 minutes

Approximately 5 km

Samudrika Naval Marine Museum

Managed by the Indian Navy, this museum showcases marine biodiversity, tribal history, and island ecosystems.

10–15 minutes

Approximately 5 km

Anthropological Museum

The museum highlights the culture, traditions, and history of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

10–15 minutes

Approximately 4 km

Cellular Jail

One of India's most significant freedom struggle landmarks, Cellular Jail served as a colonial prison during British rule. The evening Light and Sound Show narrates the history of the Indian independence movement.

How to Reach Japanese Bunkers

To reach Japanese Bunkers, you'll need to cover significant distances from major cities. Here are the most convenient ways to travel to Japanese Bunkers.

By Air

Port Blair is the primary gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The destination is served by Veer Savarkar International Airport, which has direct and connecting flights from major Indian cities including Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.

Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) to Japanese Bunkers Approximately 6 km Travel Time: 15–20 minutes

Chennai International Airport (Transit Route) Approximately 2 hours 50 minutes

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (Transit Route) Distance to Japanese Bunkers after arrival in Port Blair: Approximately 6 km

By Train

Since the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal, there is no railway connectivity to Port Blair. Travelers must first reach Port Blair by air or passenger ship.

Chennai Central Railway Station to Japanese Bunkers Approximately 1,360 km

Howrah Junction, Kolkata to Japanese Bunkers Approximately 1,300 km

Visakhapatnam Railway Station to Japanese Bunkers Approximately 1,200 km

By Road

Japanese Bunkers are easily accessible through Port Blair's well-maintained road network. Since the islands are disconnected from mainland India by road, travelers must first reach Port Blair by air or sea.

Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) Approximately 7 km Travel Time: 15–20 minutes

Port Blair – Corbyn's Cove Road Approximately 6 km Travel Time: 15 minutes

Veer Savarkar Airport Road Approximately 6 km Travel Time: 15–20 minutes